Alpine Acclimatisation

Hard to believe that only a week ago we were still on a ferry from Holland to the UK! We're certainly glad that we have allowed ourselves a few days of alpine relaxation and acclimatization. Getting used to the landscape, weather, temperatures and not being on the move has taken a few days. Yesterday we drove up the road to check out our local crag/mountain at the Col de la Colombiere. Seems like a nice spot! 

As we got out the car, as well as seeing some bearded vultures, a helicopter flew past and plucked someone off the nearby cliff!

Although it was too hot to climb on these south facing cliffs, we took a short walk in to see what the climbs looked like.

And couldn't resist doing the first pitch of one of the classic routes!

It was hot on the rock and even the cool breeze didn't make us want to carry on up any further. 

We made an easy abseil back down to the bags, where my sandals were so hot that I almost burnt my feet putting them back on! We ran away to find some shade!

Under a bridge, with our feet in a stream to cool off, we had lunch while being visited by a butterfly.

This is the view from the Col, looking back towards were we are living.

We also came across a huge monastery, while stopping in the small village of Le Reposoir to buy a map of the area. The bells were ringing out and we had a quick look inside too, where Nuns who have taken a vow of silence live. Behind it, the clouds were building over a peak that we'll hopefully climb at some point over the summer. A storm was brewing....

We reached home in time to brew a coffee and sit out on the front step as the thunder and lightening began. It was amazing to see, watch, smell and feel the natural power as it closed in on us.

By chance, I took a photo as the lighting flashed , lighting up the right hand side of this photo!

It was mesmerising to watch and the rumbles continued all evening. As we were getting into bed thunder literally shook the ground and it felt like the chalet moved! 

Climbing at Col de la Colombiere:

- Allez-y Mme Mummery, 5c*** (Pitch 1)