With significant snow still in the Oisans, and unfinished business from last weekend's outing, we decided to head back to what we now know is the "Haut Buëch" - the area around La Jarjatte, near the source of the Buëch. Yet again we found paradise. The flowers were at their best - the last of the winter snow giving way to crocus, daffs and cowslip; and coinciding with an explosion of early summer species: daphne (two types), orchids (at least half a dozen species), pulsatilla, pansy, gentian... And the gîte de La Jarjatte was a jewel of hospitality and comfort, with the bonus of superlative cooking and wine.
The first day we walked up to Lac Lauzon...
and looked back to where we'd walked last weekend:
The second day we grunted up a nearby hill - an obscure route that ensured we were entirely alone, looking towards both the previous day's and weekend's walks. I love this piecing together of the landscape, seeing it from different angles, feeling how routes and landmarks connect.
Even though Juan understandably found it hard to switch from "arriving back at Vaulnaveys" to "repacking and leaving for the mountains" the following morning I hope we'll make it back this way before the end of the summer. A wonderful weekend.
second shot is fabulous!
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