8.31.2013

hiking: pointe de tardevant (2501m)


Today we hiked to Pointe de Tardevant in the Chaîne des Aravis. Following a lovely drive through the valley where Reblochon cheese is produced, we arrived at the parking for multiple trailheads. It is a short but steady, 2.5 hour climb to the peak between beautifully angled rock faces. On the trail upwards, we passed a small lake and many grazing sheep. 


A steep drop down to the valley.


We have just enough clear sky to approach the point, but  here come the clouds. From a previous hike in this chain, we know the view towards the high Alps is amazing. Today we will have to settle for a few glimpses through the quickly gathering clouds.


It got pretty cold while we ate our lunch at the summit.


On the way down we noticed a few other hikers bent beside some low bushes. Blueberries! The rest of the trip down took a bit longer, since we stopped every few steps for a snack and to gather the wild berries to bring home. Yum.


One last stop at the base to pet the goats and grab some cheese. Time to top off a great hike by sharing a fantastic meal with friends...a typical Polish Christmas Eve feast with beetroot soup, vegan spinach pierogi, and poppyseed cake. Our friends prepared a holiday-worthy homemade meal that was the best way to warm up from the mountain, but all that spice and comfort is making me think about the holidays...and it's still August.