Massif de Devoluy

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25.08.2017 Grenoble - Refuge Louis Debastiani
Many a times I've passed this place on my way to the Ecrins Massif, with the night train from Paris. 5 a.m. or 6, 2 times a year, I was cradled away to the beginning of the trip, eyes closed. Only now after all this years did I get to met Devoluy. The first sight was love at first sight (but then again you might say, every time I see a new Mountain it has the same effect) , this was different, I was drooling while passing by, my nose pressed against de window... Devoluy.

So I decided to go into my quest to discover the Mountain, I would like to know each and every bit. Makes me think about the Dolomiti, but it has its own character. Anyway I was mesmerised all the way.

Lucky for me, not many cars on the road  but while hitchhiking the only one that stopped was when it was not far away from getting dark and I was sure I'll get to the refuge by midnight. They took me all the way to the most accessible pass, so that I could get to the refuge by daylight, too kind.

 What does de cookbook say? I want to know verything chourums, summits, all

26.08 Refuge Louis Debastiani - Grand Tete de l'Obiu (2789m) - Cabane pastorale d'Oriol
So the climb to Obiu is not for the faint-hearted, neither more the one to Grand Ferrand. Devoluy in general seems reserved for the rather skilled I might say.

 What do I spy with my little eye? Why it's Grenoble:), sweet

 Petit Obiu

From a geographical point of view, I was impressed by the way pastoral activities evolved differently than normal, because of the lack of water in the massif, while endless km of hose (spreading from one valley to another), would take the place of dried out springs.

27.08.2017 Cabane pastorale d'Oriol - Col de Charnier - Grand Ferrand (2755m) - Col de Charnier - Col de la Croix - Grenoble

So once again Devoluy was a place of meeting up good people:) and strong character also. The shepard ladies from Oriol were so cool as to leave me pass the night in their unused caravan. So odd to wake up in the morning, jump out from bed, from a camping car, in the middle of a wild place, as if it lived there since forever.

 Cabane pastorale d'Oriol

the water source that brings water to the Cabane du Chourum Clot, by artificial means, is at the foot of Col de Charnier, that is some km away.

the climb to Grand Ferrand was sublime and what a view. Hope to get here back soon.

Ay col call

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Sprained ankle in the middle of a perfect summer.
Working my way arround.
How about fulfilling a 6 year old plan. Visit the "grandes cols des Alpes" by bike.
Izoard, first on the list because of its aesthetics.

5-06.08 Col de l'Izoard (Mont-Daupin - Briançon - Mont-Dauphin) (joined in by John the Alper biker)

 

 La Casse Deserte

Gorges du Guil

Mont-Dauphin (web)

perfect weekend, (bike, historical sites, swimming, yeah)

06.08 Col d'Agnel (2744m)

Fort Queyras (XII siecle)

13.08 rue des Violettes - Col de la Croix de Fer - St.Michel de Maurienne (app. 120km, >2000D)

 Lac du Verney

Lac de Grand Maison

 

14.08 St. Michel de Maurienne - Col du Telegraphe - Col de Galibier - Grenoble;) (130km, >2500D+)

While at the col of Galibier, la Meije lay in front of me, peaceful, we were as in a dialog. My place is definetly not here. looking at the agitation behind me, bikes, cars, motorbikes, yeah that's for sure. So I'll let you be happy among yourselves and I'll be heading to the place where I belong.