Monday, June 25th - Rest Day

Peter F is sparing no effort making this a memorable trip! Today is a rest day and he has planned a picnic lunch at a favorite spot followed by a trip to Gillette, one of the medieval hill towns found in this area, perched on the side of a mountain. After a rapid descent (by van) traversing dozens of switchbacks we reached the river valley below Valdeblore. Ian, our sag wagon driver extraordinaire, has turned out to be a former instructor at the Skip Barber Driving school and the road is a good test of driving skills - sometimes too good a test :).

After reaching the valley, we climbed once again till we reached our destination and parked at an almost unnoticeable trailhead where we set out on a short hike. After walking along a ridge with a sharp drop on one side to a canyon we reached a secluded spot for our picnic and a swim. After lunch most of the group hiked (swam?) upstream to a waterfall before we returned to our van for the trip to Gillete.

Arriving in Gillete, we found the streets almost deserted and we wandered around with the small picturesqe town virtually to ourselves, visiting the town's Chateau ruins with its commanding view of the entire valley below us before returning to Valdeblore and another lovely dinner.

Morning route planning & map reading

More map reading.

Short hike to waterfall and lunch

Abercrombie & Fitch - eat your heart out :)

Dave takes the leap.

Paceline in Gillete

In the hill town of Gillette

In Gillette at the medieval Chateau ruins overlooking the Esteron River valley

Taking a break at a cafe in Gillette

Dear readers...we're lost without you (back at the chalet)