The path descended NE across the snowfields, dropping 400m in a short space of time. I didn't get my axe out but in retrospect I should have done, as the drop was quite extensive.Monday, 18 June 2007
Pas de la Cavale 2766m- 9000ft+
The path descended NE across the snowfields, dropping 400m in a short space of time. I didn't get my axe out but in retrospect I should have done, as the drop was quite extensive.
Climbing out of Utelle
The path out of Utelle was carved out of the cliff-face. There was a spectacular drop down into the gorge below.Looking back to Nice
A view looking back from the southern end of the first ridge towards Nice. I'd hoped to walk this the first evening but dallying for a dip in the sea meant that the thunderstorms started just as I arrived.Back in Yorkshire
I caught the night train from Briancon followed by the Eurostar to Waterloo. A 4 hour drive and I'm back in Yorkshire. I've very mixed emotions. Being back and with the family is fantastic but... the feelings of disappointment and frustration at not completing what I set out to do are very strong.
I've been cheered up by the 2 kittens that have just become part of the household. 6 1/2 weeks old they are impossible to be sad around!
Also those friends who've been in contact have been very supportive, and once again I can't thank them enough.
I'm going to arrange a trip to the Docs to see what state I'm in and if there is any chance of my getting back out there to complete any more of the route.
I've been cheered up by the 2 kittens that have just become part of the household. 6 1/2 weeks old they are impossible to be sad around!
Also those friends who've been in contact have been very supportive, and once again I can't thank them enough.
I'm going to arrange a trip to the Docs to see what state I'm in and if there is any chance of my getting back out there to complete any more of the route.
Friday, 15 June 2007
A tough decision
I have been humbled today by the messages I've received on my birthday. Many many thanks!
But today, and with more disappointment than I can convey I have had to take the decision to return to the UK to recuperate.
I haven't mentioned this before, as I didn't want people to worry, but I have been walking for over a week with seriously cracked heels ( one of which has been bleeding) and very sore achilles tendons. But the final straw was turning my left ankle for the second time descending from Col des Ayes. I had slipped and injured it on loose rock 3 days previously. I had hoped it had recovered after a rest day in Ceillac but unfortunately carrying was just to make it worse.
My decision then was whether to wait 7-10 days in France, or return to the UK to try and recover and consider my options. I've reluctantly decided on the latter as even if my ankle recovers sufficiently to take a pack, on past experience there was no guarentee that my tendons would have done as well.
After all the support and efforts all around it is a terrible disappointment. My timetable in retrospect was too challenging, but to carry on could well put me in serious danger as there were exposed days ahead.
I hope to be back up in Yorkshire sometime over the weekend to think about what I should do next.
Lastly once again many thanks for all your support.
But today, and with more disappointment than I can convey I have had to take the decision to return to the UK to recuperate.
I haven't mentioned this before, as I didn't want people to worry, but I have been walking for over a week with seriously cracked heels ( one of which has been bleeding) and very sore achilles tendons. But the final straw was turning my left ankle for the second time descending from Col des Ayes. I had slipped and injured it on loose rock 3 days previously. I had hoped it had recovered after a rest day in Ceillac but unfortunately carrying was just to make it worse.
My decision then was whether to wait 7-10 days in France, or return to the UK to try and recover and consider my options. I've reluctantly decided on the latter as even if my ankle recovers sufficiently to take a pack, on past experience there was no guarentee that my tendons would have done as well.
After all the support and efforts all around it is a terrible disappointment. My timetable in retrospect was too challenging, but to carry on could well put me in serious danger as there were exposed days ahead.
I hope to be back up in Yorkshire sometime over the weekend to think about what I should do next.
Lastly once again many thanks for all your support.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Day 13
Long day today. Tomorrow should see me in Briancon with 150 miles clocked up. Wild camp tonight. Looking for a flat spot. Just seen a red squirrel wow.
Monday, 11 June 2007
Day 11
My total mileage so far is now over 100 miles. I have had snow on some of the recent passes. I am now at Ceillac. Recent weather has been bad in the afternoons hope it improves.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Day 2
A thunderstorm last night kept me off the ridge. I camped above Nice and left at 7. I picked up supplies in Aspremont where I met an Italian guide called Sergio with some clients. I saw my 1st buzzard and snow! On the mountains in the distance. Off for lunch in Levens.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Nice
After a promenade along the promenade des Anglais and a short swim I am sitting in the sun contemplating an afternoons walk to Apremont. Or I could stay here for a few weeks? No 3 days would be my limit so I had better get moving. 1 more dip maybe?
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