tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77435080935095526752024-03-07T22:20:52.217-08:00European AdventuresPetrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-31155586013027487862018-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:002018-03-08T12:55:30.484-08:00Climbing in Provence, Fall Vacation 2017Lucky for us, the kids have vacation every two months for two weeks, so we usually get out on a trip for one of the weeks. This year, the weather in October was amazing, so we decided to head down to Provence and get back into climbing which we've been neglecting a little bit lately.<br />
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Our first stop was at les Gorges d'Agnielles for a nice little warm-up doing a via ferrata. There were two options; the easy one and the "sportive" one. We had a democratic vote and even though it was even, the boys convinced us to go on the more difficult route. This is where I realized how badly out of shape I was. Anna needed some convincing, but she managed to do all of it no problem. However, I could not finish the overhang (and stupidly took my heavy backpack + SLR camera) so Jakub had to come to the rescue and help me clip the carabiners to move on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making our Way Up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exposed and relatively long overhang bit.</td></tr>
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We then moved on to Orpierre, which is a well known climbing destination. Here, we rented a nice little camping cabin with a five star view and a hot tub. My kind of dream becoming true! The sunsets from the cabin were quite spectacular. The climbing here was nice, but with warm weather and school vacation comes crowdedness. We had to go on shady routes, but still had a good time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot tubbers. It did take us one night and some intense google/youtube abuse to figure out how to get it going! ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally!!! I've been missing hot tubs badly ever since we left Canada.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Day 1.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna patiently waiting her turn to climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Day 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Day 2</td></tr>
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On the way to the Calanques we did a quick afternnoon stop in Buoux. This was again limestone crag climbing, not too busy and once again the weather was perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom belaying Anna</td></tr>
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In Calanques we did one day sit-on-top kayaking with a guide. It was not quite comparable to the sea kayaking we did in Tofino (Canada), but was a nice switch from climbing. It was assumed we have not paddled before, so we got a nice basic "how to paddle" demonstration (funny watching Jakub, the white water expert kayaker be taught basics :) and after signing multiple forms (France), we were set to go!! We paddled from Cassis into two of the nearest Calanques inlets and then back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting point, Calanque Port Miou</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Anna and Jakub</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jellyfish!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calanque d'En Vau</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie Time in Sexy Life Jackets</td></tr>
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Our Second Mission in Calanques was to climb of course. We chose a pretty easy multipitch climb<span style="font-family: inherit;">, <span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">dièdre Guem, at Calanque de Sormiou. I must say it's a classic and perfect for family climbing. The route starts</span> </span>near the sea and the limestone is very grippy due to the salt and wind exposure. The access to the route was an adventure itself, because we had to squeeze through a very narrow passage, which required taking off backpacks and some (Jakub!) could barely fit their shoulders in. We were quite proud of ourselves to be there first as we are usually not so organized in the mornings. After we started to climb, the line up behind us began...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down climbing to access the diedre.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dièdre Guem</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off We Go!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety First!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and I - bird eye's view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting over the bulge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last bit was very exposed, the kids rocked it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy Peasy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GR-GHz9pulU/Wkf0JEKiGuI/AAAAAAAAIqY/majHiyPkL4UBiK4T33m1blj95naVKvTgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_7402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GR-GHz9pulU/Wkf0JEKiGuI/AAAAAAAAIqY/majHiyPkL4UBiK4T33m1blj95naVKvTgwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_7402.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Guide :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice view of the turquoise waters on our way back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids went for a quick swim but beware of the jelly fish!</td></tr>
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When it got rainy we made a small cultural interlude. We visited Arles ampitheatre and Carrieres de Lumieres in Les Baux-de-Provence.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre Explorers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amphitheatre has pieces of shells stuck in the building blocks.</td></tr>
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Our last and final stop was in the wine region Cotes du Rhone, namely Gigondas. Here we climbed at Dentelles de Montmirail. Jakub and the kids did one last multipitch climb into a "window" but at that point I opted out and rested. The kids actually really loved this route as they ended up climbing to a hole in the cliff and then went through to rappel down on the other side. There were many onlookers shocked that someone just came out from a hole in the cliff :D.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Overs?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grenache grapes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last climbing destination and the weather front is coming in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom giving it a go.</td></tr>
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To finish off, we bought some nice local wine and headed home as the weather degraded. What can I say, a perfect trip this time, we had a blast! A nice balance of sport, culture and...... hot tubbing! :D<br />
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-37963614645068777932017-11-19T09:11:00.002-08:002017-11-19T09:27:56.195-08:00Autrans Cross Country Skiing - Start of the SeasonIt's that time of the year again, when a white blanket covers the surrounding peaks and we dust off our skis. It's quite not enough yet for downhill skiing (at least not in the near vicinity), so today we went out for a short cross country trip with the kids in Autrans. A 7.0km loop in 1h20, not bad :))<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter is here, but some still resist...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a water break after the long climb up to the station.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly the kids are not complaining too much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom is sporting a green goatee on his chin ;) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most entertaining part of the trip. Penguin sliding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weeeeeee!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znKdO4p4IhM/WhG1rSbP0FI/AAAAAAAAIjo/mhTHAZi3GzMQ64-gLH4Yxw-76JHj0qOMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znKdO4p4IhM/WhG1rSbP0FI/AAAAAAAAIjo/mhTHAZi3GzMQ64-gLH4Yxw-76JHj0qOMgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7457.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 points for the perfect body alignment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rELSpE7LD9g/WhG1sUfbBGI/AAAAAAAAIjs/lR-a6SlpBxIjrgiqLpCiNXOfgMn-yT5tQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rELSpE7LD9g/WhG1sUfbBGI/AAAAAAAAIjs/lR-a6SlpBxIjrgiqLpCiNXOfgMn-yT5tQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7460.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The duo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yXHhGLTLeM/WhG1tDeTdXI/AAAAAAAAIjw/XiPZcWI-KssTwOJWLNt7sLBWwKh_sivGwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yXHhGLTLeM/WhG1tDeTdXI/AAAAAAAAIjw/XiPZcWI-KssTwOJWLNt7sLBWwKh_sivGwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7461.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh that sibling love. Actually nice when they get along ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much, but better than sitting at home.</td></tr>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-450901791237567562017-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:002017-04-07T12:46:33.638-07:00Canada Trip - PART II - VANCOUVER ISLANDOur Vancouver Island trip was rather epic partly due to the vehicle we chose to travel in. We decided to take our beloved 1990 Astro Chevy, which was our former Canadian vehicle that took us around on trips thousands of kilometers including the US. At this point, the retired grandpa vehicle had been repaired, patched up and has seen many places in its lifetime. Currently, it serves my mom as a camping vehicle on rare occasions. In order to save some money on car rental, we opted out for using the van but already in Victoria we noticed a few minor "flaws". One day we went to the swimming pool and as it was a hot day, we opened the windows to cool down. In a matter of moments, I felt like my eyes were full of dust particles and then realized my face was also covered with some grit. We soon found out that the polyurethane ceiling liner was basically disintegrating and was crumbling down on top of our heads which was not the most pleasant experience. I told the kids to put on their swimming goggles and towel on their heads for the ride back home in order to avoid being coated in plastic particles. Clearly, we could not travel like this, so Jakub the toolman fixed the problem with the help of my mom, by taping garbage bags onto the ceiling with duct tape. It gave our van a whole new stylish look...the kids started giving the van various nick names: duster van, garbage can, hippie van, etc. On another note, the suspension was practically non-existant in the car, so on any type of bumpy road (there are plenty on the trip up-island), we were bouncing up and down in our seats, as if we were on some amusement ride. <br />
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When Jakub told our friend Adam we were traveling in this car (which was supposed to take us around Vancouver Island and the Mainland), he made a bet with Jakub that we would not make it all the way. So the winning party would get a bottle of hard liquor. The bet was set, we packed our camping and sports gear, and off we went for another adventure...Our trip was structured around nature (and re-visiting places we used to go when we lived in Canada) as well as our friends; to visit as many as possible and to catch up. I was really craving the space and wilderness that we don't have in Europe, but to my dismay I realized, that things have changed in five years.<br />
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<b>Sombrio Beach</b><br />
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This is a popular spot for surfers and campers and it's quite amazing. It was always the "hippie beach" where tourists would not go as much. The beach is far from the parking lot, so it's a bit more remote, meaning that hopefully there would be less people. Unfortunately on a summer weekend, the beach was very busy with people, but we still managed to find a nice spot to camp and enjoy the ocean views. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna exploring the cold ocean waters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub bravely swimming in the ocean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset sausage dinner. Yum, yum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WndIed6NurE/WJdJk9VwuMI/AAAAAAAAIUE/lGPdU8LkpssiK5DZlklQRCp_moKPF2lYwCLcB/s1600/DSC_1955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WndIed6NurE/WJdJk9VwuMI/AAAAAAAAIUE/lGPdU8LkpssiK5DZlklQRCp_moKPF2lYwCLcB/s640/DSC_1955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture - perfect! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-8VP9QMdKY/WJdJj1vgdzI/AAAAAAAAIUA/wAD_xTutJYMUqgeyuYafJaOBriG8L5mjQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-8VP9QMdKY/WJdJj1vgdzI/AAAAAAAAIUA/wAD_xTutJYMUqgeyuYafJaOBriG8L5mjQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1958.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was moose sausage from Adam. ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0nXdmdOdAc/WJdJpM4XwTI/AAAAAAAAIUU/aA6bds4px5w1z7PPtjoz3pgaN4UdV-x8wCLcB/s1600/DSC_1976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0nXdmdOdAc/WJdJpM4XwTI/AAAAAAAAIUU/aA6bds4px5w1z7PPtjoz3pgaN4UdV-x8wCLcB/s640/DSC_1976.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S'MORES!!! The typical north-american campfire treat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1jkl7R7kcI/WJdJl0XNBTI/AAAAAAAAIUI/HeVDG3ZYVKI7kd-x_-akziCnhYf1UBFaQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m1jkl7R7kcI/WJdJl0XNBTI/AAAAAAAAIUI/HeVDG3ZYVKI7kd-x_-akziCnhYf1UBFaQCLcB/s640/DSC_1966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I must admit I really missed the Westcoast sunsets in Europe. You never really see the low sunset in the mountains where we live.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsxoN2vpyqA/WJdJnFp98RI/AAAAAAAAIUM/sdoBhce46NAFt47LllAbcbjRYRujSOrkwCLcB/s1600/DSC_1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LsxoN2vpyqA/WJdJnFp98RI/AAAAAAAAIUM/sdoBhce46NAFt47LllAbcbjRYRujSOrkwCLcB/s640/DSC_1969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had two tents. The kids had their own at this point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driftwood Shelter.</td></tr>
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<b>Cowichan Valley</b><br />
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Our next stop was at the Gordon River where we visited Jeff's memorial. We then followed the dirt roads to the Cowichan valley, realizing our back doors did not seal properly, so all the road dust was now covering our belongings and the car inside needed a good de-dusting. At this point we ran into our first serious issue. The steering wheel stopped working properly and Jakub just barely drove our car to a parking lot near Cowichan lake to stop and inspect. It was clear from the ground that fluid was leaking from the car and by logical deduction, we discovered that the steering fluid had leaked out completely. Upon closer look, Jakub found the tubing was broken and every time we drove into a turn, huge amounts of fluid were leaking out. It was like a punctured aorta to be more precise. We had no back-up fluid so the plan was to reach the nearest shop to replenish the fluid and try to temporarily tape up the tubing. Since the car was not going anywhere anyways we went for a dip in the lake first.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids enjoying the lake - here we met only 3 people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the water was cooooold. I think this is as far as I went.</td></tr>
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We did manage to drive to the nearest shop (even though it was a nail biting situation) and bought steering fluid + some fluid to clog the hole - this did not help. So we had to keep pouring liters of fluid in as we kept driving, and try to drive straight only - ha, ha. You should have seen us trying to park without turning the stirring wheel. We now made our way to Stephen and Cara's farm in the Cowichan Valley near Duncan - <a href="http://www.brightsideblueberries.com/" target="_blank">Brightside Blueberries (and such)</a>. Cara and Stephen have a wonderful farm that they run themselves, where they grow many veganic crops and they also take care of several cats and two dogs. We first got a tour of the farm, then the kids went swimming in the tiny lake on the property, and finally we had a nice evening chatting over vegan dinner and some drinks, including Chartreuse that we brought along on our trip to share with everyone. The Chartreuse is quite specific - either people love it or they hate it.... Anna fell in love with the cats and spent most of the time hanging out with all the new animal friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piqPnGmvGyo/WJdJ7bDKO8I/AAAAAAAAIVI/RCG3WZwIZt8gcsM2QY2z-X4PUfeHccp7wCLcB/s1600/DSC_2027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-piqPnGmvGyo/WJdJ7bDKO8I/AAAAAAAAIVI/RCG3WZwIZt8gcsM2QY2z-X4PUfeHccp7wCLcB/s640/DSC_2027.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm life is so peachy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a pro.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the farm tour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet blackberries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries - apparently the most profitable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5nkvald-w/WJdJ2UuWLCI/AAAAAAAAIU4/K0r9NRcC_PogqviFvoLeMQ5VhpTdtkbhQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZV5nkvald-w/WJdJ2UuWLCI/AAAAAAAAIU4/K0r9NRcC_PogqviFvoLeMQ5VhpTdtkbhQCLcB/s640/DSC_2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids cooling down in the lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Furry friends.</td></tr>
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The next day, we drove to Wayne and Glenna's place. They are such sweet and hospitable friends. Our kids got to use their hot tub while we chatted downstairs to catch up on the past five years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot tub time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Wayne and Glenna.</td></tr>
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<b>Nanaimo</b><br />
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Our next mission was to reach Nanaimo visit Joe, Gill, Norah and Phoebe. While we were waiting for our van go get fixed, we went to the lake and had a nice visit with our friends. This was our first time to meet Norah and Phoebe - two very energetic girls. The boys (and Norah) then helped out Joe chop some wood. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FUSKs4YV9Q/WJdKCCQyIwI/AAAAAAAAIVc/-CthqMRJAi8Z0c0ZkDrAewRL-8MByj_4ACLcB/s1600/DSC_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FUSKs4YV9Q/WJdKCCQyIwI/AAAAAAAAIVc/-CthqMRJAi8Z0c0ZkDrAewRL-8MByj_4ACLcB/s640/DSC_2067.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building sand castles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX4EdZ5sgLI/WJdKDiTQUPI/AAAAAAAAIVg/ZPyW0bm-jcUdNqe27HDbdAWznthzwOCkQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX4EdZ5sgLI/WJdKDiTQUPI/AAAAAAAAIVg/ZPyW0bm-jcUdNqe27HDbdAWznthzwOCkQCLcB/s640/DSC_2059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy loved this lake tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phoebe, the little cutie pie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy helping uncle Joe chop some wood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norah was also helping out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub and Joe working hard.</td></tr>
