DAY 47 - BESSE-EN-OISANS TO VILLAR-D'ARÈNE

Another day following the GR54 through the mountains.  This time the weather was a little better, and we were treated to wonderful views at times. 

Climbing on the GR54 

We joined the GR54 out of Besse-en-Oisans. Of course, it was going up. We climbed for several hours through the mist.

After a few hours climbing we were up amongst the snow 

We had sought information about the path a couple of days ago at the Tourist Information centre in Le Bourg-d-Oisans. We had been assured that the way was open, and that there wasn't any snow up there at this time of the year. 

"There's no snow up there at this time of the year."

After working our way through and around several snowdrifts, we reached the Col de Souchet. It was cold and misty, but the rain had held off up to this point.

The Col de Souchet. At 2350 metres above sea level, the high point of our trip.

It continued to hold off as we started to descend. The mist even cleared in patches to allow us views of the imposing Écrins mountains.

Glimpses of the Écrins through the mist 

After a few days of mist, rain, and low visibility, we enjoyed the Alpine scenery we had hoped to see more of.

Mist clearing above Chazelet 

A couple of strategically-placed benches appeared before us, and we decided to stop for lunch. 

This looks like a good spot for lunch

We were right above the village of Chazelet, to which we would shortly be descending. 

Lunch above Chazelet 

A rare view of the mountains 

We started the descent, and began thinking of hot chocolate. 

A nice walk after lunch - descending towards Chazelet 

The descent went on for a while

Getting close to the village.  Thinking seriously about afternoon tea. 

When we arrived in the village we found the well-advertised bar. Unfortunately, but we have to say not unexpectedly, it was closed.

Well-advertised café/bar, closed without explanation.  Potential customers trying to hide their disappointment. 

About an hour later we found an open bar in La Grave, and had a hot chocolate there.

Descending towards La Grave

There was steady rain for the last hour and a half of today's walk, up from La Grave to Villar-d'Arène, where we are staying tonight. 

A pleasant little path along the Romanche River took us up to Villar-d'Arène 

Day:  47
Distance: 22.47 km
Walking time:  5hrs 57mins
Elevation gain:  1133 metres
Cumulative distance:  1164.3 km