We couldn't decide where to stay tonight. We usually stay in an aire at Wissant but the last couple of times, its been really busy and weve only just squeezed in. The forecast was good though and we fancied a couple of hours on the beach so, after a few suggestions from people in a... Continue Reading →
Heading home: Orsieres to Lac d’Orient
We had breakfast and waved the others off on the train to Geneva, before getting into Bertie and driving for about 6 hours to a nice campervan aire we've stayed at before. The roads were busy but traffic moved well and, with a stop for the supermarket and petrol and another for lunch, we were... Continue Reading →
TMB day 5: Rifugio Elisabetta to Refuge de La Croix du Bonhomme
After a beautiful sunrise and another early start from the refuge, we were treated to lots of marmots and their young close to the path. They're so cute! The path wound its way up the valley getting higher and higher until we reached Col de La Seine and the Italian French border. On the way... Continue Reading →
Waiting for the others, making our mark on the campsite
We woke to news from the others. Their flight from Geneva to Manchester was delayed by a couple of hours so they wouldn't be here until after 3 o'clock, and we'd need to occupy ourselves until they arrived. The cloud had lifted and the sun was shining. It was great to be able to see... Continue Reading →
A misty day preparing for TMB
We had intended to a go for a walk today but it started raining at about 5 o'clock in the morning and was still drizzly at 8 o'clock. We couldn't see the lake or the mountains, which were just metres from the campervan! We had a cup of tea in bed and took our time... Continue Reading →
One day, three countries and toll trials
Today we've said goodbye to the others and left Guillestre for part 3 of our trip. We've moved from France to Switzerland via Italy, ready to meet 4 friends who fly out on Sunday for Tour du Mont Blanc, an 11-day trek around Western Europe's highest mountain. We packed the washing line, table and chairs,... Continue Reading →
Hiking to Refuge du Pelvoux
Judith joined us for our hike today. We left the campsite just after 7.30 and drove for about 45 minutes up to Ailefroide (1507m) in the Ecrins National Park. The town was busy, with campers, climbers and walkers everywhere but, luckily, we found a good parking sport for Bertie. He's rather long so it can... Continue Reading →
Via ferrata du Torrent de la Combe
We had an adrenaline filled day today, with a climb up a gorge (including a cliff with an overhang 😳) assisted by ladders and cables, then an eventful paddle on the Gyronde for John. The morning was quite relaxed, with a lie in and then some chores around the van, such as emptying the loo... Continue Reading →
The Crete de Vars
Today we did a hike which we did last time we were staying in Guillestre. It's a lovely walk because the landscape and views are spectacular. Today there was a bonus, marmot stalking! We left the campsite quite early again because we knew the hike up to the ridge was steep and on the sunny... Continue Reading →
An epic hike up Cugulet in hot sunshine
We rose at 7.00, excited for 2 days hiking in the Val d'Escreins, just half an hour away from the campsite. We stopped at the bakery for our favourite, Pain au Raisins, then drove up a series of hairpin bends and, on a single track road, around cliffs to the valley. Luckily we didn't meet... Continue Reading →