This was our first real hike for a very long time: we have been busy with our marathon and half-marathon training programs, but also preparing for the bicycle touring season. Instead of going running or riding this past Sunday, we thought it would be cool to go hiking at a higher altitude for a change. And cooler it indeed was than here at home; the wind almost felt chilly even if the air temperature was about +20°C. That does not mean we did not work up some sweat when climbing the steep trails.

We chose Col de Porte (1326m) on Chartreuse our destination because of its proximity and easy access — no overly curvy, narrow or steep roads to reach there, only a lot of bicyclists on the road. We did not do either of the most popular hikes, to La Pinéa (1771m) or Chamechaude (2082m), but walked from Col de Porte to the foot of La Pinéa and then followed a trail on a ridge to Oratoire d’Orgeval, where we had lunch. We returned to Col de Porte on the road, along which the construction of it in 1936 was well documented in pictures. It left us wonder why on earth someone wanted to build a road up to the alpine pasture at about 1600 meters.

Another heatwave is expected to start on Wednesday: the weather forecast promises daytime temperatures 10-12 degrees higher than normal. Fortunately we have already solved the problem by booking a short weekend escape in Briançon, the highest city in France at an altitude of 1326 meters. Our plan is to run a 10K race from Val des Prés in the Vallée de la Clarée to Briançon, and then visit the alpine botanic garden at Col du Lautaret.