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As far as the van repair went, the car shop did not have the correct tubing because our car is after all 27 years ancient, so they had to order it in from Vancouver. Because that would delay us two extra days, we decided to move on to our most northern destination with the plan to get it fixed on the way back. So off to Tofino we went.<br />
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I forgot to mention that we bought some colorful spray paint to make graffiti on our hippie van, but due to time and weather constraints we never got around to it - what a shame!!!<br />
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<b>Tofino</b><br />
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In my mind, five years ago, Tofino was still a total hippie village where the surfer bums would go and hang out. Uculelet was a total little hole, unknown to most people. Well this has changed radically. It now seems to be the tourist place to go, with every surf rental place packed with people renting boards and suits (including ourselves). Villas, expensive clothes and brand-names everywhere. Hippies outnumbered by snobs and tourists. Justin Trudeau spending his family vacation there.... and then came the search for a camping spot. There are only so many campsites available, as it is inside the national park and everything seemed to be completely full. We lucked out and managed to find a spot for one night, but then had to look for another spot in a different camp the next day. If you wanted to make a campfire, there was no wood in the forest and even if you caved in and were willing to pay for wood, it was sold out anyways. I don't remember it being like this before. Where are the "good old days" I asked my self over and over. I felt trapped and not exactly free. While it's still a spectacular place to visit, off season might be smarter, because the crowds just destroy the magic.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtpGIU7-hvM/WJdKWzhH-yI/AAAAAAAAIWg/gt0cE4oA9tkOZIVNluOgYRgh9raLrDVSQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtpGIU7-hvM/WJdKWzhH-yI/AAAAAAAAIWg/gt0cE4oA9tkOZIVNluOgYRgh9raLrDVSQCLcB/s640/DSC_2164.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last spot we found in a camp of several hundred sites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj4SQHMe_u0/WJdKM3OlZUI/AAAAAAAAIV4/6xNdTEnDq40FTY5AAqnniNWNdgV6nvhVQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj4SQHMe_u0/WJdKM3OlZUI/AAAAAAAAIV4/6xNdTEnDq40FTY5AAqnniNWNdgV6nvhVQCLcB/s640/DSC_2101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like two peas in a pod.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofino is all about being cool hipster and buying expensive stuff.</td></tr>
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The whole point of going to Tofino is to enjoy the ocean, which means you gotta get in it of course! So we planned to do some surfing and sea kayaking. First on the list was surfing. We rented out boards, nice warm wetsuits and off we went. We had decent weather (relatively warm) and good size beginner waves. Tommy was super addicted and loved it. He was screaming with joy and we spent the whole afternoon in the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wi1mV7jj40/WJdKPjAPUFI/AAAAAAAAIWA/13xqQ7oSO5Yhle7EHa-L0dXdQZsu3bYdACLcB/s1600/DSC_2106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wi1mV7jj40/WJdKPjAPUFI/AAAAAAAAIWA/13xqQ7oSO5Yhle7EHa-L0dXdQZsu3bYdACLcB/s640/DSC_2106.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SURFERS ONLY!! ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our two little penguins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna with the body board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghyg52Gzpf0/WJdKTT_-wkI/AAAAAAAAIWQ/LZCafuTmJFQ6rJL2rd86IVvjcVAZzPAIACLcB/s1600/DSC_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghyg52Gzpf0/WJdKTT_-wkI/AAAAAAAAIWQ/LZCafuTmJFQ6rJL2rd86IVvjcVAZzPAIACLcB/s640/DSC_2117.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going out to catch those waves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IP3sowPUrM4/WJdKUbU64RI/AAAAAAAAIWU/zVpgm-qTMfIM99nz40msRM8hc7f3RbDgACLcB/s1600/DSC_2143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IP3sowPUrM4/WJdKUbU64RI/AAAAAAAAIWU/zVpgm-qTMfIM99nz40msRM8hc7f3RbDgACLcB/s640/DSC_2143.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of surfin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7g0ksSW3JQ/WJdKVVAFp6I/AAAAAAAAIWY/DNP4SAjf2f8_cEUyuEES8eySHHklnox8ACLcB/s1600/DSC_2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K7g0ksSW3JQ/WJdKVVAFp6I/AAAAAAAAIWY/DNP4SAjf2f8_cEUyuEES8eySHHklnox8ACLcB/s640/DSC_2149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy surfin' - he never stood up, he preferred to just lie on the board but enjoyed it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcWosCFvMg/WJdKWVrG5qI/AAAAAAAAIWc/ATjWZ44uM6MIpUMwJIK13NAqQeT5HZoAQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVcWosCFvMg/WJdKWVrG5qI/AAAAAAAAIWc/ATjWZ44uM6MIpUMwJIK13NAqQeT5HZoAQCLcB/s640/DSC_2151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub having a go :D (OK the wave was wayyy bigger at the start)</td></tr>
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We also had time to explore the beach a bit. Jakub went for a 10k run while we went to the visitor center. Then I went jogging for a 7k run and this is when I finally felt totally liberated. It was a foggy afternoon, not a person in sight and while I was running along the ocean, whales came up several meters from me, blowing water out of their blowholes. It was just amazing. And then a few minutes later, eagles were soaring right above my head, also just mere meters away. I was absolutely mesmerized. What a great memory! I guess you just have to get away from the main beaches where everyone practically drives in.</div>
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One evening we met up with Conor. He came to our camp and we had a bunch of beers together. He was very busy with his fishing job so he could stay only shortly and we did miss seeing his family this time around - hopefully next time we can meet up better ;).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going for a walk along the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna in action.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh CANADA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like father, like son.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Treasures</td></tr>
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On our last day in Tofino, we went on a guided sea kayaking tour to Meares Island. Our guide was a very sympathetic young guy who knew the history and ecology very well. His talk was very captivating and even the kids were interested. It was nice to see the giant cedar trees and old growth forest again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and Jakub in double sea kayak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy and I shared another kayak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really neat cedar boardwalk trails in the old growth forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ancient grandpa cedar tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neatly parked on the shore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the colorful wharf.</td></tr>
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After a nice west coast dinner (hamburger with yam fries and a pint of homebrew), we finally went to our duster van to move on to our next sleeping destination. But something was odd -- the control on the dashboard was indicating we had less than a half charged battery. There was suspicion that we left the lights on, but the battery should have recharged while we were driving, and it did not. Jakub quickly figured out it's a serious problem - the alternator was dead. It was night, we did not book any campsite, and our battery was draining slowly but surely. Since we had to use lights, it was draining that much faster. The plan in this case, was to find an emergency camping spot along the road on the way back to Victoria to save energy. In the morning we would try to drive back as far as possible on the remaining power we had. <br />
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We basically parked on the nearest dirt road we found, but it was still a decent location considering the situation we were in. The next morning we had our fingers crossed if the car will start up. We were very lucky because miraculously we got it going, but after hopping in, we could not stop - no pea breaks, or lunch breaks, we had to keep driving to be within 200km of Victoria, so that our insurance would cover towing us back.<br />
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By the time we drove to Port Alberni which is 194km from Victoria, all the electronics died but the one bar of battery still allowed us to drive to the Canadian Tire parking lot. From here we called the tow truck and had to salute our duster van goodbye as it was towed back to Victoria. At this point we decided we would not invest money to repair it for the second part of our trip and rented a car instead. It was quite exciting to be riding this old hippie van, but at some point you want to use your free time for vacation and not worry about car repairs or whether the car will make it one more day.<br />
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What an adventure though!! In case you wonder what happened to the Van, it was repaired and it's still alive at my mom's place. And the bet? Well Adam won it, and we still owe him that bottle of Chartreuse ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duster Van getting prepped for the towing back to Victoria.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa van got tired.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saluting our van. He served us well.</td></tr>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-16890627001878933612016-11-13T07:09:00.002-08:002016-11-13T07:09:56.880-08:00Jakub's Birthday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's November 11th and while all of the world celebrates Veterans day, we here at home celebrate Jakub's birthday. This year we spent two days doing just that.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day starts off with breakfast in bed...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We then went on a super cool hike to the Moucherotte.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Man.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was pretty coooold up there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty amazing views, winter wonderland overlooking Grenoble.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we got higher there was heaps of snow. Up to our knees and we met some skiers on the way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was much easier to go down than up. The kids took turns sledding down.</td></tr>
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In the evening we went to a Mexican restaurant, stuffed ourselves full and fell asleep. :)<br />
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The next day we had a small party at home so I prepped up some nice French food and a cake :))<br />
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I think it was a successful family celebration this year - happy birthday Jakub!</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-69010066427564713432016-10-22T13:07:00.001-07:002016-10-22T13:07:26.537-07:00Canada Trip - PART I - VICTORIA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we are five years later since we left our Canadian home. A three year European adventure turned to be a five year stay (and now even longer) in Grenoble, France; what we now call our second home (or third for Jakub and I). </div>
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Jakub has been fortunate enough to visit Canada on several occasions since we have moved to France, but the children and I have not been there for five whole years. It was time to go back to visit our family, friends and all those special places we missed so much. I was also really craving the spaciousness and savage nature that we don't have over here in Europe. </div>
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For the first part of our trip we stayed in Victoria for a few days. It was challenging to try to visit all those places we used to go to (favorite beaches, restaurants, etc.) and see all of our friends and family. We stayed at my mom's place, which was our base and my mom took great care of us by cooking and providing support when we were frantically packing for our road trips. We also got to see my uncle and aunt and several of our close friends. By the way, most of our friends have had children after we left Canada, so we got to meet many new (cute) faces!!! </div>
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On each part of the trip I took a picture of our little travel mascot "Pascal" to capture the location of our trip. Enjoy.</div>
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VICTORIA AND IT'S SURROUNDINGS, I MEAN BEACHES.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trip begins.....VICTORIA, BC. Pascal chilling on some fine barnacles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids with grandma at the Victoria harbor sea walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The young man and the sea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleming beach Seagull. We used to go climbing at this beach quite a bit....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out towards the US mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another favorite beach. Close to UVic and Queen Alexandra. Almost no people here - so relaxing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much space, no people around, just wonderful.</td></tr>
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BOTANICAL BEACH TRIP<br />
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We went on a one day trip to Botanical Beach, which is a few hours drive from Victoria along the coast. The beach is well known for it's dramatic waves during the high tide, and stunning tidal pools full of marine life during low tide. We were also quite lucky to sea a black bear a safe distance away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botanical beach trip with grandma. Time to have lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Kelp (largest brown algae) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical West Coast rainforest foliage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What botanical beach is well known for - tidal pools with tiny marine life.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnacles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much fun exploring this place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4TuANgfMew/WAuj9I52dMI/AAAAAAAAHhk/d9YLrSuvaAEyGuMTkb1Y64-EoACupOjkgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m4TuANgfMew/WAuj9I52dMI/AAAAAAAAHhk/d9YLrSuvaAEyGuMTkb1Y64-EoACupOjkgCLcB/s640/DSC_1838.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt and time can corrode even the strongest of chains.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5y_qtDQKn0/WAuj-O7GmZI/AAAAAAAAHho/Oy49go6R_8IvlMUSbTfmPR9pn-2NWTaIACLcB/s1600/DSC_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V5y_qtDQKn0/WAuj-O7GmZI/AAAAAAAAHho/Oy49go6R_8IvlMUSbTfmPR9pn-2NWTaIACLcB/s640/DSC_1840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3YiPwIsirM/WAuj_mTfGUI/AAAAAAAAHhs/ycwmuz1ObyEepVE-N9nc4gcGtaL54HRjACLcB/s1600/DSC_1842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3YiPwIsirM/WAuj_mTfGUI/AAAAAAAAHhs/ycwmuz1ObyEepVE-N9nc4gcGtaL54HRjACLcB/s640/DSC_1842.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More nifty seaweed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsSAnRpGgZI/WAukA7TgI0I/AAAAAAAAHhw/zv25cvLEkSk1c5al92mUWcWyGXQ8EX42ACLcB/s1600/DSC_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsSAnRpGgZI/WAukA7TgI0I/AAAAAAAAHhw/zv25cvLEkSk1c5al92mUWcWyGXQ8EX42ACLcB/s640/DSC_1846.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found some pretty cool sandstone features.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drlOBOgBAlw/WAukCEUHjpI/AAAAAAAAHh0/KgO6as7IN_Ufm2-eBIRZbn4BS3eWOQa-wCLcB/s1600/DSC_1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-drlOBOgBAlw/WAukCEUHjpI/AAAAAAAAHh0/KgO6as7IN_Ufm2-eBIRZbn4BS3eWOQa-wCLcB/s640/DSC_1848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-qcDxkUB_o/WAukF2-w89I/AAAAAAAAHiA/PiyHPGsNwkswcoPEeDYgOLnjzZ2HYAuYQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-qcDxkUB_o/WAukF2-w89I/AAAAAAAAHiA/PiyHPGsNwkswcoPEeDYgOLnjzZ2HYAuYQCLcB/s640/DSC_1859.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pools were almost like mirrors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vUA1Pd1L4I/WAukHyXJgaI/AAAAAAAAHiE/oGspRmoN2jcx52FBId9055HOaEU6jAzlQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vUA1Pd1L4I/WAukHyXJgaI/AAAAAAAAHiE/oGspRmoN2jcx52FBId9055HOaEU6jAzlQCLcB/s640/DSC_1868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the black bear?? Our first encounter with wildlife. We also saw a sea otter scurrying along the beach.</td></tr>
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VISIT WITH THE MOLNAR'S<br />
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One evening we got to hang out with Adam, Michelle, Bradley and Audrey. They made a very delicious Canadian style BBQ for us, so we ate good food, chatted, played with the kids and had a very pleasant evening - thanks guys!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM23K_Y3YWo/WAukLerTrpI/AAAAAAAAHiU/XA5bd0kCqicmp2jv6sNjG4gKIcU5EyBcwCLcB/s1600/DSC_1887.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM23K_Y3YWo/WAukLerTrpI/AAAAAAAAHiU/XA5bd0kCqicmp2jv6sNjG4gKIcU5EyBcwCLcB/s640/DSC_1887.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmmm, Canadian BBQ, sooo goood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtV43k2CZkw/WAukIhzoccI/AAAAAAAAHiI/mdZftwTGPdA4abaUKO6lQoS4bYUKXfrLQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtV43k2CZkw/WAukIhzoccI/AAAAAAAAHiI/mdZftwTGPdA4abaUKO6lQoS4bYUKXfrLQCLcB/s640/DSC_1876.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley - clever look on his face. After dinner his moment came - "desert time" :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cZFS3hMUU4/WAukJcLCb5I/AAAAAAAAHiM/12-k-5Kynb0shLquyCAOPk6ehGXNdMLKACLcB/s1600/DSC_1882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cZFS3hMUU4/WAukJcLCb5I/AAAAAAAAHiM/12-k-5Kynb0shLquyCAOPk6ehGXNdMLKACLcB/s640/DSC_1882.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey, a very adventurous little girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam taking care of business.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvbcsQcEKkg/WAukNcGzbzI/AAAAAAAAHic/X7DJwqIONK8sAUZ5F5SNXc689H93ApRagCLcB/s1600/DSC_1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvbcsQcEKkg/WAukNcGzbzI/AAAAAAAAHic/X7DJwqIONK8sAUZ5F5SNXc689H93ApRagCLcB/s640/DSC_1903.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWzTnesy-W8/WAukOboVq6I/AAAAAAAAHig/v3OxwyCnTYMHIFFQ2MW777QsB_BQWuvsgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWzTnesy-W8/WAukOboVq6I/AAAAAAAAHig/v3OxwyCnTYMHIFFQ2MW777QsB_BQWuvsgCLcB/s640/DSC_1913.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley inherited some of Tommy's toys, so they were having a great time building some fancy car tracks.</td></tr>
