Summer holidays (III)

After short visits by Piet's other sister and Mary's brother there was a week of (relative) peace, which was used by Paula and Dorien to work a few extra evenings, and to make another 2 day trip; this time to summit Taillefer, a long but straightforward hike. They camped at the base near Lac Fourchu, and walked up in the morning. Cycling and horse riding continued normally, until Dorien's friend Dewi arrived. They know each other from freerunning, and Dewi is as strong and fit as Dorien. So the girls organised a third expedition: the crossing of Col du Replat. This would be our first real alpine trip, across a glacier, with crampons and rope.

In the morning we got organised, sorted out car logistics, and hiked up to Refuge de la Selle, which is a long, but relatively easy walk. After a good meal we went to bed early, as a 04.30 rise was scheduled. Before first light we were on the trail again, and after an hour we reached the glacier. We put on our crampons, grabbed our pickles, and started our first ever outing on a real glacier; only Mary has experience with alpine trips, and she was our mountain guide. Once the glacier steepened we roped up, and slowly walked up to the Col, at 3335 m altitude. The weather as great, and we had spectacular views over the whole western part of the Parc des Ecrins. From the col we had to descend a steep rock face, and Mary securely lowered us one by one, and came down securing herself as well. With one rope and one guide this took quite some time! This was followed by the crossing of steep snowfields (again with crampons) and a very rocky slope without a trail. Once we reached the start of the proper trail it was already mid afternoon, and we arrived at our car in La Berarde at 19.30, after a strenuous day of more than 13 hours: we were exhausted, but very satisfied! And the girls are already planning for next year.

The next days were spent recovering (sour muscles!). Paula left by bus to go on another week holiday in the Ardennes with her rowing team, and we organised the house and prepared for our return. Once we were ready we took Beau away from his friend Image, loaded him in the trailer, and drove home through the night, back to the office, university and horse riding.

Paula on top of Taillefer

 Descending fron Taillefer, near Lac Fourchu


Beau is getting new shoes

 Very early morning above the Refuge de la Selle


Starting the ascent on the glacier


At the Col du Replat

 Dorien and Dewi at the cairn indicating the start of the proper descend

Summer holidays (II)

The second part of the holiday started when Paula arrived, and the activity levels went up significantly. Dorien finished her contract at the restaurant and the first bunch of visitors arrived: Piet's sister and brother in law, and two keen cyclists with their road bikes. Nephews Max and Bart had a mission: cycling up Alpe d'Huez within the magic one hour time limit. Their first attempt failed, but they were left behind for a week of voluntary boot camp. Once third nephew Sam arrived all kids (5 in total) packed their backpacks and were dropped off in Bourg d'Arud, from where they hiked up to Refuge de la Muzelle. They slept in the refuge, and carried their own food to cook. The next day they crossed the Col de la Muzelle, and descended to Valsenestre, were Piet and Mary picked them up. The drive back with 7 people and 5 large backpacks was interesting! Other activities included rock climbing, swimming in Lac Lauvitel, playing games and more cycling. The week culminated with a second attempt on Alpe d'Huez and Max beat the old family record with a time of 58.34 minutes, the first one of us going below the hour mark on the Alpe!

Mary in the hammock on our terrace

Bart cycling up Alpe d'Huez

Paula is cycling up Alpe d'Huez in her Proteus outfit


The kids at the start of their walk to Lac de la Muzelle

Dorien is ieading

Bart near Refuge de la Muzelle 

Hiking toward Col de la Muzelle 

The descend from the Col

Dorien and her 'little' nephew Max, after arrival in Valsenestre