Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Snails, newts, 400 year old churches, a waterfall, and 2300 vertical feet in 1.1 miles: All in a day's hike

Figurines outside an artisan's atelier in Venosc

The morning began with good weather, but rain overnight resulted in ice on the cables of the t-bars above on the glacier.  Upon learning that loading of the lifts would be delayed by at least one hour, along with reports that the snow on the glacier was quite soft from the warm overnight temperatures, it was decided that it was Mother Nature's way of telling us that the boys were in need of a day off.  And, what do Burkies do on a day off?  Simply take a 4+ hour hike to a waterfall about 2500 vertical feet below our town, near the ancient village of Venosc.  The main part of the hike covered 2300 vertical feet in about 1.1 miles, and produced spectacular views of the valley surrounded by almost unfathomably massive mountains.  Along the way were seen newts and very large snails, a grotto, a llama, 2 churches dating to the early 1600s and, of course, the waterfall.  All in all, a nice opportunity to see and learn more about the area in which we are staying, and a nice diversion from the routine of the camp to this point.

Scenes from the day:
 Patrick, Yale, Aleck, Paul, Matthew Price and Kalle pause on the hike down.  Our destination waterfall can be seen above Paul's head.



Fredi and Benjamin


The village of Venosc

Darrell in Venosc, on the way back up the mountain you see behind him.

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