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VISIT WITH EMMA <i>et al.</i></div>
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We had another BBQ with Emma and her lovely family. (Ian, Amelia and Gabi) The girls were so full of energy I forgot what it was like when our kiddies were younger. I was wondering if the house will stand while all of our 4 kids plus the neighbor's kids were chasing cats inside. Even though we only had a few hours to catch up on our lives and bring up some of our fun memories together, it was wonderful to see everyone. Thanks for having us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epO-U8pcKEM/WAu35_3bszI/AAAAAAAAHjM/1KZ4wbFeXeM51v63Si1eFmeHA4sw3yg0ACLcB/s1600/DSC_2707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epO-U8pcKEM/WAu35_3bszI/AAAAAAAAHjM/1KZ4wbFeXeM51v63Si1eFmeHA4sw3yg0ACLcB/s640/DSC_2707.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Total mischief in her eyes ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbdJNoITrKg/WAu36MT7rXI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/xSjuqmDz9UITuORM5TqFX-HXSOyGOGxmwCLcB/s1600/DSC_2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbdJNoITrKg/WAu36MT7rXI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/xSjuqmDz9UITuORM5TqFX-HXSOyGOGxmwCLcB/s640/DSC_2709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting down for a few seconds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uOQ1QH_rGQ/WAu34aJeCzI/AAAAAAAAHjI/XtnJroeYz5I_QHZtkxAl_w861vtcTyYXwCLcB/s1600/DSC_2711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uOQ1QH_rGQ/WAu34aJeCzI/AAAAAAAAHjI/XtnJroeYz5I_QHZtkxAl_w861vtcTyYXwCLcB/s640/DSC_2711.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow, Amelia was not able to hold still for the photo :) (What a surprise)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ggRS1jUBis/WAu360CFzUI/AAAAAAAAHjU/mAiV8BUqqUsrAv6Vyl9b0cyqBJY4TfWYwCLcB/s1600/DSC_2714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ggRS1jUBis/WAu360CFzUI/AAAAAAAAHjU/mAiV8BUqqUsrAv6Vyl9b0cyqBJY4TfWYwCLcB/s640/DSC_2714.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And when she did hold still, she made a funny face. How typical :))</td></tr>
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SUSHI WITH MEDITATION GROUP<br />
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I have a group of friends in Victoria that we used to meet up and meditate with. We'd also hang out together over some nice food and talk about all sorts of interesting things. And we still do keep in touch. We went out for sushi and meditated of course! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grKjozvYkyw/WAu37tUyJnI/AAAAAAAAHjY/oeCquxIap7g5iXexm_MCFpNF9uEv3c1MACLcB/s1600/DSC_2715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-grKjozvYkyw/WAu37tUyJnI/AAAAAAAAHjY/oeCquxIap7g5iXexm_MCFpNF9uEv3c1MACLcB/s640/DSC_2715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't ever get enough of good sushi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_FCg4mgzPA/WAu38m5BHEI/AAAAAAAAHjc/If3uGCU74OgDBRPYmPW9fweCCwZYHa8HwCLcB/s1600/DSC_2722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_FCg4mgzPA/WAu38m5BHEI/AAAAAAAAHjc/If3uGCU74OgDBRPYmPW9fweCCwZYHa8HwCLcB/s640/DSC_2722.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends :)</td></tr>
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And that wraps up most of the Victoria activities. It was great to be back and see everyone, and kind of sad and nostalgic because so many great memories flooded back. I think it's very challenging to be a global child, because you end up getting swept around the world and landing somewhere else than where your roots are. As I said, this is now my third "home" in France and it's not easy to try to resettle again. But we're quite lucky because Grenoble is not such a bad place to be. <br />
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Let's see what the future brings!<br />
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~Petra~Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-61381055870767502402016-03-12T14:59:00.000-08:002016-03-12T14:59:45.963-08:00Villard de Lans skiing March 2016Today we went skiing to Villard de Lans because 1) if I don't kick the kids out of the house, they will stare into the computer for the whole day 2) this year has been way too warm, so might as well get out while the snow is still decent 3) spring is around the corner so this may be our last chance.<br />
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Considering the warm and not so ski-friendly winter, we still managed to do a decent amount of skiing this season. It's true we had to visit higher resorts more often, but still we somehow managed to go to our usual "backyard" resorts, even though the conditions were not so perfect. On a positive note, we got to ski in all kinds of snow conditions which is a good experience.<br />
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As you may have guessed by now the kids are getting better than Jakub and I, and are kicking our butts :)) I personally can't keep up anymore. Anna is a speed demon and Tommy is the freestyle expert. Today was a chillaxin' short ski session, so I decided to take my SLR camera and take some nice pics. Enjoy!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CfV0IUhzaHM/VuSdVKRpgVI/AAAAAAAAHF8/pD--nitxS4QSnsQ0rWSb3_MYN6NjU2M2A/s1600/DSC_0648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CfV0IUhzaHM/VuSdVKRpgVI/AAAAAAAAHF8/pD--nitxS4QSnsQ0rWSb3_MYN6NjU2M2A/s640/DSC_0648.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That sibling love. Looking so peaceful and innocent on the photo.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEDLG_hB4sk/VuSc6a2gVtI/AAAAAAAAHF0/-wu2Uv6R1mQ_09DdMzoONrkPYdejNS2yA/s1600/DSC_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEDLG_hB4sk/VuSc6a2gVtI/AAAAAAAAHF0/-wu2Uv6R1mQ_09DdMzoONrkPYdejNS2yA/s640/DSC_0651.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freestylin' it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tztUgiolpA/VuSdJmQfCnI/AAAAAAAAHF4/9Evdv-cRTf0-HjMIMQLspvcstGxn_EsXQ/s1600/DSC_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0tztUgiolpA/VuSdJmQfCnI/AAAAAAAAHF4/9Evdv-cRTf0-HjMIMQLspvcstGxn_EsXQ/s640/DSC_0652.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna following in the footsteps of her older brother or shall I say in the ski steps...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeaaaaaah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine and ocean of clouds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random dude improvised ski chair.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's best friend Saskia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vercors (foreground) vs. Belledonne (background). </td></tr>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-32073861235264223822015-11-13T09:31:00.001-08:002015-11-13T09:31:16.061-08:00Charmant Som Multipitch with the kids. (East face slabs)For Jakub's birthday, we usually try do do some type of outdoor family thing. This year the weather is still incredible in mid November (dry, sunny and around 20C) so we headed out to conquer the Charmant Som from the climber's point of view. Well actually the climbing was rather simple so maybe I should not say conquer ;). It was very enjoyable though because the limestone here is grippy and the features are super cool - lots of neat cracks, a nice view of the Belledonne and Mt. Blanc as well. What more could one wish for!! The kids had no probs doing it (no surprise it's 3c). Tommy seemed to walk up 90% of the slabs without using his hands at all. I think our kids need something harder next time!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting psyched for the climb! Look at that sky (on Nov 11th)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy and Anna were not too motivated at home, but we finally convinced them to come out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Belledonne in the distance. You can see the miniature pic de Belledonne which we conquered with Jakub this summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna in the grooove :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub running out of rope already.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazy view of the Vercors. The flat peak on the right Mt. Aiguille (another peak already conquered with Jakub :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friction climbing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very last cliff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands free.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fam, Happy B-day Jakub!</td></tr>
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Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-51749512472800948792015-08-20T15:18:00.000-07:002015-08-20T15:18:09.324-07:00Hiking in the Écrins national park. Dormillouse - Lac Palluel - Lac Faravel.The most recent activity I've done was a pretty spectacular hike in the Écrins national park with my friend Lahari. We were actually planning to go hiking the whole summer and hoped to camp up in the mountains over night, but finally, the only weekend that we managed to choose to go, it turned out the most unpredictable weather-wise. The forecast was mainly for rain, but we still decided to go ahead and enjoy the great outdoors. <br />
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For the first day, I planned a shorter hike near the city of Embrun. It was 700m elevation to the lac l'Hivernet and back. It was a bit of an adventure just to reach the starting point of the hike, as my GPS had a mind of it's own (and I am completely useless with directions). We ended up on a road that kept getting narrower and narrower, steeper and windier, when finally it stopped at a dead end in the middle of nowhere. The only thing that was in front of us was perhaps a trace of a road, which maybe existed decades ago, overgrown with large trees and grass. (to make it more fun, we were in thick fog you could cut with a knife). Thank god we somehow managed to turn the car around, because backing down kilometers on this ridiculously steep narrow road would be the end of me. We drove back to the city and redirected the navigation up a different path which turned out to be good this time. We had to conquer chaos in the city (it was the ironman race), we passed through more fog, and finally got to the start.<br />
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The hike had a very Halloween/spooky feel to it. We were in a foggy forest, with tree shadows looming over us. It started raining persistently. I did not take my camera so the only worthwhile photo I took with Lahari's camera was the cobweb covered with drops on it. We tested out our new ponchos which ended up being more wet on the inside than outside...condensation??? :) And once out of the forest, the hike got steeper up into the alpine. I was hoping for some miracle that we would pass the fog and get above the clouds and sure enough, we had about a 100m of fogless hiking just before reaching the lake. <br />
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The lake was tiny and cute, if you can use that expression for a lake. We saw some dramatic views of mountains and clouds and then the sun came out for a millisecond. Our hands were frozen and we felt the cold wind up there. We had a very rapid snack and put on all the warmest clothes we owned, wishing for some nice gloves (next time!). Then came the sound of bells from the fogland, followed by sheep. The map showed there should be a hut by the lake but we did not see anything. We even hiked up higher to find it with no luck. This made me think we might not be at the right lake!! :)) Who knows, it was pretty anyways. <br />
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On the way back, the rain had stopped and clouds were clearing out. The evening plan was to drive to our next hiking spot but we had no idea what kind of a challenge it will be. It turned out the ironman race had still been going on, so we had to take a few detours, a few u-turns and so on and so forth...you get the idea. Then the GPS wanted me to take another mountain road which to our luck was blocked. The bottom line is, that we found our hiking start point after much longer than expected. After dinner, we huddled in our Van and fell asleep...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike to Lac L'Hivernet "Start" is where we also finished. Ascent and descent was 900m. (I left my GPS on for the drive down :))</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When hiking in the rain, you can find some pearls on a string.</td></tr>
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When we woke up the second day we were quite excited because we saw blue skies and sunshine. Even though we planned to get up at 6AM, we were glad to start moving at around 7:00 and finally set out on the hike at 8 or later. This hike started with the ancient village of Dormillouse, continuing on to two lakes (Palluel and Faravel) and completing the loop at 16km and 1000m elevation. The village itself has some really interesting history. One thing that really stuck in mind for me, is that this is the only village in France where people live all year round but don't have any road access. Other than two refuges, a church, and the local houses, a few ancient ruins remain around the village.<br />
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After we left the village it was all pure nature and very few people. We saw tonnes of Marmots, green velvet mountains, wild forest raspberries, fresh mountain streams, baby fish, picture perfect lakes, waterfalls, and impressive views. So we enjoyed the sights, the sounds and the bliss of being out there. I hope you enjoy the photos and get an idea of what we experienced.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dormillouse ruins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marmot in the middle, Genepi plant on the right.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJrWnDyd_fA/VdZKH7W1buI/AAAAAAAAG7U/DZMLLOB9-20/s1600/DSC_7761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJrWnDyd_fA/VdZKH7W1buI/AAAAAAAAG7U/DZMLLOB9-20/s640/DSC_7761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hiking buddy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1S7QfJLsQ/VdZKIc8Br4I/AAAAAAAAG7Y/UInRssXpsS8/s1600/DSC_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1S7QfJLsQ/VdZKIc8Br4I/AAAAAAAAG7Y/UInRssXpsS8/s640/DSC_7763.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down into the valley we came from.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHIoeozU26I/VdZKI6JQu8I/AAAAAAAAG7g/LSmhC5Kg1C8/s1600/DSC_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHIoeozU26I/VdZKI6JQu8I/AAAAAAAAG7g/LSmhC5Kg1C8/s640/DSC_7765.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the rain...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzFVgVf7i-U/VdZKK8fcpnI/AAAAAAAAG70/11eTjgmJb3I/s1600/DSC_7772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzFVgVf7i-U/VdZKK8fcpnI/AAAAAAAAG70/11eTjgmJb3I/s640/DSC_7772.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at the first lake!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_ktGIEMZw/VdZKJ66qqAI/AAAAAAAAG7s/7n5IA4gZjxc/s1600/DSC_7775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5_ktGIEMZw/VdZKJ66qqAI/AAAAAAAAG7s/7n5IA4gZjxc/s640/DSC_7775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect reflection at lac Palluel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVT31vGA4QQ/VdZKL-CsWqI/AAAAAAAAG78/aB_nxgxb-Q4/s1600/DSC_7777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVT31vGA4QQ/VdZKL-CsWqI/AAAAAAAAG78/aB_nxgxb-Q4/s640/DSC_7777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch, mmmmm...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m6WcC4KMMY/VdZKNIzkZnI/AAAAAAAAG8E/auEhAvktfyI/s1600/DSC_7778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2m6WcC4KMMY/VdZKNIzkZnI/AAAAAAAAG8E/auEhAvktfyI/s640/DSC_7778.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meditation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubc8NUgO1AM/VdZKN8lGmpI/AAAAAAAAG8M/yq1kaCuNjWc/s1600/DSC_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubc8NUgO1AM/VdZKN8lGmpI/AAAAAAAAG8M/yq1kaCuNjWc/s640/DSC_7779.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect body posture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqEjnipoyXQ/VdZKOtZi4iI/AAAAAAAAG8U/pqPhmQvR_8k/s1600/DSC_7780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqEjnipoyXQ/VdZKOtZi4iI/AAAAAAAAG8U/pqPhmQvR_8k/s640/DSC_7780.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cairns, millions of them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ-QbmgyP0Q/VdZKPQYqLCI/AAAAAAAAG8c/-0w9OgZKNiQ/s1600/DSC_7785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BJ-QbmgyP0Q/VdZKPQYqLCI/AAAAAAAAG8c/-0w9OgZKNiQ/s640/DSC_7785.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more yet again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lahari in the midst of Cairnland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac Faravel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecPdY6xFbFs/VdZKS0BqslI/AAAAAAAAG80/PMVxcm_Mzk4/s1600/DSC_7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecPdY6xFbFs/VdZKS0BqslI/AAAAAAAAG80/PMVxcm_Mzk4/s640/DSC_7793.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A valley where you can fit a million and one tents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BhYVyvCZ8U/VdZKUFhiG_I/AAAAAAAAG88/GdXEd4lv6TA/s1600/DSC_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BhYVyvCZ8U/VdZKUFhiG_I/AAAAAAAAG88/GdXEd4lv6TA/s640/DSC_7795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At lac Faravel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6T_9XDyjDY/VdZKUv2pAxI/AAAAAAAAG9E/H6-e0gsCxNw/s1600/DSC_7799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6T_9XDyjDY/VdZKUv2pAxI/AAAAAAAAG9E/H6-e0gsCxNw/s640/DSC_7799.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0tNAV5DJVo/VdZKVz8W_OI/AAAAAAAAG9M/-UQBk3-YveA/s1600/DSC_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0tNAV5DJVo/VdZKVz8W_OI/AAAAAAAAG9M/-UQBk3-YveA/s640/DSC_7805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the lake surroundings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaGO0JAvYPU/VdZKWlPBCwI/AAAAAAAAG9U/Uq2rQw44aic/s1600/DSC_7811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VaGO0JAvYPU/VdZKWlPBCwI/AAAAAAAAG9U/Uq2rQw44aic/s640/DSC_7811.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More reflections...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5g3JrJOgcaY/VdZKaiu32mI/AAAAAAAAG90/rtYTRrNK08w/s1600/DSC_7831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5g3JrJOgcaY/VdZKaiu32mI/AAAAAAAAG90/rtYTRrNK08w/s640/DSC_7831.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to head back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmYQqn-JsCE/VdZKbn3OyNI/AAAAAAAAG98/EZ16caTX4CU/s1600/DSC_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmYQqn-JsCE/VdZKbn3OyNI/AAAAAAAAG98/EZ16caTX4CU/s640/DSC_7833.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day we'll go to Mt Everest... ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUGvJxYCccg/VdZKcgk6gwI/AAAAAAAAG-E/eqePyj8wxOk/s1600/DSC_7834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUGvJxYCccg/VdZKcgk6gwI/AAAAAAAAG-E/eqePyj8wxOk/s640/DSC_7834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little white dots on the left is Dormillouse village.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC74ycq6tt4/VdZKdl-npfI/AAAAAAAAG-M/LwqsXDsBjV0/s1600/DSC_7837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hC74ycq6tt4/VdZKdl-npfI/AAAAAAAAG-M/LwqsXDsBjV0/s640/DSC_7837.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After all that hiking, nothing feels better than dipping your sore feet in ice cold water!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xJhA-8vOPQ/VdZOOGU1HkI/AAAAAAAAG-o/k9LBIi9PBJk/s1600/DSC_7843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xJhA-8vOPQ/VdZOOGU1HkI/AAAAAAAAG-o/k9LBIi9PBJk/s640/DSC_7843.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5hgugvgUTM/VdZKfWJqJoI/AAAAAAAAG-U/bqeMRZ83WW8/s1600/DSC_7839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5hgugvgUTM/VdZKfWJqJoI/AAAAAAAAG-U/bqeMRZ83WW8/s640/DSC_7839.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But only for a few seconds because it's way too coooooold!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSBT9wzF9TQ/VdZP8lpRK1I/AAAAAAAAG-8/dSU6dodXPHY/s1600/hike.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSBT9wzF9TQ/VdZP8lpRK1I/AAAAAAAAG-8/dSU6dodXPHY/s640/hike.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad we ended up going! Thanks Lahari xox.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFIW2inmGps/VdZKgCaNzoI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/cyqK6vKvraI/s1600/Hike2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFIW2inmGps/VdZKgCaNzoI/AAAAAAAAG-Y/cyqK6vKvraI/s640/Hike2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">The summary.</td></tr>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-70117798983634780882015-06-16T13:48:00.002-07:002015-06-16T13:48:55.219-07:00Spring Break roadtrip to southern France.This year we were playing with the idea of going to Morocco or
