samedi 30 juin 2018

Etang bellonguère, Pic de Montgarie, Etang d'Eychelle

With 32 degrees forecast for the day, Alun, Breezy, Susie and I took a relatively early start from Col de le Core. We made our way across to the Col Aurèdole before descending a little to join the path to the Etang d'Ayes and cirque de Campuls. It was quite busy here so we continued on the GR10 before branching left just before the col to reach the Etnag de Bellonguère. We'd hoped for a little swim here but the water was too shallow and full of frogs.


After a quick bite to eat we climbed eastwards to pick up a path which became increasing vague heading SSW towards Pic de Montgarie, which I last visited on skis (read here). We scrambled up rocks to the summit for great view.


Vultures were cruising around us, then a real treat when a bearded vulture decided to come in close (3m or so away).





After much photo taking it eventually climbed higher and higher then left.


Looking back to Montgarie

We climbed up to the ridge to the East crossing at a grassy col between points 2258m and 2331m before descending to the Cabane d'Eychelle and then the Etang d'Eychelle for a swim.


Temperature and humidity rose as we descended back to the Col de la Core but more wild flowers distracted us including my favourite Starry Saxifrage.


About 1200m of ascent on a very hot day so beers in Seix were well deserved!

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