Today's meals were more memorable than the passes. Our descent from the Col de la Colombière brought us to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, an attractive little village, around midday. We were pleased to have lunch on the shaded terrace of a restaurant: salade de chèvre chaud avec magret de canard fumé – a good change from our picnic lunches of cheese, charcuterie and tomatoes.
In the afternoon, we hiked to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, where we had reserved places in a gîte d'étape, Le Cornoran. There, we met a group of five men from the Maurienne region in Savoie. (We encountered them on the trail a couple of days ago; we call them the "Savoyards".) They were very animated and friendly.
There was also a group of about 15 people who were brought together by an unusual bond: They are descendants of Italian immigrants to France and are hiking to Italy, where they will meet other descendants traveling from other areas to celebrate their common heritage. We call them the "Italians".
These were two lively groups at dinner! The youngest person among them was at least twice Chloé's age. The Savoyards, in particular, are enthusiastic and talented singers. One of the Italians acted as master of ceremonies with great panache. It was a jolly evening!
* * *
Departure from Bousiéyas:
Approach to the Col de la Colombière:
A chien patou – relaxed, but vigilant – in the shade of a tree:
Looking back the way we had come, we could see the Pas de la Cavale on the horizon. Had we really climbed over that, we wondered?!
The Col de la Colombière:
Descent from the Col de la Colombière to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage:
Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage:
We must be getting close!
Today's lunch:
Tempus fugit.
The afternoon hike to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée:
Pears are almost ripe!
Chloé was already on the terrace of Le Cornoran, enjoying a drink with the Savoyards, when Mary and Carroll arrived.
An animated (et bien arrosé) dinner at Le Cornoran:
Wonderful vistas. Sorry I had to miss the party! The penalty of not "walking the walk."
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