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Grande Tete 2750m, L'Isere

viharnik11. 07. 2010 20:48:19

On the second day the path led me along the source of the Isere river, where in the middle of the valley there also stands a nice mountain hut.
Already at the beginning of the path I meet a connoisseur of this range, who also in winter does ski touring over the highest peaks. This winter their crossing over several km ridges and skiing to Italy, the return was spoiled by a mild storm, so they made their way through the Mont Blanc tunnel by taxi and after a long drive finally arrived back in Val D'Isere. She came to the valley to observe the largest feathered resident of the Savoy Alps. Its name is Gypaete "Barbu - because of the beard". It weighs 5-7 kg, wingspan 290 cm, feeds only on bones of the victims of predators, skin and legs. Flies at speeds up to 127 km/h, 30 km/h when watchful and 50 km/h in calm flight. They say there are only a few pairs here and one fledgling each year. The connoisseur says we spot it by first seeing the shadow on the ground, then spotting it in the sky.
Anyway, we were determined to search for this bird in this valley. We reach the hut in an hour and a half, then we head to the valley of the source of the Isere river and later turn left, to the right is the ascent over the demanding river to Grande Aiguille Rousse 3482 m. After hasty persuasion I finally convince her it is not too steep and we are already on the 2750 m high plateau of Grande Tete. The place itself is known for harboring chamois and ibex, which really were not lacking. Later we return to the hut via the upper path, where in summer a pleasant, obliging Nepali serves. The circle of mountaineers at the table honors the friend's birthday with singing "Happy birthday to you!". I also drink light but tasty French beer 2.8 eur/33 cl.