Chapter #8

Before heading down the road just a little way

to Les Orres,

we had a couple of days back in Briancon.

Always a pleasure coming back here,

feels like I'm nearly a local:)

We were treated to two decent thunderstorms

during that time.

One of them while I was miles up in the hills,

and the other while I was walking back from town.

Awesome timing.

Did not enjoy being caught in either of them,

because you have not heard thunder,

until you have heard French thunder!!!

The first storm I got well and truly caught out.

I decided on a big walk down from the mountain pass,

into Briancon

and all started well.

Near the very start of the track

was this absolutely gorgeous little creek

overflowing with these amazing

purple flowers...

There were a gazillion butterflies

feasting on the flowers,

all the way down the track

(until the rain began that is!)...

...and then the sky started getting a little darker

and I thought,

well it's not going to rain for a while

so I will walk a little faster 

and I was sure I was going to get back to camp

before the first drops fell.

Ha ha ha!!!!

Never seen a storm roll in so quick,

and down she came.

The torrential rain I could deal with,

getting soaked is not a huge issue,

but it was the lightening that 

I really really didn't like.

Hooley dooley - did it crack!!

One clap of thunder I swear was directly above me,

the ground shook,

and so did I!!

Tried to shelter under a tree

but was in two minds about that.

As it turned out it was a complete waste of time

cos the rain was so heavy it just belted through

the branches and leaves

and I just looked pathetic!

So I decided that I had very little choice

but to walk home in the elements

and hope like hell

that one of those cracks was not

destined for me!!!

By the time I got home I was actually almost dry,

the sun was shining

and all was well with the world:)

Note to self:

take a jacket the next time you intend

to walk a marathon as apparently

the weather can change in the blink of an eye!

Les Orres :)

Another delight.

Tiny alpine village, mostly geared towards

the ski season.

We could not find a camping ground

near this race so indulged in a rare treat,

a couple of nights in a hotel.

We had three days there in total

and of course I managed to find a couple

of amazing walks to do.

The first was way up in the mountains

to a tiny but oh so beautiful

little lake...

Lac Marguerite...

...it was a decent climb up to this 

lovely wee lake but worth every step.

The views on the way up and down were stunning...

Made it back down the hill in time

to cheer Jake on for the second half of day one.

Day two of the race was even better 

than the first.

One happy rider :)

Went for a lovely walk that evening,

just wandering along tracks that weren't really tracks

but they looked interesting :)

Something I really enjoyed about Les Orres

was the quiet.

So very very peaceful in the evenings.

My last day in Les Orres and I decided 

to go up a BIG hill.

Sort of happened by default as the track 

I had planned to walk

was closed for some reason.

So along the way I saw the sign to the

top of the moutain

and thought...

why not?

Got about half way up and thought...

why???!!!

But just as well I'm stubborn,

too much effort had been expended getting

half way up

and I decided

onwards and upwards,

just at a slightly slower pace.

WOW!!!

There are no words that will ever describe

the view from the top

or the feeling of being up there,

with not another single soul around

for miles and miles.

The sky was as blue as blue,

not a sound apart from the occasional

bird song,

and perfectly warm.

I sat and ate my lunch on top of the world:)

Loved every minute of Les Orres,
lots of long walks,
steep mountains
and absolutely amazing views.

Back to Briancon for a few days
before the next race...
See you there
Jenny xx