Trekking Pictures

We have some pictures to post from last year's winter vacation. Our blog suffered last year, first from our old and quite flawed point and shoot camera and then from the untimely demise of our laptop.  We subsequently found a new camera that we love and a laptop that should facilitate some more frequent blogs.  

Trekking here works on the refuge system.  Refuges offer bathrooms and water.  For a price, you can also have a meal prepared and sleep in the refuge.

Refuges also come with a cat, presumably to keep the rodent population in check.

We came to realize trail conditions are very different from what we were accustomed to in the States.  Switchbacks were few and far between.  In areas without a discernible trail the route was well marked with cairns or colored dots on rock.

This is one of two significant ridges we went over on our second day. The prominent line going through the trees is were the route entered the forest after descending through rock and scree.  

Ben making an awesome one pot meal.

Inlet to one of several lakes we passed by.

This tiny lake nestled in the peaks was cold but attracted numerous swimmers the day we were there.

Our hike out took us through a beautiful little river valley.

Finally, our trip culminated by negotiating for a ride to the nearest bus stop in a late model Renault.