The Walker's Haute Route (16)

Wednesday 6 September - La Sage to Grimentz 

Our final day of walking started at 7:50 after a nice breakfast, when Colin, Hilde and I set off up the 1200 metre ascent to Col de Torrent (2919 m).

Our plan for the day in a simple signpost (click on any image for a slideshow)

Another sign - future plans? (Click to enlarge)

We managed an hour before the sun got us, and we continued with reasonable momentum after that. The others, especially David, lagged far behind. High cloud was finding it difficult to push in from the west, so it was hot. 

Wheatears at 2200 metres. 

Discussions about what to give Sue for organising the trip. (I think I did a Photobox book of photos for her, covering both trips.)

On the path to Col de Torrent

Tansy Milfoil

One of our constant companions for the final few days

Hilde above Beplan

We sped up to Col de Torrent by 10:55 - all on easy paths. There were Germans on the col who were on their way to climb nearby peaks. Sasseniere - 3250 metres - looks easy - must go there next time. 

We have said goodbye to OTH, who are having a long day today, going all the way to Zinal. 

We enjoyed magnificent views down to Lac de Moiry and the glacier beyond. Chatted to two English gents who our group mostly ignored last night. They reached the col at the same time as us and told us they had bought 1:25000 Swiss maps on a CD and have printed the relevant sections. They also have GPS and 'can't get lost'. Nice gay couple. 

Lac de Moiry from Col de Torrent

Col de Torrent (2919 m)

After a brew, chat, etc, I leave the col at 11:45, shortly after David arrives. Colin, Hilde and I amble down amongst the 'hoppers'. We also encounter a Canadian from Toronto but originally a Liverpudlian, and his second wife from Louisiana, for the last time on this descent. They have arranged their trip through a company - Distant Horizons - but I leave my contact details for the future. They are doing well - retired but fit - they spend a lot of the summer on their big boat in the Caribbean.

Lunch below Col de Torrent

The view across Lac des Autannes

I disturb a large flock of snow finches on the way down to a fine location for lunch - 12:45 to 13:15, near an obscure piece of sculpture (Colin very critical of it, Hilde doesn't notice it) - apart that is from the flying ants which keep landing in my food! 

The reservoir below is a bright copper blue colour. Colin and I wonder why - copper, or some other reason? 

We note that the reservoir is full, unlike the outflow stream, as we continue on to negotiate the scrubby rocky path below the barrage.

Lac de Moiry

Colin, below the barrage

We note that the reservoir is full, unlike the outflow stream, as we continue on to negotiate the scrubby rocky path below the barrage.

With increasing cloud and a wider path with the substantial town of Grimentz below, this last afternoon stroll has an end of term feel to it. Just the two of us, Colin and I, descend through an area of spent flowers and red foliage, with the occasional marmot whistle and plenty of bilberry / whortleberries. 

Looking down to Grimentz

It seems a long hot dusty path to Grimentz, where at 15:10 we find the others outside a bar next to the lower tourist information There is a small one on the higher street where horn blowers perform for coach parties.

Views of Grimentz

Grimentz is crammed with old people - Colin surmises a coach trip for former French railway workers. Sue has booked Colin, Hilde and me into a small room for three at Hotel des Becs Bosson. We adjourn here after waving the other three off on a long journey to Wengen with lots of changes, where they are staying for a few days whilst Sue does the Jungfrau Marathon. 

I stroll up to the Co-op in the first spots of rain all trip (since Argentiere, anyway) for chocolates and rosti to take home, then we enjoy a beer and a meal and a third beer at a creperie in the Old Town - salad, rosti and tomatoes, ice cream. 

The room has a TV, so Colin and I read whilst Hilde watches tennis.

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