Portugal for the spring break, but at the end, we had a time issue and
thought there is still so much to explore in France, that we decided to
just head down south in the end.<br />
<br />
Our first stop was at
the artificial lake "Lac de Saint Croix" where the Verdon canyon ends and
the river enters the lake. Since it was late in the day, we found a perfect little wilderness camping spot and settled in. I made dinner, we set up the tents, and then we made a campfire. We roasted marshmallows, bringing back some nostalgic memories of our North American home... The
stars were bright and amazing that night, so I attempted to capture some
star trails over the lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYab7VRYagE/VVEcQdvwUmI/AAAAAAAAGlM/J_hj8diAZ_8/s1600/DSC_6416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYab7VRYagE/VVEcQdvwUmI/AAAAAAAAGlM/J_hj8diAZ_8/s640/DSC_6416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting our shelter ready with style.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kd7zWyryi4/VVEcSmeLBAI/AAAAAAAAGlg/rHOnElD2TTY/s1600/DSC_6420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kd7zWyryi4/VVEcSmeLBAI/AAAAAAAAGlg/rHOnElD2TTY/s640/DSC_6420.jpg" width="426" /></a> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SUY_P6qXf8/VVEcVtEgzJI/AAAAAAAAGl8/ck8e7BH__Jw/s1600/DSC_6427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SUY_P6qXf8/VVEcVtEgzJI/AAAAAAAAGl8/ck8e7BH__Jw/s640/DSC_6427.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDt1HFQ6_8c/VVEcRbWotAI/AAAAAAAAGlU/fag3T68eSvA/s1600/DSC_6417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDt1HFQ6_8c/VVEcRbWotAI/AAAAAAAAGlU/fag3T68eSvA/s640/DSC_6417.jpg" width="640" /></a>Dinner Time</div>
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</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhublQTrbmA/VVEcTHpb-wI/AAAAAAAAGlk/5NifbFDGBv4/s1600/DSC_6421.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhublQTrbmA/VVEcTHpb-wI/AAAAAAAAGlk/5NifbFDGBv4/s640/DSC_6421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resevoir at dusk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkWNFVmAKzY/VVEcUGb7sWI/AAAAAAAAGls/E6Sfd0WL9aM/s1600/DSC_6422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkWNFVmAKzY/VVEcUGb7sWI/AAAAAAAAGls/E6Sfd0WL9aM/s640/DSC_6422.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild thyme.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ3GY4tLRtc/VVEcVsAwC6I/AAAAAAAAGmA/ymyGcxKeKkE/s1600/DSC_6428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ3GY4tLRtc/VVEcVsAwC6I/AAAAAAAAGmA/ymyGcxKeKkE/s640/DSC_6428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agent Smith?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHaKr0Wutk0/VVEcYOJq5xI/AAAAAAAAGmU/z7oxckcPd5o/s1600/DSC_6451.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHaKr0Wutk0/VVEcYOJq5xI/AAAAAAAAGmU/z7oxckcPd5o/s640/DSC_6451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshmallows over the campfire.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fd_a1IZW1l4/VVEcV3Qng_I/AAAAAAAAGl4/2pLxU9L-bVg/s1600/DSC_6434.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fd_a1IZW1l4/VVEcV3Qng_I/AAAAAAAAGl4/2pLxU9L-bVg/s640/DSC_6434.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in thought...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5eRypW3fuk/VVEcYpcG18I/AAAAAAAAGmo/Bm102JR9HG8/s1600/DSC_6462.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5eRypW3fuk/VVEcYpcG18I/AAAAAAAAGmo/Bm102JR9HG8/s640/DSC_6462.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star trails in the Orion constellation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk49BW-nZ9k/VVEcY2eSVzI/AAAAAAAAGmY/Pb2eY8bORHU/s1600/DSC_6463.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk49BW-nZ9k/VVEcY2eSVzI/AAAAAAAAGmY/Pb2eY8bORHU/s640/DSC_6463.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Lac Saint Croix.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVs5YofRrRc/VVEcargdjgI/AAAAAAAAGms/SQO4NPea8qk/s1600/DSC_6468.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVs5YofRrRc/VVEcargdjgI/AAAAAAAAGms/SQO4NPea8qk/s640/DSC_6468.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home.</td></tr>
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<br />
Since Jakub brought Tommy's kayak along,
this was a great opportunity to take Tommy on flat water and practice
paddling a bit. As the boys entered into the spectacular limestone
canyon with its turquoise waters, I got a little jealous that I also
didn't have a watercraft to float on and explore the surroundings. To
our luck however, we noticed there was a paddle boat rental place just
across on the opposite beach, so we went to inquire about the price and
availability. It turned out that a boat would be available soon, so the
girl team (me, Anna, and Sarka - Jakub's mom) ended up following the
boys into the canyon. It was a good leg work out to turn the paddle
wheel against the river current, and the sites were just amazing. See
for yourself on the photos below...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rshz_jAc3k/VVEcbmNXKLI/AAAAAAAAGm0/NicLbUHKv7E/s1600/DSC_6474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rshz_jAc3k/VVEcbmNXKLI/AAAAAAAAGm0/NicLbUHKv7E/s640/DSC_6474.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite comfy on the paddle boat as we enter the canyon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4DiMyWPBVk/VVEccTB3A2I/AAAAAAAAGm8/M1u5euBoyM8/s1600/DSC_6478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4DiMyWPBVk/VVEccTB3A2I/AAAAAAAAGm8/M1u5euBoyM8/s640/DSC_6478.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys on their way back.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjqHrG7l9w8/VVEccxMEJoI/AAAAAAAAGnE/OfSFhtVkrCc/s1600/DSC_6484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjqHrG7l9w8/VVEccxMEJoI/AAAAAAAAGnE/OfSFhtVkrCc/s640/DSC_6484.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy dusting off his kayak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Y_6MgQyEo/VVEcdwd1Z3I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/iefcGm8tbF4/s1600/DSC_6504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0Y_6MgQyEo/VVEcdwd1Z3I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/iefcGm8tbF4/s640/DSC_6504.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pretty awesome waterfalls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaYnLiBroAM/VVEceia5PBI/AAAAAAAAGnY/EbyIxA8TsKE/s1600/DSC_6513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaYnLiBroAM/VVEceia5PBI/AAAAAAAAGnY/EbyIxA8TsKE/s640/DSC_6513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6_mBjJEaiA/VVEcgLKr_qI/AAAAAAAAGng/FwhAQ2LuXLI/s1600/DSC_6520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6_mBjJEaiA/VVEcgLKr_qI/AAAAAAAAGng/FwhAQ2LuXLI/s640/DSC_6520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting chilly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0sBfDcjcLY/VVEci0OmM3I/AAAAAAAAGn4/WXUGm7qQVb4/s1600/DSC_6539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0sBfDcjcLY/VVEci0OmM3I/AAAAAAAAGn4/WXUGm7qQVb4/s640/DSC_6539.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving the bats a scare.</td></tr>
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Later that day we went to do a little bit of easy climbing with Anna at "Le Galetas" limestone cliffs, while Tommy and grandma were chilling by the lake. Finally, after this eventful and sportive day, we headed to our next destination: Touet sur Var where we camped for two nights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckRxlF1EMYw/VVZOSkcfRtI/AAAAAAAAGog/CTz1fIHhZ00/s1600/DSC07300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckRxlF1EMYw/VVZOSkcfRtI/AAAAAAAAGog/CTz1fIHhZ00/s640/DSC07300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Lac Saint Croix from Le Galetas craggs.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzqceImYHus/VVZOSsLgy8I/AAAAAAAAGok/cT7SHomY0zU/s1600/DSC07302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzqceImYHus/VVZOSsLgy8I/AAAAAAAAGok/cT7SHomY0zU/s640/DSC07302.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss climbing girl.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpMqtcZ-R3M/VVZOW79G04I/AAAAAAAAGo8/ufNSII3P2Kw/s1600/DSC07307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpMqtcZ-R3M/VVZOW79G04I/AAAAAAAAGo8/ufNSII3P2Kw/s640/DSC07307.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink dot on the cliff, so girly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ekRe2hOW4/VVZOV1X1dfI/AAAAAAAAGo4/xSUrgvBcxPU/s1600/DSC07310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H9ekRe2hOW4/VVZOV1X1dfI/AAAAAAAAGo4/xSUrgvBcxPU/s640/DSC07310.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting some beta.</td></tr>
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On the way to Touet we made a few stops to admire the depth and greatness of the Verdon Canyon. We also made a few stops so that Jakub could do push ups. To explain a little more - Jakub received a work out program which would apparently train you to achieve certain number of push ups by the end of it. The program consisted of doing a certain number of push ups at a specific frequency per day. Sometimes it was 5 push ups every 30 mins, sometimes 15 every 15 mins. Then it got crazy because Jakub's timer was beeping so often and every time we stopped, Jakub got down and was working out :)))<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBsx9B5f7GI/VVZblMlc8_I/AAAAAAAAGrM/piUB0TfoLKw/s1600/DSC_6542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBsx9B5f7GI/VVZblMlc8_I/AAAAAAAAGrM/piUB0TfoLKw/s640/DSC_6542.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verdon Gorge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72dZlRpsFXA/VVZbmR9qlRI/AAAAAAAAGrY/_FsqYAsKrDA/s1600/DSC_6543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72dZlRpsFXA/VVZbmR9qlRI/AAAAAAAAGrY/_FsqYAsKrDA/s640/DSC_6543.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verdon Gorge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBKmPo0lMXc/VVZbnlcHb1I/AAAAAAAAGrk/gApfF1NOtEo/s1600/DSC_6547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DBKmPo0lMXc/VVZbnlcHb1I/AAAAAAAAGrk/gApfF1NOtEo/s640/DSC_6547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Push Up O'Clock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIoUY04Sf2M/VVZbpsgto7I/AAAAAAAAGrs/ikVdoyUZ3Z4/s1600/DSC_6549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIoUY04Sf2M/VVZbpsgto7I/AAAAAAAAGrs/ikVdoyUZ3Z4/s640/DSC_6549.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun set...</td></tr>
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In Touet, we found a campsite called Domaine de l'Amitie, owned by an older couple in the midst of a horse farm on the banks of the Var river. The couple was quite nice to us and since we were there out of season, it was very quiet and peaceful there.<br />
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Our plan for this particular region was to do two Via Ferratas, one each day. The first day we did a Via Ferrata called the Balma Negra which is located near a picturesque village of Roubion. <br />
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<a href="http://escalade-rando-malaussene.e-monsite.com/pages/topo-escalade/topo-roubion.html">http://escalade-rando-malaussene.e-monsite.com/pages/topo-escalade/topo-roubion.html</a><br />
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As we made our way through the village, we were stopped by some local residents who are likely in charge of the ferrata. They saw Anna and probably thought she was too small to do it so they discouraged us from going there. We told them we would try it out and see for our selves. I must say Anna did awesome, she was not scared nor did she whine about any part of it. I think the fact that we take her climbing and/or ferratas regularly really helps. I must also mention that Tommy is a pro at these ferratas and does them with great speed. He's always ahead of us and has no fear at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roubion with its narrow alleyways.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window of imagination.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Via Ferrata above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy in the lead as usual.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying herself.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew behind me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up up we go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wire traverse, Tommy swinging.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna going at it.</td></tr>
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After this super nice warm up, the next day we did a much longer via ferrata "des Canyons de Lantosque". As the name indicates, this ferrata was located inside two beautiful river canyons for about 95% of the time. The canyons were very green, lush and shady. The route started along the river Riou and then finished up along the river Vesubie. The end of the ferrata was completed by climbing a super long ladder and then walking across a huge and airy suspension bridge!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands free!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traverse above the waterfall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No fear.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedgie ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girlzzz</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy going up there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rest of the team below.</td></tr>
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The ferrata was strategically located for Jakub to go kayaking on the Vesubie river. So while he was going for a run, we hung out on the beach to greet him with chilled beer. But when we finally made it to the beach (most likely trespassing on private property), a helicopter flew by and hovered right above us. We were unsure whether they are there to tell us to get out because the dam was getting released or because it was private property. But then they flew off again and came back. We realized that they probably don't care about us, but are either doing a real search and rescue or are doing a practice one. At the end it seems like it was a practice indeed but it did make our stay at the beach anything but peaceful.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XojwDLsy4vg/VWNrShOZbaI/AAAAAAAAGxw/3Xc2EhlrwrA/s1600/DSC_6700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XojwDLsy4vg/VWNrShOZbaI/AAAAAAAAGxw/3Xc2EhlrwrA/s640/DSC_6700.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach butterflies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh4ryQAS-gI/VWNrS9RZsfI/AAAAAAAAGx8/SzDaRf9OzbQ/s1600/DSC_6708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nh4ryQAS-gI/VWNrS9RZsfI/AAAAAAAAGx8/SzDaRf9OzbQ/s640/DSC_6708.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qb5He-xiQs/VWNrTeME06I/AAAAAAAAGx0/_nbA_FxyPA4/s1600/DSC_6709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qb5He-xiQs/VWNrTeME06I/AAAAAAAAGx0/_nbA_FxyPA4/s640/DSC_6709.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone for a swim?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8gW36aHV6k/VWNrUhdekFI/AAAAAAAAGyE/iUT-eeP9Dko/s1600/DSC_6710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8gW36aHV6k/VWNrUhdekFI/AAAAAAAAGyE/iUT-eeP9Dko/s640/DSC_6710.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Search and rescue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKZjvKchKp0/VWNrVKuMXzI/AAAAAAAAGyM/aLvcU-55dp8/s1600/DSC_6718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKZjvKchKp0/VWNrVKuMXzI/AAAAAAAAGyM/aLvcU-55dp8/s640/DSC_6718.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a good laugh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggc4fl8ozn8/VWNrV_P7BCI/AAAAAAAAGyY/qf8y6HI4u6I/s1600/DSC_6719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggc4fl8ozn8/VWNrV_P7BCI/AAAAAAAAGyY/qf8y6HI4u6I/s640/DSC_6719.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgxaASSlffs/VWNrWrfaJaI/AAAAAAAAGyc/bgWl5aO9oVU/s1600/DSC_6722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgxaASSlffs/VWNrWrfaJaI/AAAAAAAAGyc/bgWl5aO9oVU/s640/DSC_6722.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry-suit-less!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
