Vallorcine - Sunny Bolted Alpine Granite

We were very lucky with the weather, a full week of warm weather with light thunder showers evening. The Vallorcine crag is a great sweep of steep, rough, textured, granite slab.

This is actually 'Gietroz' slab, spot the climbers ?

The belay after the first pitches of Vallorcine.

The History of Cycling on Mont Ventoux

Sad but true, Tommy Simpon had died on his way up the Geant, luckily I did not although it did feel like it for a while. The last 5Km form the Bedoin side contours up, at least now the cyclist can see the 'end in sight'. You can se the large radio antenna 'sputnik' in style.

The last 5km on the Mont Seiren side snkes up in hairpins,no such hairpins on the Southern 'Bedoin' side. Fantastic riding as you roll up admiring extensive views of the Alps, expanding in scale as you progress up the gradient.

Driving up Mont Ventoux

After driving up Mont Ventoux, the Mont Seirin side, couldn't resist another panoramic shot. The snowy alps are just visible on the horizon. At least it was only in the 20s up there, rather than the high 30s below.
There is an idealstopping point at Mont Seirin. The Chalet Liotard. Great Provencal and Paysanne Omlettes and lattes. Also look out for the Bergerie, sheperds.

Who use the Pastou Gaurdien dogs. These dogs take the flock up to the pasture at dawn, guard the flock, then return at dusk, all without any instruction or guidance, amazing. They are also known as Pyrenean Mountain dogs. Above the pastou leads the border collie pups. Don't ever approach them unless theye are with the Berger as they will attack you. Event eh Berger for the above flock admitted that they are very stubborn and won't lead the flock over roadswithut a lot ofushing myhim. Very independant, not good urban family pets ! Last year we read in the 'Dauphine' about a flock of sheep that were driven over a gorge by a pack of Loupin, wolves, and only 4 were eaten the rest died. If they had a Pastou maybe the flock would hve been safe. See more here . And a full wikipedia article.