Saturday, August 28, 2010

Stumbling Around The Anniviers


The weather had turned a little cold and I decided it would be a good day to hike from the Moiry Barrage over the Col du Sorebois and down towards Zinal. There was snow on the top of the Col, but I put some of my ski thermals on, and caught the early Postbus up to the Barrage. The bus was pretty full, but as usual, most of the crowd melted away in other directions, and I was soon alone in making my way up through the cow meadow. I've skied down this slope in winter, it seems so much easier in the other direction.

On crossing the Col, it was snowing on me, and the cloud was pretty low, I paused to reflect on this being high summer. The views were quite limited.


With a view of the Sorebois Cable Car station within sight, I set off in search of a good cup of coffee. In winter the restaurant at the top of the Cable Car is self service. In summer there are a few tables set out, it's waiter service and not much use for anyone who needs a pit stop. Sitting outside was not practical as the weather was quite wet, so I decided to head down the Cable Car, and snack at the bottom. These scooters are for rent at the Cable Car Station, I stood on one, it felt pretty unstable!















It's a pretty steep ride down to Zinal village, but at least I was out of the rain. I caught the Postbus back to Grimentz, but along the road, the bus was flagged down by a farmer, who wanted to load a piece of metal fencing and have it taken to the village. The driver was happy to help, and as it didn't quite fit, the last part of the journey was completed with the side door of the Postbus open!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Zinal and the sound of running water


As it was another wonderful sunny day, we decided to head up the Cabane du Petit Mountet for lunch. We had only a few hours before Andy was due to depart, so a local hike amidst wonderful scenery would fit the bill nicely. We set off along the Navisense, which gets a lot more lively as we begin the ascent.

It's a fairly easy hike and we were soon within sight of our destination, just hiding in the trees on top of the next rise. Once we reach the terrace, it's time to soak up the view, slap on yet more sunscreen, and decipher the Menu! The Zinal Glacier is below us, as the Cabane is on the side of the hill.




I wonder what it all means!


We've agreed to return to this area, as we want to hike over on the side of the mountain where we saw the waterfall. I expect that will be next year, as summer is drawing to a close.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Swiss Pudding Testers on Tour


After a fairly heroic yomp to the Cabane Becs des Bossons, it seemed sensible to have an easier day taking in the sights above St Luc. We drove to Chandolin and took the Tsape chairlift, then set off for St Luc which was round the ridge. It's a fairly level walk giving good opportunities for taking photos.

Looking up towards the Moiry branch of the Anniviers. Becs des Bossons is the peak far right.


Looking right across the Rhone Valley to the Plein Morte Glacier above Crans Montana.





This is the top of Cret du Midi in Vercorin, another Anniviers ski station which is open in summer.

After an hour or so, we were feeling the need for Tarte au Myrtille, so consulted the nearest signpost and headed for the Cabane Bella Tola.

It's a very pleasant venue, and I was eyeing up the potential of spending the afternoon in a deckchair. They even have a portable swimming pool set up. The Tarte was well up to expectations, and fully refreshed we set off to find a pleasant place for a picnic. With some surprise we found a purpose built picnic table with roof. Okay, it seemed to have been built for tall people, but it was a lovely spot, on a beautiful sunny day.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Swiss Critters


Perhaps it was all down to me hiking later in the summer, but this year I have seen rather a lot of the local wildlife, close up. Yes, there was a bit of string between us, but not for long, as that's the way I'm headed! Some of the wildlife was a lot smaller and care was needed to avoid stepping on them. I suppose Frogs find enough to do in the mountains? Perhaps it was on vacation?

I came across a whole gang of butterflies on a path in St Luc. I have no idea what the collective term is, but they were apparently very busy doing stuff!


The local Herens cows fight quite naturally, it's rather like Sumo for cows. They like to push each other, and like most cows seem to be naturally quite inquisitive. The young cows, do seem to want to practice their fighting skills. So when I saw this, there seemed to be only one of two outcomes possible!


Over in Zinal, a plump cat was definitely in charge of photo opportunities, though a local Marmotte put in a strong showing.


 Up on Tsarva in Grimentz, some animals have to work for a living. This was a surprising sight at the Buvette Orzival. I believe this is a proper Mule, loaded down with baggage. Looks quite like a horse, but the head shape is different. The owners of the bags were about 200 metres behind, looking tired and hot.

I'd wondered which way up the party had come, and when hiking up to Bendolla a couple of days later, I saw hoof prints of an animal wearing metal shoes on the "Chemin Rapide" which is the steepest route!

Market Day in Grimentz

Throughout the summer months Grimentz has many themed Markets. It's mostly traditional crafts and local produce, though you can't buy a St Bernard!

Local schoolboys making Hanging Baskets for the Geraniums which adorn the village.

The local Baker always has a Stall, and the produce is pretty tempting. Business seemed quite brisk with tourists and locals stopping by. Perhaps the Baker was specially busy as the Mill was grinding the wheat for the A.O.C flour. My photos don't do the little mill justice, but it's the first time I've seen this running.


There was also a display of traditional Wool spinning, and a pair of sheep in a pen in the old village.

I got the feeling that the sheep had done this before, as they quite liked having their ears tickled! As there was no price tag, I guess that the sheep were not for sale either. I imagine it would be a bit tough getting them through Customs!




The building on the right, directly behind the tiered seating is where the wheat is being milled, it's a water driven mill.