That night we camped in the wild, in a beech grove, but we noticed some wild boar had dug up the ground around the trees. Jakub actually set up his mom's tent right by one of these areas so she was wondering if she'll get a surprise visit during the night. We had a bad phone signal there so at night I walked up the road a bit and heard some loud noises in the forest wondering if those are our furry friends. In the morning Jakub was imitating pig noises so well that he tricked his mom a bit into thinking a boar was near her tent. We all had a good laugh. That day we had planned a hike down to the river valley and back. The depart was from the village of Gilette and the destination was the l'Esteron river. The hike was easy going but I found that people in this part of the world were a bit careless and messy. We saw garbage in a few areas of the forest and people properties were rather unkempt. Other than that we still had awesome weather and were thankful for that.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvekmXGbwM/VWNxos5j6JI/AAAAAAAAGy0/mCEkbdCwgm0/s1600/DSC_6725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvekmXGbwM/VWNxos5j6JI/AAAAAAAAGy0/mCEkbdCwgm0/s640/DSC_6725.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way back up to Gilette after reaching the valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyD-mmZazAs/VWNxpVFDrFI/AAAAAAAAGy8/xxwWgkWYvDI/s1600/DSC_6726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyD-mmZazAs/VWNxpVFDrFI/AAAAAAAAGy8/xxwWgkWYvDI/s640/DSC_6726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">l'Esteron river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhjSauPX850/VWNxn14fLDI/AAAAAAAAGyw/UtHOCpBNbu4/s1600/DSC_6727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhjSauPX850/VWNxn14fLDI/AAAAAAAAGyw/UtHOCpBNbu4/s640/DSC_6727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring tulips in someone's garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOfR2Aevk0k/VWNxqRH0ySI/AAAAAAAAGzI/TnYbrBXrX3o/s1600/DSC_6728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOfR2Aevk0k/VWNxqRH0ySI/AAAAAAAAGzI/TnYbrBXrX3o/s640/DSC_6728.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up there somewhere is our car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ZRy5jdYCE/VWNxq_J3HpI/AAAAAAAAGzM/9TrDK6pe_yM/s1600/DSC_6732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5ZRy5jdYCE/VWNxq_J3HpI/AAAAAAAAGzM/9TrDK6pe_yM/s640/DSC_6732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring in full bloom and beauty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3csUeLkX9o/VWNxsLMD2KI/AAAAAAAAGzY/NS5i-Lw3KCM/s1600/DSC_6733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3csUeLkX9o/VWNxsLMD2KI/AAAAAAAAGzY/NS5i-Lw3KCM/s640/DSC_6733.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget those push ups!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After all this exercise we decided to add in a bit of culture. We drove towards Grasse and stayed at a campsite on the way. In Grasse we went to visit the famous perfume museum which is worth visiting.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M07qwvA_Em8/VWN1edgu7JI/AAAAAAAAGzw/YbGrQg4sGvc/s1600/DSC_6736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M07qwvA_Em8/VWN1edgu7JI/AAAAAAAAGzw/YbGrQg4sGvc/s640/DSC_6736.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rooftops of Grasse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOiE9v4szLo/VWN1dRzwWSI/AAAAAAAAGzk/m4fNiGMsDIw/s1600/DSC_6739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOiE9v4szLo/VWN1dRzwWSI/AAAAAAAAGzk/m4fNiGMsDIw/s640/DSC_6739.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our next and favourite destination was Cassis and Calanques. The kids always love to visit the mediterranean (whereas Jakub does not) and we wanted to combine that with some easy climbing in the oh so famous cliffs of Calanques. Here we anchored our tents in the Cassis camping site for 3 nights. As we arrived in the evening, we had a bit of time to go check out the beach in Cassis and have a view of the castle. I would really recommend to anyone I know to visit this area as Cassis has a character; it's very picturesque and relatively small sized. Apparently a law was passed that prohibits the building of any high rises/hotels which is probably why this little gem is so appealing and looks the same as it did 50 yrs ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi5CAtqwGrg/VWN3HNYX3aI/AAAAAAAAG0A/C9uTGujsXtY/s1600/DSC_6745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi5CAtqwGrg/VWN3HNYX3aI/AAAAAAAAG0A/C9uTGujsXtY/s640/DSC_6745.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassis by dusk. Kids could not resist the waves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaKxzxvehyM/VWN4UKTm0xI/AAAAAAAAG10/_F9PtcwXMpQ/s1600/DSC_4775.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaKxzxvehyM/VWN4UKTm0xI/AAAAAAAAG10/_F9PtcwXMpQ/s640/DSC_4775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassis harbour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On our second day, we hiked to the Calanques d'en Vau, which is one of the closest approachable Calanque inlets. I am always amazed how turquoise the waters are and how white the cliffs are. I was surprised how many people were hiking around and when we reached the beach, it was actually packed - at the end of April (off tourist season!) go figure. Some people were courageous enough to swim. After a bit of lunch and siesta, Jakub convinced me to do a very easy multi pitch climb on the cliff adjacent to the beach (called La Saphir). It was actually very fun and each section had different features. On top of that, the limestone was not too polished as it commonly is.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w_l0c3vWNM/VWN3ILcAiSI/AAAAAAAAG0M/-gv2qoQS3B0/s1600/DSC_6749.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9w_l0c3vWNM/VWN3ILcAiSI/AAAAAAAAG0M/-gv2qoQS3B0/s640/DSC_6749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calanque de port Miou.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ywg6XytQuc/VWN3Hsva97I/AAAAAAAAG0E/Id2hrGiX6B8/s1600/DSC_6750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ywg6XytQuc/VWN3Hsva97I/AAAAAAAAG0E/Id2hrGiX6B8/s640/DSC_6750.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MquyaSZAoZs/VWN3KPkObxI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/HDXtROKQEdk/s1600/DSC_6752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MquyaSZAoZs/VWN3KPkObxI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/HDXtROKQEdk/s640/DSC_6752.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calanque d'en Vau</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLFZo6kZUBs/VWN3KzfT8tI/AAAAAAAAG0c/WMx5sqwVNMo/s1600/DSC_6753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLFZo6kZUBs/VWN3KzfT8tI/AAAAAAAAG0c/WMx5sqwVNMo/s640/DSC_6753.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Saphir multipitch climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwgwoBiNPkk/VWN3L3SkuZI/AAAAAAAAG0o/myHWdxjRJ30/s1600/DSC_6755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwgwoBiNPkk/VWN3L3SkuZI/AAAAAAAAG0o/myHWdxjRJ30/s640/DSC_6755.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calanque d'en Vau as viewed during our climbing expedition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfaFgzNOLNw/VWN3OEeOCKI/AAAAAAAAG0w/YPN1NAKIJ7c/s1600/DSC_6756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfaFgzNOLNw/VWN3OEeOCKI/AAAAAAAAG0w/YPN1NAKIJ7c/s640/DSC_6756.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbFf06b-q04/VWN3P3LtBSI/AAAAAAAAG1A/WBb9-YMa_hY/s1600/DSC_6759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbFf06b-q04/VWN3P3LtBSI/AAAAAAAAG1A/WBb9-YMa_hY/s640/DSC_6759.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI83vX6MMcY/VWN3QZs4s7I/AAAAAAAAG1E/GH_L5yC43Mc/s1600/DSC_6762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI83vX6MMcY/VWN3QZs4s7I/AAAAAAAAG1E/GH_L5yC43Mc/s640/DSC_6762.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top looking at the mediterranean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgWg4Tvct60/VWN3RodwaVI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/p5HX1qJ-f_k/s1600/DSC_6765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgWg4Tvct60/VWN3RodwaVI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/p5HX1qJ-f_k/s640/DSC_6765.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more time.</td></tr>
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The last day in Cassis was spent regenerating. I went to the beach with Šárka and the kids, while Jakub was catching up on his sleep in the tent and healing his knee (too much running) and elbow (too many push ups??).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgi7sw5W_LM/VWN3TiDPjZI/AAAAAAAAG1c/L31vPbFaf0c/s1600/DSC_6775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgi7sw5W_LM/VWN3TiDPjZI/AAAAAAAAG1c/L31vPbFaf0c/s640/DSC_6775.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was cleverly taken, but the beach was full. Later on there were some rowing races as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh, that fickle sibling love.</td></tr>
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<br />The next portion of our trip was a small interlude of wine tasting in the Rhone valley, or the Cote du Rhone region, which is the closest popular wine region to Grenoble. We visited three areas in total: Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Chateauneuf du Pape. At this point the weather became a bit soggy so this worked out perfectly for the wine tour. I must also not forget to mention that we own a comic book about the Rhone wine region and even though it was initially a present for Jakub, Tommy managed to read it several times and memorized all the different wines, and other such details. By the time we reached the wineries, Tommy was able to consult us on what wine to get, how it will taste and which food it will go well with. We were all in shock as he was educating us each evening. He also never wanted to miss out going to the grocery store with us because he felt responsible for choosing wines for us. Gotta love that kid!!<br />
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We went to visit a really cool wine museum at Chateauneuf du Pape and learned quite a few interesting things we didn't know. For example, I had no idea you could make white wine from red grapes or that the yeast for the fermentation comes from the grapes themselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigondas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budding grapes of the future vintage 2015 to come.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle ruin, at Chateauneuf du Pape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess people drink considerable amounts of wine here :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pretty flowers on the way....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only this wall still stands.</td></tr>
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Our very last trip destination was Ardeche/Massif Central where we planned to do some hiking. We did one small hike that Anna chose in our guide book and then we did a very long 15km hike in the national park Les Cevennes. We also managed to have one last camping night in in the wilderness, where we roasted some trout and shrimp on the grill and drank some of those nice wines we picked out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love camping in France. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilling time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandwiched grandma.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another clear night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last, looooong, monotonous hike of the trip...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After leaving the Alps these "little" hills are so boooooring. :D</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetation still dry and dead up in the mountains.</td></tr>
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And this sums up our spring road trip. It was really fun and we lucked out with the weather this time as it was at the end of April. It wasn't Morocco or Portugal, but I think our sport/adventure needs were satisfied. :)))) France always has so much to offer.<br />
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-72821065744432195972015-03-08T14:29:00.001-07:002015-03-08T14:47:54.161-07:00Snow, skis and winter fun in the French Alps.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a long pause, I feel like I owe a few posts on my blog again. This time I'll give you a little update on our very recent winter activities. This winter season has been rather unusually warm here in the French Alps as many of you know and even by mid January there was barely any good snow in the mountains. While it was possible to go to the bigger resorts, it was not really worth it because they are further, more expensive and the snow was not of such a good quality (mostly icy or technical). The cross country tracks also turned to pure ice and they were slowly but surely melting away. Some races were even cancelled...<br />
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It looked like this winter would be a bit of a ski disaster and would pass by without those powder days and so I started jogging more frequently. I guess there are always other sports one can do. To our surprise and joy, end of January finally brought us that white fluffy stuff. And not only to the mountains but also to the city. And it stuck on!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My evening meditative walk in the snow...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite jogging path close to our house, looking very different now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First blossoms caught off guard by the snow.</td></tr>
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<b>SERRE CHEVALIER</b><br />
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Even though this resort is not super close to Grenoble, it is still relatively close to visit for the weekend. Serre Chevalier is quite a popular resort located in the French Alps near Briancon. We decided to go there on a little weekend family trip even though it's a bit of a drive (2hrs) and one must cross over a pass in the mountains where it's usually stormy and challenging to drive through. The views were quite spectacular on the way there....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Serre Chevalier. Winter wonderland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chain-up area. Ironically we are entering the Cote-D'Azur department.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col de Lautaret (the pass I mentioned)</td></tr>
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Our plans were to first head to the spa in Monetier-les-Bains, where we chilled out for 3 hours. Then we went to Jakub's friend's place to sleep over. Raphael was a really nice host. He and his wife made us some real nice guacamole and chilli dinner, while we sat by the little fireplace, chatted and drank beers. Anna was busy playing with his daughter and once in a while tried to pet their crazy fat cat (which is apparanently probably related to Garfield because he's lazy and likes to eat pizza).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElKLhWDU1TM/VN5KfIx3nuI/AAAAAAAAGQI/WIimPs31Rks/s1600/IMG_6205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElKLhWDU1TM/VN5KfIx3nuI/AAAAAAAAGQI/WIimPs31Rks/s1600/IMG_6205.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monetier-Les-Bains Spa.</td></tr>
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On Sunday we headed out to Serre Chevalier for some skiing. There was some powder around but it was really cooooold out there. -10C with wind. I always have frozen toes and today was also that kind of day. I forced myself to hike up one of the pistes while the others did an extra run to make myself so hot until I was sweating and my feet were nice and hot. After that, I had no issues. :) We had a pretty good time skiing but Anna's friend was super cold really soon and she faced a huge dilemma. She was frozen and miserable but at
the same time she did not want to say goodbye to Anna. So her dad gave her his gloves, then his down jacket and eventually she was so bundled up you could barely tell who's inside there. After visiting a village of authentic Nepalese huts where we warmed up over a stove and tea, we continued to ski a bit more. Finally it was really time to say goodbye and we headed home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy, the free rider.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and her new friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serre Chevalier views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chair lift views...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heo_BiljEvk/VN5Kl1ddLSI/AAAAAAAAGRA/rtry9iLGuH4/s1600/IMG_6242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heo_BiljEvk/VN5Kl1ddLSI/AAAAAAAAGRA/rtry9iLGuH4/s1600/IMG_6242.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and her friend in her dad's jacket.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHhAh4G6xpI/VN5KmcPEA9I/AAAAAAAAGRE/okwGstNSjLY/s1600/IMG_6249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHhAh4G6xpI/VN5KmcPEA9I/AAAAAAAAGRE/okwGstNSjLY/s1600/IMG_6249.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't know what these guys were up to.</td></tr>
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<b>VILLARD DE LANS</b><br />
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After getting back from Serre Chevalier, we had a huge snow dump in Grenoble and surrounding local mountains. Even though my quads were still recovering from the weekend I could not resist and we all went to Villard de Lans for a half day skiing. It's roughly 1 hour from our house, located in the Vercors mountain range. I'd say it's my favourite place to go nearby as it is relatively family friendly and you can still find some nice off piste skiing there.<br />
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Anna did some powder skiing last year but she was really not too much into it back then. She also had smaller skis which would bury in the snow so it was more hard work for her than enjoyment. This year however, she had bigger skis and managed to ride the powder nicely. It was funny watching her learn and play with the snow. She fell a few times by accident and few times on purpose, since it was like falling into pillows. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdFuXc1-nGI/VN5KmkVrhQI/AAAAAAAAGRM/ZlwXA0bajHs/s1600/IMG_6257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdFuXc1-nGI/VN5KmkVrhQI/AAAAAAAAGRM/ZlwXA0bajHs/s1600/IMG_6257.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eDso1ZRHDM/VN5KmwMkXdI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/FpzEXDepSkE/s1600/IMG_6260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4eDso1ZRHDM/VN5KmwMkXdI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/FpzEXDepSkE/s1600/IMG_6260.jpg" height="278" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's first real powder skiing off-piste.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzN9a-651PI/VN5KnhX0Z7I/AAAAAAAAGRc/h0o2qioK8VU/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzN9a-651PI/VN5KnhX0Z7I/AAAAAAAAGRc/h0o2qioK8VU/s1600/IMG_6262.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy, such a natural.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5EdUBoHzIg/VN5KoVgugxI/AAAAAAAAGRo/BD-D7AheP1A/s1600/IMG_6266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5EdUBoHzIg/VN5KoVgugxI/AAAAAAAAGRo/BD-D7AheP1A/s1600/IMG_6266.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting.</td></tr>
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<b>LES SEPT LAUX</b><br />
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Another of our favourite resorts to visit is Les Sept Laux, which is also roughly one hour away but in the Beledonne mounain range. I would say this is a resort for more advanced skiers. There is a snowboard park there, ski cross track and some black off-piste runs.<br />
