| lynx17. 07. 2014 23:37:18 |
With /a little/ delay, a short description of the jaunt through Chartreuse at the beginning of June. I had to burn vacation days and was in France anyway, so it was an opportunity to seize. Belledonne still had huge amounts of snow, so plan A was out.
Stayed overnight at a buddy's in Grenoble, geared up with maps (Au vieux campeur) and planned a length-wise traverse to Chambery in four days. The first part from Bastille (VanSimms described it as a citadel) was discouraged, so I shortened the tour by one day and started at Col du Coq pass.
From there two paths head to the high plateau, first summit is Dent de Crolles. So from rooster to tooth or a bit detour past interesting cave and chimney or more direct on scree ledges. The whole area is karst limestone, no surprises. Continuing plateaus are level and mostly grassy. Traversed north sticking to the ridge. Snow was right on the screes, so one shorter bit was tricky, but worth it anyway. When you see Cheminée du paradis (paradise chimney) on the map, you know to check it out. It's only about 10m total, but great addition to the poorly marked path (local markers make no sense). Due to my loaded pack I got stuck twice and ended up climbing without it then pulling it up.
Ahead the ridge is tame again, views over whole Belledonne and massive Mt Blanc afar. Just before next ridge summit I cut to Bellefont saddle and slid down long snowfield to bottom to refill water. I'd studied springs and no livestock (or /shepherd/ dogs) yet, but high temps that week, no huts, two-thirds route ahead.
Long traverse over vast pastures till plateau drops again and over intermediate hill continues higher. Distinct karst bit again, then same wide grass. Another shepherd hut with locked bivvy (grr) and hour to goal, "bivvy" Cabane de l'Alpette right under Mt Granier that caps the massif majestically.
Finally arrive, no one there, spot gorgeous. Alp has shepherdess hut, opposite renovated hiker room and fountain. Outside all set for fire, same inside, wood, gear. Sleeping is on top, room for at least 10, easily 40 total.
Waiting for stars futile — bit of moon, lots of valley light pollution, some clouds too. Soon French group joins from other side (1hr walk). After day of solitude surprised me. Stereotypes confirmed.
Morning start late-ish due to short night, heat unrelenting. Ended up just circling Mt Granier scouting next day's route approx. Summit area nearly flat compared to lower, bit boring but good views all sides. Besides literal deadly 13th c collapse known for cave bears (valley museum). Short equipped paths up from all three sides.
Last day up just before 5am straight on. Descent bit up/down traverse, soon just <20km descent in view to Chambéry lake area. End dragged — who likes hot asphalt? — but pushed through city to station ok.
Planned short recon in Vercors (Veymont, Aiguille) too but didn't pan out.
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