hiking: jallouvre

After a few wrong turns, and a steep narrow climb up countless switchbacks, we arrived at our starting point for todays hike near Les Frachets. There isn't too much to see as we get started, but soon the clouds disperse and we are happy for our late start so that we will enjoy the better part of the day. 

The beginning section of trail is busy with hiking families, but we soon begin a steep ascent, and find ourselves alone for the next few hours, besides a few friendly bouquetin (ibex).

Hmmmm...the trail's been buried under a rock slide. Not my favorite thing to cross.

We stopped for a dinner break on our way back down, and enjoyed a few evening hours in the valley of Jallouvre.

Loving these tight hairpins on the drive into the sunset.

walking

A lovely afternoon walk in the vineyard.

hiking: pas du roc - pointe de sous-dine (2004m)

The June heatwave is helping to melt the snow and clear the trails, so we're anxious to get back to hiking. Today's 18 km hike started by waterfalls, climbed forest switchbacks, through rock tunnels, up to a grazing plateau on the way to the rocky ascent to Pointe de Sous-Dine (2004m).  

We stopped for lunch beside ibex before continuing on the rockier ridge loop. Some clouds and fog disrupted the view of the higher, still-snow-covered Alps, but the scenery was stunning and the trail speckled with a colorful variety of wildflowers.

Below: a useful little ladder.

Walking through the high pasture before dropping into the forest.