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This time around, I went there with my co-workers, but we drove up there separately and it turned out to be a challenge to meet up. My sense of direction is not so great and they got delayed a bit, etc. so by the time it was lunch we still did not manage to meet up. Finally in the early afternoon, one of my friends recognized me and we managed to get a few runs in....<br />
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It's days like these you really appreciate the mountains because you leave the gross, grey and cold city to end up being above the clouds in the sunshine with spectacular views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzEzJuJtM-E/VN5Kr7oX6YI/AAAAAAAAGSA/503eStcB-iY/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzEzJuJtM-E/VN5Kr7oX6YI/AAAAAAAAGSA/503eStcB-iY/s1600/IMG_6279.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grenoble buried down there somewhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7pcsyYoFUE/VN5KsNb77xI/AAAAAAAAGSE/K43QlkwbafA/s1600/IMG_6286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7pcsyYoFUE/VN5KsNb77xI/AAAAAAAAGSE/K43QlkwbafA/s1600/IMG_6286.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the valley on the other side of the resort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lahari and Wiebke, my buddies ;)</td></tr>
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<b>LANS EN VERCORS</b><br />
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The closest resort to our home is Lans en Vercors. The resort is small'ish but good enough for the day. It is cheap because it only has the platter lift, but that is no problem for us. The only disadvantage is, that it is lower, so sometimes there is not enough snow there.<br />
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This year I only went to the cross country tracks in Lans en Vercors. When my mom was visiting we hiked up to the auberge d'Allieres and while one of the kids was sledding, the other one went on the track with me. We had gorgeous weather and we soaked up those sun rays!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading to the auberge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and Tommy were both very disciplined skiers that day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Grandma...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching those last sun rays!</td></tr>
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<b>LES DEUX ALPES</b></div>
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This resort is also roughly one hour out from Grenoble (IF the road is clear), it is much larger than our "local"ones and it is more expensive. Sometimes you also find yourself stuck in a traffic jam going there and back. This weekend the temperatures were rising so we decided to go there since higher up the snow quality would still be good. And indeed, it was. The pistes were super nicely groomed and the weather was balmy. I would rate this resort as good for family skiing but not something we could afford every weekend.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the very top (on the Glacier)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great visibility.</td></tr>
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<b>BACK HOME IN GRENOBLE.....</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Drive Way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our garden.</td></tr>
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OK, so those snowy photos of our house are from January. Right now actually the garden is full of spring flowers and we're supposed to have 19C next week. So sad the snow season is going to end soon....</div>
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Hope you enjoyed it!</div>
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Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-7324868234740971692014-09-30T14:31:00.001-07:002014-09-30T14:31:39.876-07:00Chamonix family climbing trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend we went camping to Chamonix with the kids to make use of the beautiful "Indian summer" like weather and squeeze in some outdoor climbing. We went to our fave spot "les Gaillands" where one can find plenty of easy and difficult routes, including a few shorter multipitch climbs. The area is very easily accessible and has a nice grassy patch to rest/picnic on inbetween climbing. There's even a small little hut with snacks/refreshments nearby for those who are thirsty or hungry. Tommy is really getting into climbing now as he spent a few weeks climbing the sandstone pillars of Adršpach in Czech Republic this summer and he was quite enthusiastic to try some 5b and 5c climbing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was unbelievably hot and "some" people went shirtless.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from Les Gaillands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna getting in the groove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the parking lot. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where is Tommy?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views of the Mont Blanc Massif.</td></tr>
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After a very nice chill out day climbing, we headed to a campsite where we set up our tent and enjoyed the sun set while eating (what else?) than Czech goulash with dumplings :))) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun set, glaciers, mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon rise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitsch photo from the campsite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new drink we discovered. The CUBANISTO, or Rum flavoured beer. Sounds scary enough??</td></tr>
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The next day we had a big project to do. We decided to do the "via corda alpina sur les sents des chamois". Which is essentially an easy multipitch climb suitable for kids. It takes roughly 3-4 hours to get up 600m and then roughly 1 hour for the descent. There were a few easy segments that did not require using a rope but the rest, we treated as regular climbing. The difficulty was 3c max, and the routes were very well bolted. The rock was mostly slab (gneiss or granite).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the via corda alpina.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looming in the background once again, the all mighty Mont Blanc.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna giving it a go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy on his way up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top of the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first real multi-pitch climb accomplished.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna was exhausted but happy and when she heard the refuge was open, she had enough energy to finish the last few hundred meters.</td></tr>
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At the top, we happily ordered some refreshing drinks and enjoyed the views of the needle mountains, waterfalls and glaciers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just around the bend of this valley is the very famous Mer de Glace glacier, where I did my alpinism initiation course 2 yrs ago.</td></tr>
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Maybe there is a reason why the route is called "on the paths of the mountain goats" because we were suddenly attacked by a very feisty group of four goats (however, domesticated) who seemed to have gotten lost from their farm and were very hungry and eager to eat anything and everything that was around. First they ran to my beer. While I was trying to move it away from their mouth, they almost knocked down the remainder in the can.... they even started climbing on the picnic table and then decided if beer was not available, they would chew off all the flowers in the pots. Eventually it got out of hand and the lady running the refuge, had to drag the goats away as they even went inside the hut. Our kids were trying to assist and grabbed sticks and herded the goats. Finally the local lady had to herd the goats to her truck and drive them back to the farm. What an entertaining ending to the beautiful day. :D<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsehnwL7y9E/VCsVggCvo2I/AAAAAAAAGMs/APBsCeVQtzI/s1600/DSC_5389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsehnwL7y9E/VCsVggCvo2I/AAAAAAAAGMs/APBsCeVQtzI/s1600/DSC_5389.JPG" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough of that crappy grass from the farm, gimme some beer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfWJlGm0F5Y/VCsVlh7aA1I/AAAAAAAAGM0/URPTlSDvkrY/s1600/DSC_5400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfWJlGm0F5Y/VCsVlh7aA1I/AAAAAAAAGM0/URPTlSDvkrY/s1600/DSC_5400.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm, look at those juicy flowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna was thrilled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqEGG3VlS3M/VCsVvk148LI/AAAAAAAAGNE/_G7M6VScFBc/s1600/DSC_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UqEGG3VlS3M/VCsVvk148LI/AAAAAAAAGNE/_G7M6VScFBc/s1600/DSC_5405.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two little goat herders.</td></tr>
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<br />After hiking back down, it was getting late, so we drove back home with an ice cream stop on the way as this was promised to our two awesome climbers.</div>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-2371698771232822762014-08-06T14:27:00.001-07:002014-08-06T14:28:15.019-07:00Aiguille DiBona 3131m, arête Nord (voie normale)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aguille DiBona. A magnificent needle that we managed to conquer.</td></tr>
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After aligning our schedules with Jakub for this summer, we figured out that we have two weekends together -- which means that no time wasting is allowed. Our first weekend was definitely well spent in one of the most superb granite climbing areas near Grenoble. The area itself is known as "La Berarde" providing an abundance of climbing opportunities including <b><span class="Style1"> </span></b>
trad climbing, multi pitch crag, or sport climbing, of more than 100 routes, from 3c to 8a, spread
over many crags. Of course mountaineering is also an option for the more ardent adventure seekers.<br />
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Initially we were set out to meet some friends in the campsite and climb some multi pitch crags in the area, however, Jakub opened our "easy climbing guide" and found a very cool project for us called "Aiguille Dibona". All of the planning was done on the go and last minute, pretty much when we arrived to the Veneon valley. Even the dinners were planned to be done on the fire or involved a lot of prep, so all of this had to be modified and improvised for the new chosen destination.<br />
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We ended up sleeping at Etages the first night, where we made our final decision to hike up to Aguille DiBona. We found a very nice spot to pitch the tent and while Jakub dozed off to sleep I decided to snap some photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These butterflies were dead asleep. Nothing could make them move.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veneon river.</td></tr>
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Once the night fell I also crawled into the tent as we were planning to have a very early start in the morning. At around 6:30 or so we woke up to the very cold morning and made ourselves a huge egg omelet (this was originally supposed to be the dinner but who wants to bring 12 raw eggs to 1200 meters?). We then stuffed our tent, sleeping bags, food for 2 days, stove and climbing gear into a 60 liter and 30 liter backpack (I still don't know how we managed that). And yes, both bags were super heavy. And then we set off to do the 1200m hike to the refuge before the sun would catch up with us. After some time, the pack didn't feel as heavy anymore and we enjoyed
the fact that we were hiking in the shade, with fresh mountain breeze
and a stream below us. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain orchid.</td></tr>
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Finally, after more intense hiking we were rewarded with a view of the needle. When Jakub pointed it out to me, I thought he was kidding that we were going to end up reaching its summit. From the distance it just seemed too steep and tall. Eventually, the sun caught up with us, but at that point we were more than half way through. After roughly 3+ hours of hiking, we reached the refuge du Soreiller (at 2730m).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aguille DiBona</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise over the mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very determined person :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking behind us into the valley below.</td></tr>
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Once at the refuge, it was clear that this was a climbing mecca and a very popular destination for climbers/mountaineers. There were climbers hanging around at the refuge sorting out their gear, there were climbers hiking to the face of DiBona, and finally, the face of DiBona itself was peppered with climbers. It appeared there were line-ups on the routes. It was quite a surprise to us, as we had no clue this was so sought out. We took a small break for lunch before completing our quest and finishing the remaining 400 metres of elevation to reach the summit. The access to the granite blade that was awaiting for us was a bit more challenging than regular hiking, however, we left some of our gear at the refuge, so the load was at least lighter. We first passed over some loose boulders following a sheep path, and then had the choice between hiking through relatively steep slushy snow or scrambling over small cliffs. I preferred option two, as the snow was very slippery and I had a feeling that a minor mistake in footing could result in some very fine body surfing in the snow. When we actually reached the base of our climb, the air felt thinner and the exposure was evident. At that point, some basic fight and flight response came about and I was hoping I could weasel out of the climbing. I think the fear came from my loss of confidence as a result of my shoulder injury and the fact that I have not done any climbing for the past two years (inside or outside) and this was a big jump all of a sudden. Jakub had to give me a pep talk and a stern look to convince me that it was all worth it. While doing that, we realized that we would have to fight over the summit with the large number of climbers who were going up the face because the route we chose to go up, was also the route taken down by everyone coming up from behind.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The needle from behind (the right cliff is the summit)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NO7ei-nOQyc/U-KEfHWWI_I/AAAAAAAAF9U/4pNMQRxiUkk/s1600/dibona+route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NO7ei-nOQyc/U-KEfHWWI_I/AAAAAAAAF9U/4pNMQRxiUkk/s1600/dibona+route.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two pitches of climbing to reach the summit DiBona</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit as seen from a slightly different view.</td></tr>
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And so we took off. The rock felt great to the touch. After doing majority of climbing on limestone, the granite was very grippy and assuring. The first pitch was totally fine - an easy traverse. However, with the second pitch I got more shaky, as it involved using the edge of the needle for the right hand and below the edge was a gaping hole of course :). I somehow managed to get up to the top where Jakub was already waiting for me. The summit fit probably four people max, so we had a few minutes for ourselves before another party came up to boot us out. I didn't mind because I wasn't feeling like hanging out there for ages anyway, but I do admit that I am glad I went up there to experience this and to see the spectacular view from the top and have the feeling that we achieved our goal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit selfie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the summit of DiBona.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of what we climbed up showing that it's very simple climbing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into the valley.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last look back at the summit.</td></tr>
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After safely rappelling down, we chose the snow route to return because
it's much faster to slide down on snow, than to hike or down climb. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow patch was a fast route down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too bad we didn't have a sled or skis :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub's technique involved using several different body parts (sometimes unintentional).</td></tr>
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Back at the refuge we found out there is room for us, so at the end we stayed there for the night which also included a dinner. The dinner itself was interesting because we sat at the table with two very hardcore Austrian climbers who have seemed to have done lots of crazy climbing in the past and some first ascents in Greenland. They said they waited 5 weeks for good weather to come to DiBona to do the most popular route (visite obligatoire), and drove 10 hrs from Austria to do this one day climb and then were driving back home the next day. We realized how lucky we were to come here in this particular time frame if other people had to wait so long.</div>
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The next day, we set out to do yet more climbing (even though I was totally dead after the 1600m from before). This time around, we went to do the Breche des Clochetons which was five pitches of IV + climbing of 150m. The approach here from the refuge was shorter but at the end turned out a bit harder because there was once again a very steep snowy section which involved scrambling onto a smooth slab and I found this a bit sketchy. Jakub had to throw me a rope at the end to make sure I did not fall and slide down the snow. We also thought we'd be here alone as all people go on the main needle, but to our dismay we had several groups ahead of us and a line up was starting to form. We waited almost an hour to sart climbing and with the forecast of rain for the afternoon, I was worried we'd get caught by a thunderstorm in the middle of our climb.</div>
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Once we finally started climbing I had some doubts again. The start was a traverse and I did not feel so comfortable with it. I cheated a little bit once to get over a ledge but after this pitch I got in the groove and really enjoyed the rock and the moves. As we reached the top, light rain came upon us...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The approach (the steeper snow section is not visible here).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish dudes before us at the start of the climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh granite, how I missed thee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch four.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye to the needle...</td></tr>
