Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Our destination today.

Left at 12:07 hrs, up in 41 mins, a brief picnic at the Jasserie below and down in 22 mins. Back by 13.31 hrs. Just remarkably mild for late November.

Views from the Jasserie.

Monday, 19 November, 2011

I was up at 02:50 hrs this morning, unable to sleep and ended up working on my novel until 06:30 hrs. After a brief snooze, I was mucking out and feeding the pigs at 07:45 hrs.

In short, hardly ideal preparation for an ascent on Monthiallier, especially with the added weight of my backpack.

After some hesitation, I set out anyway at 09:07 hrs with Bin, but after 30 mins (the first 30 mins being the steepest) I was utterly bushed. I had only reached the forest above the house, walking through deep copper-coloured banks of leaves.

Nothing for it - I knew I had no chance of making it and I turned back. Still, a good hour's walk on an extremely mild morning, too mild for my taste for late-November. Where's the snow?

It did however give me a good opportunity to photograph my descent, from the forest to the house.

Hoping for an earlier night tonight and a full summit tomorrow, although the weather forecast is not looking as helpful as it might.

Coming back down through the forest.

Emerging from the forest to the high-pasture above our house.

An old estive path.

A wild bee hive.

Les Batisses

Bin & Tess at Meymont.

The view of our village coming down the mountain.

The oak tree at home.

Saturday, 19 November 2011

I realise my equipment isn't good enough for these mild days on the high mountains, but when the rain and mist can come in fast.

So, a purchase of some light-weight waterproofs on Saturday, as well as digging out an old rucksack to carry them in, along with my winter jacket in case of more severe cold (temperature or wind-chill) for when I break the tree-line.

All set for Monday. Backpack and all.

Friday, 18 November 2011

Temperature: 4.4 C (o7:40 hrs)

Wind: Minimal to zero

Sky: Blue

Departure: 09:00 hrs

Height: 1,507 m (02:20 hrs)

Return: 12:36 hrs

Walk: 03:36 hrs

My first attempt to climb Monthiallier, ideal weather conditions (until I left the shelter of the tree line) but a failure a little short of the summit.

I am yet to work out the quickest route to the summit and I miscalculated my route, arriving on the mountain's steepest side but probably a good 50 m from the summit.

The wind above the tree line was blowing hard, and ill-equipped, without a windproof coat, I took shelter in the lee of one of the very few low, wind-beaten mountain pines that can be found at that altitude. Too cold, too uncertain of my route, too tired, I turned back and descended in a little under 01:20 hrs.

A good start. A start.

The walk up Monthiallier, shortly after leaving the house

The view of what I incorrectly presumed to be the summit.

My partner, Tess.

A view of the Puy-de-Dome.

Seeking shelter from the wind: Les Hautes Chaumes.

Monthiallier leaving the tree line.