Touch wood but everything does seem to be going very well at moment. Maybe I'm just now getting the full benefits of the break I had last week but today was quite a big walk, 30 kilometres and 1800 metres of ascent, but it all went past in a very pleasant blur.
The weather helped, it's absolutely perfect, not too hot but clear blue skies. I was also listening to a back catalogue of Frank Skinner podcasts and I hardly notice a steady climb if I'm just a bit distracted. Also getting updates from home about a major family event which is unfolding at the moment so all in all the walk was a bit of a back drop.
Got away from the hotel in St-Germain-de-Joux (bit pricey) by 8, got stocked up in the local shop, and was already high above the village by 8.30.
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St-Germain-de-Joux |
Most of the walk today was high up but in trees with only the occasional meadow to break things up. There was one view point looking east across a valley with snow covered alps in the background but the atmosphere didn't make for a brilliant photograph.
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Approaching Giron |
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View out to Monnetier |
The bees today were particularly noticeable. The noise was so loud at one point that it was almost like standing next to a motorway. A particular sort of flower in small meadow surrounded by trees seemed to attract them from miles around.
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Flower laden meadows |
My favourite bit of the walk was around a feature called the Cret au Merles where trees for once gave way to open countryside. Was being enjoyed by a lot of other hikers and a very casual looking group of horse riders.
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Cret de Chalam |
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Jura |
Arrived at Lelex at about 6, so a 10 hour walk. Lovely summer evening and after a couple of hours got the news I have been waiting for all day, the safe arrival of Christine's first grandchild.
Great news for Christine, enjoy those marvellous moments with the family.
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