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We then re-packed our belongings and carried most of our food, tent and stove back down - a great muscle building exercise! :) After the loooong descent (it felt much longer than the ascent).., we reached the car and lucky for us, it was full of beer. The beer actually had a refreshing temperature, so we took our time to relax at the parking lot while I was being attacked by a butterfly. Either he was really addicted to my post hiking odor, or he was out of his little insect mind. After the beer session, we drove to visit our friends whom we were initially going to climb with to at least say hello, and finally, Jakub still had the energy to paddle down a III class section of the Veneon river on his kayak. We then headed for home, as the forecast called for thunderstorms and persistent rain which is not compatible with climbing anyway.</div>
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I hope to have more weekends like this. It's moments like these that are engraved in your mind forever. :)<br />
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-56880519861598051412014-07-11T14:48:00.000-07:002014-07-11T14:48:06.532-07:00Anna's broken arm. First (child) emergency visit to hospital in France.<br />
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You may have wondered why I haven't made any entries for ages, well, life seems to be speeding up these days and the most recent excitement in our family was Anna's broken arm.<br />
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Each year Jakub's workplace hosts a very fun event for the family and we have not missed it once yet. The event includes a very nice selection of (French) food, a chance to win prizes and activities for kids such as: inflatable bouncy castles, acro bungee, foam pool, merry go round, etc. etc. Upon arrival, parents always just let their kids go and enjoy themselves. We check up on them once in a while but generally there is no requirement for 100% supervision as the kids independently play and we've never had a problem with it. UNTIL THIS YEAR.<br />
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The weekend itself was rather hectic as Anna had three dance performances (one each night). The first night we went to see her perform but then we still had to drive her for the remaining two events. On Sunday it was also the ESRF fun day, and on top of that, it was Tommy's final Capoeira exam (batizado). The day seemed to be unfolding quite well and in the afternoon, Tommy and Jakub left for Capoeira. There was roughly one hour left before I had to take Anna to her final dance performance and just when I got up to check up on her in the bouncy castle, I saw a glimpse of her heading for the exit with a frown on her face. As she walked out to my full view, something was obviously wrong; I saw her arm bent in the wrong direction and hanging limp as if it was made of rubber. And that was when I realized her arm was broken.<br />
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It turns out that the larger bouncy castle that had a slide in it, also had a staircase structure inside, however, this was not made of soft inflatable material and it was just solid/rigid. So it's probably not a surprise that once in a while someone will bounce off in a wrong way and fall on this....and now I don't like bouncy castles any longer. I also found this article online:<br />
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<a href="http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20121121/kids-injuries-bouncy-castles" target="_blank">Sharp Rise In Kids Injuries in Bouncy Castles</a><br />
<br />
When I saw Anna though, I didn't have time to ponder about bouncy castles. I took my little girl in my arms and asked people for a blanket to lay her down. Then we called the fire fighters (apparently people here do that rather than calling ambulances which are private).... but there was confusion and a few minutes later we realized nobody actually called. When they finally arrived, they filled out some information and then we headed off to the very famous Grenoble hospital where Schumacher spent some of his days...but the children's section. The ride was unbelievably bumpy (like zero shock absorbers!?) and I wondered if they also use this to transport people with spine injuries, yikes! We had the siren going a few times and my baby girl was so courageous. She did not really cry once and said she did not experience any pain. <br />
<br />
After the x-ray we were informed that both ulna and radius were broken and Anna would be put under complete anesthesia in order to re-straighten the bones and get the cast on. But we had to wait 6 hours in order for her to have an empty stomach for the OR. Meanwhile, I drove home to pack up some things for the overnight stay in hospital. Jakub and Tommy made their way over as well. When Jakub finally had to leave for home, Anna got teary eyed and emotional (I admit I was also not doing so well). I guess she wanted both mom and dad close by, but Tommy had to go to school the next day. We were given a room and I had to wash Anna from head to toe with a disinfectant and then we waited yet again. Anna spent the time sleeping, and listening to me read. I also tried to really cheer her up even though we were told she'd have to have the cast for the whole summer vacation. After reading about 50 episodes of a children's Czech comic book (čtyřlístek), we headed upstairs for the "repair" at midnight.<br />
<br />
Everything went smoothly and all the staff and doctors were super nice. After a bit of monitoring and warming up Anna with a fan, we were finally taken back to our room again. But Anna was now alert and watched cartoons till 2 A.M. I was so dead.... The next day we had another check-up X-ray if everything was in place. And ideed it was OK.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Q0s1k1kSk/U8BMDQ-1G2I/AAAAAAAAF1E/3EJj28X3ETA/s1600/IMG_5438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2Q0s1k1kSk/U8BMDQ-1G2I/AAAAAAAAF1E/3EJj28X3ETA/s1600/IMG_5438.JPG" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bones back in place and cast on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We finally made it home in the afternoon, but that was not quite the end yet. Anna's arm became very swollen and the cast was too small and too tight so she was experiencing excruciating pain for two nights and painkillers did not help. We were basically both up for these two nights and I was slowly becoming a zombie. I then decided this was probably not normal and we had to go back to the hospital. There, a senior doctor who seemed he really knew what he was doing, cut the cast on the side and made more room for the thumb. While he was going around Anna's thumb with the circular saw, she was super scared he would cut her finger off, so we had to keep calming her down. (I'd be scared too! :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ5CElQ97UI/U8BP5sD2vXI/AAAAAAAAF1g/AGXVPMxsw8Q/s1600/IMG_5445.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ5CElQ97UI/U8BP5sD2vXI/AAAAAAAAF1g/AGXVPMxsw8Q/s1600/IMG_5445.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww, my tough little girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After all that Anna's hand finally returned to normal size and she became very active again. Almost too active at times. We had her birthay party planned as well and when she started running around, I was wondering if she'll trip and also break the other arm.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SirDp-X7Jg0/U8Baop6VJRI/AAAAAAAAF2E/yOoGfLx0D0w/s1600/DSC_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SirDp-X7Jg0/U8Baop6VJRI/AAAAAAAAF2E/yOoGfLx0D0w/s1600/DSC_4590.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's birthday party.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We then had to go for another check-up but this one was really crazy. It reminded me again of my favourite Asterix/Obelix clip "the place that sends you mad".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtEkUmYecnk" target="_blank">The place that sends you mad.</a><br />
<br />
We already had a pre-set appointment to have the x-ray done and another appointment to see the specialist but we quickly realized that this was just some type of random thing and was irrelevant. So this was actually the procedure:<br />
<br />
we had to go get some type of ticket and wait in line for 20 minutes with other random people, then get registered into the hospital and receive bar code stickers, then go to the x-ray reception who said we were missing the doctor's recommendation, to be sent to the consultation reception, to be sent to the third pink door on the right, to ask the doctor to give us the recommendation, to be sent back to the x-ray reception, to wait for the x-ray, to get the x-ray done, to wait for the x-ray image, to be sent back to the consultation reception, to be told to wait for the doctor and then finally talk to him. At 1PM rather than 11:15 as was previously scheduled!!! <br />
<br />
Now we have to wait till roughly July 25th to get another x-ray done and possibly get a new cast or a splint but this will be done in Czech Republic as Anna is there for the summer vacation.<br />
<br />
I also want to mention to anyone out there with little kids that break things that I bought Anna an impermeable glove for swimming that she can wear over the cast and it has saved us because we had a vacation already booked with swimming pools and by the ocean... and even though it's a bit pricey I do recommend it...!! <br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiM-MJ5r0Zs/U8BPtu5YSEI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/BSLAvkkn-dw/s1600/DSC_4787.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiM-MJ5r0Zs/U8BPtu5YSEI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/BSLAvkkn-dw/s1600/DSC_4787.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flipper. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here is the link: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aquatex.fr/" target="_blank">Aquatex</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJdO0d-oX4/U8BQPJe0nuI/AAAAAAAAF1o/5CwuneFH8-U/s1600/DSC_4726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBJdO0d-oX4/U8BQPJe0nuI/AAAAAAAAF1o/5CwuneFH8-U/s1600/DSC_4726.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously
we did not make it for the last dance show, but I still managed to
dress up Anna in her outfit to take some photos (even though she had the
cast on).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
On a final note, let's hope Anna recovers well and fast and that her bones get stronger. This is actually the second time she has her broken arm. Until now, I was under the impression it was the right one last time, but I was wrong, it's the left one again. Last time it happened, she was 3 yrs old, diving off the stairs head and arms first and she managed to miss the pile of pillows, hitting the ground instead.... She's a wild one ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbCnAg9RM-c/U8BWC2eMxpI/AAAAAAAAF14/qF6u49hBWow/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbCnAg9RM-c/U8BWC2eMxpI/AAAAAAAAF14/qF6u49hBWow/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2010.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~</div>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-46563519434509193832014-03-02T03:53:00.000-08:002014-03-02T03:53:03.431-08:00Col du Merlet (2286m), ski touring.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVPshFhBH-8/UxML8_08p5I/AAAAAAAAFuw/FukbF9-fWJ4/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVPshFhBH-8/UxML8_08p5I/AAAAAAAAFuw/FukbF9-fWJ4/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col du Merlet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Last year I tried out ski touring for the first time. We did one shorter trip with Jakub and a bunch of friends (few hundred meters elevation) which was good for a start. I borrowed my skis from a friend and Jakub took his snow shoes and snowboard. I really liked it and the snow conditions were very nice, unfortunately, the weather was not so good and we spent the whole time in fog. <br />
<br />
When the weather got nicer though, I had a chance to get out once more with Francis and Sabina and this time, we went to the Col du Merlet (2286m). The trip is about 1250m of elevation gain and 14km long. The ski touring begins in a forest, followed by a very beautiful valley, and is finally finished off by a steeper ascent to the pass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgc49F2qmMM/UxMLxIv-pfI/AAAAAAAAFtI/-qu7LGouYc8/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wgc49F2qmMM/UxMLxIv-pfI/AAAAAAAAFtI/-qu7LGouYc8/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabina.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fli9iDHvQs/UxMLx6IEkuI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/UR2Ild1_jHw/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Fli9iDHvQs/UxMLx6IEkuI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/UR2Ild1_jHw/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski touring! The start of the valley.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbIdfDsDI24/UxMLy_Os8EI/AAAAAAAAFtY/c2Byz49gCCc/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbIdfDsDI24/UxMLy_Os8EI/AAAAAAAAFtY/c2Byz49gCCc/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think I was managing OK to get through the valley as it was relatively flat, but the heat definitely picked up as the time went on. When we finally reached the steepest part of the ascent, it was around lunch time, and I was sweating like a pig, with my face drenched. Of course all the sun screen was washed off nicely this way, and I developed a beautiful tomato-red sun burn (with obvious white sunglass circles around my eyes). I did receive plenty of comments at work the next day :D.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ujoiyrf8w/UxMLzywBlkI/AAAAAAAAFtg/Nb1qWJhlq84/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ujoiyrf8w/UxMLzywBlkI/AAAAAAAAFtg/Nb1qWJhlq84/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other possibilities for skiing on the way, but we had a different goal today (this looked quite steep to me anyway).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kv95bZv7IrE/UxML07MZkKI/AAAAAAAAFto/hy4gIjGRwbM/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kv95bZv7IrE/UxML07MZkKI/AAAAAAAAFto/hy4gIjGRwbM/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No person in sight.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIpCGBVDSIY/UxML1goqlCI/AAAAAAAAFtw/0FGK4EFIhmM/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIpCGBVDSIY/UxML1goqlCI/AAAAAAAAFtw/0FGK4EFIhmM/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPsdC0Yysgs/UxML2PYO9YI/AAAAAAAAFt4/olbJRqi-KGc/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPsdC0Yysgs/UxML2PYO9YI/AAAAAAAAFt4/olbJRqi-KGc/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last bit. Here we met a few people. This was the hardest part of course. I was very exhausted at the top :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After I was done fighting the heat and the elevation, we finally made it to the top. There, it was quite amazing and breath taking. However, we decided to ski back down as soon as possible and then have a small snack back in the valley as the snow was getting harder to ski in by the minute. I did find it challenging to ski down because the snow was very heavy and slushy; the descent was almost as equally difficult as hiking up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4TMhyC7nLk/UxML3H_rt5I/AAAAAAAAFuA/mOv3bL2vqPc/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4TMhyC7nLk/UxML3H_rt5I/AAAAAAAAFuA/mOv3bL2vqPc/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZS0x5lfNnA/UxML4J1cEuI/AAAAAAAAFuI/plf3KuP2VM0/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZS0x5lfNnA/UxML4J1cEuI/AAAAAAAAFuI/plf3KuP2VM0/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two guides - thanks guys!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugSuvP3xV54/UxML5HVEM8I/AAAAAAAAFuQ/l795ukE2CyQ/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ugSuvP3xV54/UxML5HVEM8I/AAAAAAAAFuQ/l795ukE2CyQ/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it. (tomato face :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjoaYkw0lfc/UxML6VfAV7I/AAAAAAAAFuY/87Z_2TEEHkQ/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjoaYkw0lfc/UxML6VfAV7I/AAAAAAAAFuY/87Z_2TEEHkQ/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit unusual to find the signs below your knee level :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yldZO_dXe4/UxML7KDog2I/AAAAAAAAFug/Voh5qM0HHEk/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yldZO_dXe4/UxML7KDog2I/AAAAAAAAFug/Voh5qM0HHEk/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over the pass towards the Vercors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we got down into the valley, the rest of the ski down was relatively easy going. It was a great work out and it got me interested in ski touring for sure. I really like the fact that you go to pristine places untouched by human destruction and the views at the end of the hike are well worth it.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCskDLMJeOM/UxML8PpvxvI/AAAAAAAAFuo/4UbPXgpSVkI/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCskDLMJeOM/UxML8PpvxvI/AAAAAAAAFuo/4UbPXgpSVkI/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKnZrET8jhU/UxML9zM81gI/AAAAAAAAFu4/k3VexKJsSG0/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKnZrET8jhU/UxML9zM81gI/AAAAAAAAFu4/k3VexKJsSG0/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way down...a bit lucky I guess, we went this way in the morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This year I've been trying to get out again, but it seems that all of my friends have started very early in the season and they go regularly every weekend, which means I am not at the same level and thus, I need to find someone who could take me on something easier to get back into shape. The only problem is, that the winter season is almost over and next week we're heading to a ski resort with the kids for the "winter holidays break"....so let's see if I can squeeze a trip or two in this year. If not, hopefully next year!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-85697166759890470132013-12-06T13:53:00.001-08:002013-12-06T13:53:53.624-08:00Christmas 2012 in SamoensSo while I'm stuffing my cheeks with chocolate truffles, I've decided to write a little post about last year's Christmas. It's that time of year again, and with each coming year, I dread Christmas a little more. It's become so twisted with the consumerism side of it, that it's quite distasteful to me. We are now focusing on fewer presents (mostly books and good quality toys like lego), and "experiences" like a trip somewhere, or hand-made presents. I am avoiding the stores like a plague; online ordering is fantastic. And I have done most of the limited shopping I had to do in October, thank you very much....<br />
