via ferrata lunch

I am already missing the ski season and looking for ways to limit my running. For lunch, we made a quick trip to Fort l'Ecluse for via ferrata. We had a fun ascent, but when everyone went down and back to work, I couldn't resist staying in the mountains for a run.

I played an exciting game of trail or no trail for a while, but eventually had covered the traverse and descended to Saint Jean deGonville and the final push home.

rest days

Short via ferrata trips have filled in our days-off from running. Going up...

via ferrata at fort l'ecluse

We are between the seasons now, not much snow to ski, but enough melting and refreezing to cut up your ankles running the trails. Via ferrata called to us this morning, so Laura and I decided to brave the cold metal rungs and make our first climb of the season. The start was chilly in the shade, but we made our way up into the sun warming with the lizards on the rocks. 

via ferrata at the fort

We all got to sleep in a little this morning, and after brunch, we grabbed our helmets and harnesses to head to the via ferrata route at Fort l'Ecluse. We love having visitors who are up for any adventure.  

Sweaty after the climb, we took a dip in the Pougny swimming hole, then crossed the road and plunged into the cooler Rhône water. Onto a bbq with friends- enjoying good food and good company on a beautiful evening.

fort l'ecluse: take two

Friday evening wind-down with a quick climb up. Two weeks past the Irontrail, and everything is feeling a bit more rested and recovered. I spent a beautiful day outside, starting with an early run with Jess, the afternoon at the pool (maybe for the last time this summer), and topped-off with a via ferrata climb before dark.   

via ferrata: fort l'ecluse

First monkey rope. Look ma, one hand! Today we finally got around to trying the via ferrata course at Fort l'Ecluse. We need a break once in a while from putting miles on our feet and thought it would be a good idea to start using our arms. I've been wanting to try this for the past few years, so we finally gathered the necessary harness, Y lanyard with carabiners and energy absorber. Now, I only need a my-sized helmet.

Here we go.

The fort is only a ten minute drive, and the climb takes about an hour plus a short walk back down. After our first go, I am already wishing it was longer. I can't wait to explore courses in the Saléve and Alps, and we can make practice trips close to home. This is going to be too much fun.