Tuesday 25 May 2010

Before the storm

Sticky hot again today. Storms are forecast throughout France over the next 48 hours thanks to a weather system that is pushing in from the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. Before the storm hits us and to escape the heat, we headed up to the beautiful Coumebière valley which is at 1400m alt, just over the other side of the Col d'Agnès, 25 minutes from home, from where we meandered the 3.8kms up to the Port de Saleix (1800m alt) which is the col to the left of the peak in the photo. It's a spectacular spot - from the Port de Saleix there are stunning views of the high mountains above Aulus les Bains and towards Mont Valier in the distanceWe encountered a fully equipped group of hiking ramblers about half way up the path and passed them again during our running descent, no more than 200m further on from where we had last seen them. The bemused looks that we get as we run past walkers never fails to amuse me!

Tonight, the clouds have built quite dramatically and the air is oppressive. We need a storm to clear the air, but I do need dry weather in the morning, as a roadie outing with Pat and Kevin and some other peeps is on the cards. Fingers crossed.

3 comments:

PigletinFrance said...

it's so beautiful where you live! Those photos make me hate city living but I do love it really! Just wish I had a place to escape to...

penny said...

You have the Alps just a short drive away - you should get yourself an 'away from it all' pad to which you can escape when needs be! I used to live in a city in the UK and could never live in a city, town or even a village again. I love my peace and quiet and just hate noise, especially of traffic. But I would love to live somewhere just a bit more accessible than here, which has easier access to shops and stuff. It's a balancing act to get it right!

PigletinFrance said...

You're right, the Alpes aren't far but that scenery needs to be enjoyed every day! Hubby and I have decided to look at a bolthole somewhere in the Alpes, maybe try and pick up something needing major renovation?

Peace & quiet - sometimes (usually in August) I'll be sitting in the garden and something will seem amiss when in fact it's all just gone quiet! we do get quiet from time to time (very rare!) and then a fire engine or something will be heard.

You certainly need to be organised if you live a long way from the shops, imagine forgetting to buy one ingredient when cooking a fancy meal!