The last part of the holidays started when Dorien and Lars left, and Paula returned with Tim, a friend from her study. They had been planning a true high mountain alpine trip, with glaciers and a summit. After a two day hike and a day of organising gear we drove to Vallouise and Aillefroide, on the eastern side of the Parc des Ecrins. From a beautiful valley we hiked up a busy trail to Refuge du Glacier Blanc, where the hikers separated from the real alpinists, and we continued upwards. We ended up at the Glacier Blanc, an enormous glacier filling the whole valley. We needed to cross part of this glacier to reach our destination, the Refuge des Ecrins. This allowed us to test all the gear, (crampons, pickle) and practice a glacier crossing, as a four person roped party. Lastly there was a very steep climb to the Refuge. It was extremely busy, as the following day promised excellent climbing conditions, and the hut was run with military discipline.
The next morning we were woken at 04:15, and after breakfast descended back to the glacier. We put on all gear and continued further up the valley, slowly upwards. Near the end we split from the route to Barre des Ecrins, the highest summit in this part of France, and turned north towards Roche Faurio, our goal. The glacier steepened significantly, and with increased confidence we reached a steep rocky slope at 3600 m. Here Piet dropped out, found a flat rock in the sun, and let the others continue to the top. They crossed the rocks, another snowfield and ended up at a difficult final rocky wall, where they needed real rock climbing to reach the summit at 3730 m, in perfect sunny weather. After a smooth descent we reached the Refuge in the early afternoon, and enjoyed a lazy remainder of the day. The next morning we had another early rise, and descended back to the glacier, and further down the valley. The weather had turned, and it started raining once we got off the glacier. In poor weather we descended to Refuge du Glacier Blanc, were we stopped to dry and warm up. From then onwards the descent was easy on good trails, and we arrived safely back in Aillefroide. The next day Paula and Tim went back home, and Mary picked up her horse riding friend Marion.
Marion visited for the first time, and she had alternate days of hiking and horse riding. She rode Beau, with Mary on the bike, as we still hadn't received a saddle for Curly. We did some easy hikes near Alpe d'Huez, Lac Lauvitel and La Berarde, and enjoyed leisurely afternoons in the garden. The last few days were spend on the bike, in the garden, and organising our return with Beau. After a loud farewell from Curly Beau was loaded in the trailer, and we had a smooth drive home, back to our normal lives!
The first view of Glacier Blanc
Paula and Tim enjoying the view
On the way to Refuge des Ecrins
Mary and Piet on the glacier, in an area with crevasses
Piet settles on a rock at 3600 m, Barre des Ecrins in the background
Tim, Paula and Mary on the top of Roche Faurio, at 3730 m
The roped party
Bad weather above the Glacier Blanc: rain gear on!
Marion visited for the first time, and she had alternate days of hiking and horse riding. She rode Beau, with Mary on the bike, as we still hadn't received a saddle for Curly. We did some easy hikes near Alpe d'Huez, Lac Lauvitel and La Berarde, and enjoyed leisurely afternoons in the garden. The last few days were spend on the bike, in the garden, and organising our return with Beau. After a loud farewell from Curly Beau was loaded in the trailer, and we had a smooth drive home, back to our normal lives!
Hiking towards Refuge du Glacier Blanc
The first view of Glacier Blanc
Paula and Tim enjoying the view
On the way to Refuge des Ecrins
Mary's first steps on Glacier Blanc
Piet settles on a rock at 3600 m, Barre des Ecrins in the background
Tim, Paula and Mary on the top of Roche Faurio, at 3730 m
Paula enjoying the descent towards the Refuge
Tim and Paula descending past the crevasses
Bad weather above the Glacier Blanc: rain gear on!
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