Pete's Blog - Week 3(b)
It was cold and foggy when we reached the col. This  helped to increase the atmosphere created by the fact that the col wasn't  visible amongst the jumble of fallen rocks and jagged peaks. We then dropped into a beautiful valley and walked gently down a lovely stream amongst wild thyme and buttercups.
We spent two relaxing days at the lovely Chalet de la Balme ( 2009m ). Fany and Solène looked after us well. Their speciality was nettle soup which was delicious but a diuretic! Not a good idea at night in a cold mountain refuge with outside toilets!
It was another cold morning as we made our descent to the very pretty town of Valézan ( 1186m ) where we stayed at the very civilized Auberge de Valézan. We caught up on hot showers and laundry!
It was a much pleasanter morning as we crossed the Isere river ( 776m, our lowest height since we started ) and made for the Refuge de Rosuel ( 1556m and a gateway to the Vanoise National Park ). To protect it from avalanches, the refuge is built in the shape of a wave and has a turf roof. Cont - 3c