Col de crouzette via etang d'eychelle et etang d'ayes

First time in the mountains since my knee problems, but equipped with a pair of knee supports all went amazingly well. We (Al, Breezy, Sheri, Susie and I) started in the clouds from the new lower parking on the piste de mont noir above the Etang Bethmale. From there steeply up through the forest and clouds to the Col d'Auerole where our loop began.

We decided to go clockwise, climbing past the etang d'eychelle, to eventually reach the col de crouzette for lunch with views towards Valier and some very friendly merens horses and foals.

From here we traversed westwards to eventaully reach the col de roc plat below Pic de Montgarie, where we descended to join the GR10. This traverses high above the Riberot valley before passing below Pic de Crabère and descending to reach the Etang d'Ayes. A short climb back up to the Col d'Auerole and the loop was complete. 

1173m of ascent and 15km.

On the GR10

 

One of many wheatears