Our First Three-thousand

Hi there.

We did it. After the almost-there of La Croix de Belledonne we've finally broken the 3000 meters barrier. The summit of the Pic du Mas de la Grave stands 3020 m over the sea level. Yeah, just 20 metres, but it is above the limit! :) During this hike, we were guided by two of our friends.

The climb starts from the already kwown village of le Chazelet (1800 m), with a nice path which steadilly clims up to 2005 m in about 5 km walk. Then starts the fun. The path climbs across green slopes full of sheeps and lambs, to about 2500 m, on a heavy slope. After this, the grass changes for stones and the climb gets even harder. The path climbs the last 500 m almost in a straight line along the slope. Legs were hurting, but the firts grasps of the wonderful view gave the neecessary strength. Some eagles were flying near us! The last meters, we had to walk a narrow and a bit exposed (but safe) ridge. Finally, after a 4 1/2 hours walk, we reached the summit, 3020 m!!

From the summit, the view was (is!) breathtaking in all 360 degrees around. From la Meije and the Rateau with their glaciers, to the massif des Grandes Rousses. We could see the ski stations of Alpe d'Huez and Deux Alpes. On the horizon the Mont Blanc, taller than anything around it. But especially impresive were the Aiguilles d'Arves. These are three tall granite peaks that emerge 500 m from the top of a large mountain, which is itself more than 3000 m high. Spectacular.

After having lunch in the summit and writing on the livre d'or, we started the descent, following the same path we just used. Long, long, long way down. We reached le Chazelet 9 1/2 hours after we left it in the morning. Uf! but it was soooo beautiful! We will always remember this hike and the gorgeous views. A selection of very nice pictures are available here. Enjoy them!

Until our next post.

-Manu & Nina-