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One very nice thing that takes place before Christmas every year, is that Jakub's and my workplaces host a Christmas party event for the kids. Last year we signed up the kids again, but unfortunately it was in the canteen restaurant and there was not quite enough space to accomodate all the kids and adults. We had to fight our way through the crowds to get food and drinks and kids had to stand in huge line-ups to do activities. This year it should be better as each workplace is now organising separate events. I was surprised that Anna was patient enough to wait about 20 minutes for face painting... shows what girls are willing to do for beauty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna and her friend Annabelle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Santa (Pere Noel)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas is not Christmas without baking...I made these cookies for the Christmas fundraiser in Tommy's school.</td></tr>
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This particular year, we have reserved a stay at a ski resort in Samoens, Savoie, for a week long holiday during Christmas where we met up with my dad and his girlfriend. Unfortunately, we were hit by THE stomach flu (this is the second time we had a really bad one). Jakub managed to get through it before we left home, however, Tommy and I were lucky enough to get it just the day of departure. Well, I spent 90% of the week in bed, unable to eat food and lost roughly 6 kilograms. Poor Tommy was not doing well either. He even couldn't hold in the Christmas eve dinner, and unwrapping presents was not so much fun in that state. It was quite a shame that this hampered the Christmas spirit, but I think the remaining group members had a decent time on the mountain even though it rained a bit one day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas eve - looking quite pale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad loves cooking (and eating!) so when he's around I have the luxury of not having to be in the kitchen. This is traditional deep fried Carp that we have with potato salad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for dinner.</td></tr>
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Being a very keen cook, my dad always likes to bring his own food supplies anywhere he travels. So this time around among other things he brought carp, Czech beer, and even.....the Christmas tree (as I was instructed not to buy one). However, I think he must have picked it out in the dark, because when we untied it, the thing was totally warped and pathetic looking. On top of that, the tree stump on the bottom was super fat, so it did not fit into the tree stand he had with him and without an axe, it would take a day to shave it down using a knife...So my daddy improvised... He used a bucket and filled it with full beer bottles, shoved the tree inside, and voila, there you have it, the worst looking thing, I have seen. I was not very impressed, and when I was alone, I used some wrapping paper to cover up the beers, because the "tree stand" was sticking out like a sore thumb.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little deformed Christmas tree. After adding decorations and shooting it from the right angle, it looks OK.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego friends! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad admiring the ham leg I brought him from Spain.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />After our trip, we went back to Grenoble for the New Year's eve and spent the count down at our favourite viewing spot above the city. We were expecting some nice fireworks, but it seemed like there was not too much going on. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year 2013!</td></tr>
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Now that 2013 is almost over, I can say that it has been a fun year, but it did involve many injuries. So I'm hoping 2014 will be full of healing and more fun trips around Europe :D<br />
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~~~~~~~~Petra~~~~~~~~</div>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-31578730791910319342013-12-04T13:18:00.000-08:002013-12-04T13:26:47.013-08:00Snow shoeing and skiing in one day - near Grenoble.It would be easy do yet another facebook post but I'm not a huge fan of that. It takes less effort and is not as personal, but I do it when I don't have time (seems to be more often lately). I feel like when I write a blog post, it is looked at by people who are really interested.<br />
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Lately I've been consumed by the whirlwind of work and other miscellaneous tasks related to day to day routines such as homework with kids, cleaning the house, doing chores, etc. etc. On top of that as some of you may know I have an ongoing shoulder injury (and so does Jakub), so the past climbing season was non-existant and I had to switch to "leg activities" such as hiking in the summer. So when we finally had some snow in the mountains, Jakub and I got quite excited, because skiing is also a "leg sport" and as long as you don't fall badly (on your injured shoulder), should be OK, right?<br />
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So under this category we can list snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, ski touring...and that's plenty to keep us busy this winter I hope.<br />
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Yesterday I have had enough of everything - work, the smog, the city, the traffic (jams), stress, routine, pre-Christmas crazy hoards of people in the stores, and on and on we can go.... I don't work on Wednesday mornings and usually I spend that time grocery shopping, and lately it was more like wandering around stores semi Christmas shopping (wasting time!!! YES!!!). And so I had an idea. I thought it would be really cool to just get away from all this, get out in the mountains by myself. I thought why not, why not be just a little selfish?! And so I made my little plan and then stuck to it. And it was really great.<br />
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6:30 AM - wake up, get myself ready and get the kids ready for school<br />
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7:50 AM - drop off kids at school<br />
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8:30 AM - arrive at Lans en Vercors mountain base (La Sierre)<br />
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8:45 AM - hike up to one of the summits (roughly 320m elev.)<br />
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9:45 AM - hike down, and then slide down the rest on a garbage bag (fun part!)<br />
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10:15 AM - drive back to Grenoble and buy baguettes (note - this is a very important part of the day here in France :)<br />
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11:30 AM - pick up kids from school<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well hello there sunshine! Nice to meet up with you at the top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AiCLDi67Do/Up-a9aeB0QI/AAAAAAAAFbA/9Vb0h5MheFA/s1600/lans2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AiCLDi67Do/Up-a9aeB0QI/AAAAAAAAFbA/9Vb0h5MheFA/s640/lans2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down onto Grenoble, Belledonne mountains, and Mont Blanc. Yes, that is smog down below.</td></tr>
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I loved my little snow shoe hike. It was so quiet up there, just the mountain and I, the crunching of the snow under my feet and a cool breeze in the air. Really simple, yet so satisfying and peaceful. I did not meet a sole until I got to the top. This is where some ski touring people started getting there as well.<br />
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The day did not finish here though. We had lunch, picked up Jakub and then drove to the Belledone mountains (opposite side of Grenoble) to the Les Sept Laux and did downhill skiing for the rest of the day!<br />
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There is a decent amount of snow up there but yes, we do need more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ski team at Les Sept Laux</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the chair lift.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ski season is starting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vercors in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In motion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfBAvlWbJ7I/Up-bYQjMhOI/AAAAAAAAFbw/5X7nk47AJWw/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfBAvlWbJ7I/Up-bYQjMhOI/AAAAAAAAFbw/5X7nk47AJWw/s640/IMG_4725.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun set over the Vercors range....this is where I was snow shoeing this morning!!</td></tr>
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I had a great time today and really look forward to using my time
more efficiently like this in the near future. I hope this is an
inspiration to some moms out there :)<br />
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~~~~~~~~</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-42761542898728240692013-10-07T14:46:00.001-07:002013-10-07T15:04:48.327-07:00Spain Roadtrip 2012Alright, so I'm almost exactly a year (two weeks short!!) behind on this post, but better late than never. Last year we went on a ten day camping roadtrip to Spain (our first time) when the kids had their fall school holidays. We thought it would be good to head south, when the weather was getting worse, and check out a new country at the same time. Our plan was to go all the way south as far as Granada and possibly Seville, but then we realized that it was indeed a very long distance to cover and with the kids, this was not realistic. Yet, we still managed to travel enough to get a glimpse of the culture and nature in Spain.<br />
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Our first major stop was in Barcelona as we wanted to check out this famous city and especially Gaudi's art. We walked around all day, and by the evening the kids had enough, so we decided to move on. I'm sure you need a few days to really get to know Barcelona, so we had a very concise visit this time. My favorite was Gaudi's park where we felt as if we were on a different planet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5E9Iaxr1nNU/UcsY3Tf06BI/AAAAAAAAEss/PgqP3FbVwmw/s1600/DSC_0745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5E9Iaxr1nNU/UcsY3Tf06BI/AAAAAAAAEss/PgqP3FbVwmw/s640/DSC_0745.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barcelona "Arc de Triomf"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to make the sight seeing fun for the kids by adding some play time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parents sometimes also need a little distraction when sight seeing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"mommy, daddy, my legs hurt"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaXvvVmwxas/UcsZBzFodlI/AAAAAAAAEts/WPbWZf8-kU0/s1600/DSC_0801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaXvvVmwxas/UcsZBzFodlI/AAAAAAAAEts/WPbWZf8-kU0/s640/DSC_0801.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think they are getting tired...@ Gaudi's Park.</td></tr>
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After Barcelona, we drove along the coast to our next stop which was the Delta de l'Ebre. I've read that this delta is home to many migratory birds including flamingos and so I wanted to check it out. We have discovered that the beaches were nice and had small dunes to play in.....but also, to my huge disappointment, the beaches were completely littered with garbage that washed out on the shore from other (European??) destinations, where people were being careless and dumped all these items in the ocean. I was very disgusted by it as this is something you don't see very often in Canada.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach, looking decent from the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little dunes - our kids love running through them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent some time photographing dragonflies while I was getting brutally eaten by mosquitoes. I definitely sacrificed some blood for this photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51CP7NooeEw/UcsZK7jPLXI/AAAAAAAAEuk/yVhcSg_OozM/s1600/DSC_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51CP7NooeEw/UcsZK7jPLXI/AAAAAAAAEuk/yVhcSg_OozM/s640/DSC_0866.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach, close up. Quite a different story. People are really pigs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cK anyone?</td></tr>
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We drove on through the wetlands to discover few more interesting sites, and behold, at the end, my dream came true - we found some flamingos. Tommy was getting very impatient with me though, and his ornithological spirit was close to zero. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshes and wetlands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tadaaa, I was happy to see these pink smudges from the distance. Luckily we had a zoom lens :)</td></tr>
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Finally, we wanted to reach one of the bird observatories and a larger sand dune, however, when we arrived, we found that the path was actually quite flooded. Of course this did not "dampen" ;) our spirits or discourage us, and so we took off our shoes, and started to wade through the chilly, muddy water. Tommy was not very impressed, nor convinced by this decision, and when we made a little joke about pyranhas, he jumped onto Jakub in a millisecond and would not let go. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of our hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh hiking at its best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk_z6FJl2Ow/UcsZen9xMqI/AAAAAAAAEwM/u8aFAVyAgU0/s1600/DSC_0968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk_z6FJl2Ow/UcsZen9xMqI/AAAAAAAAEwM/u8aFAVyAgU0/s640/DSC_0968.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyranha????? Where??? I'm never walking in this water again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjTrEL7dXn8/UcsbBMmuXOI/AAAAAAAAE5s/9B3CNz01WWQ/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjTrEL7dXn8/UcsbBMmuXOI/AAAAAAAAE5s/9B3CNz01WWQ/s640/IMG_3585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the observatory we saw this: a cormorant and some ducks. :)</td></tr>
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We then continued on a little further to find a very large dune. This was Tommy's dream come true, so the kids had a blast climbing up and running back down for a few hours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna scaling the dune.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View on top of the dune.</td></tr>
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As I've mentioned previously, this was a <b>camping</b> road trip, so one of the very "fun" parts was to find a place to sleep. Since we were traveling off season or needed to pitch the tent quite late in the evening due to a long drive, we were mostly left to find our "own" campsite in random places we stumbled upon. A common place suitable for camping seemed to be olive/almond orchards. One time, we managed to drive up a very narrow winding road (near La Val d'Uixo), and the next day, this seemed to be the place to be if you had a dog and a rifle. So all the locals passed by us, as we unzipped the tent all sleepy-eyed and wondering what is going on. But the locals did seem very cool about the fact that we were hanging out in the middle of their property and left us to our fate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orchards....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84NKNeqGj2o/UcsZpXdW3NI/AAAAAAAAExU/rSWgXnGDaMU/s1600/DSC_1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84NKNeqGj2o/UcsZpXdW3NI/AAAAAAAAExU/rSWgXnGDaMU/s640/DSC_1052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time I saw almond trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-UK8iE0VLM/UcsZEHLlYyI/AAAAAAAAEt8/xAlC5M_rnxk/s1600/DSC_0855.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-UK8iE0VLM/UcsZEHLlYyI/AAAAAAAAEt8/xAlC5M_rnxk/s640/DSC_0855.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried a few.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsHaFR5Ns8/UcsZr6TKs7I/AAAAAAAAExk/ifUDhp8prxM/s1600/DSC_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsHaFR5Ns8/UcsZr6TKs7I/AAAAAAAAExk/ifUDhp8prxM/s640/DSC_1065.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">las</span> <span class="hps">aceitunas</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA0LOFQq7rk/UcsZqxpqpKI/AAAAAAAAExc/yCF8JkerxME/s1600/DSC_1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gA0LOFQq7rk/UcsZqxpqpKI/AAAAAAAAExc/yCF8JkerxME/s640/DSC_1061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna dancing in the field.</td></tr>
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Other camping spots were windy and chilly but the views in the morning were magnificent.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmeKPaL6bqg/UcsZ5ntLZoI/AAAAAAAAEy8/Zp8AWRGtdzc/s1600/DSC_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmeKPaL6bqg/UcsZ5ntLZoI/AAAAAAAAEy8/Zp8AWRGtdzc/s640/DSC_1154.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is my "winter" down jacket.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZLUCcLg41I/UcsbEYLpPfI/AAAAAAAAE6E/BNmO8XLOgrQ/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZLUCcLg41I/UcsbEYLpPfI/AAAAAAAAE6E/BNmO8XLOgrQ/s640/IMG_3621.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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At this point, our next major city stop was Valencia where we only had time to visit the science museum (similar to Science World in Vancouver for example). It was quite fun and I highly recommend it as a family activity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVGwGx73ieA/UcsZuOprjfI/AAAAAAAAEx0/PrmesquDzhA/s1600/DSC_1075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVGwGx73ieA/UcsZuOprjfI/AAAAAAAAEx0/PrmesquDzhA/s640/DSC_1075.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very modern/futuristic architecture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUSh5Xnniic/UcsZz4Zd8_I/AAAAAAAAEyU/-Lsd1XYzOZw/s1600/DSC_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUSh5Xnniic/UcsZz4Zd8_I/AAAAAAAAEyU/-Lsd1XYzOZw/s640/DSC_1107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aside from a very interesting undersea aquarium where sharks swim above you in a tunnel, we went to see this dolphin show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wJ-pSUoL2M/UcsZ3-v_6aI/AAAAAAAAEys/PllPhmmdOXk/s1600/DSC_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wJ-pSUoL2M/UcsZ3-v_6aI/AAAAAAAAEys/PllPhmmdOXk/s640/DSC_1142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found out Tommy had a very cold nose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjg2-uG0CtM/UcsZ4pdulHI/AAAAAAAAEy0/_MXWFgmqciI/s1600/DSC_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjg2-uG0CtM/UcsZ4pdulHI/AAAAAAAAEy0/_MXWFgmqciI/s640/DSC_1150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found out that I was better at being brain-dead (meditation?) than Jakub ;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETF0U9Z59D8/Ucsane3BYaI/AAAAAAAAE3M/avaxHR9_HHs/s1600/DSC_1130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETF0U9Z59D8/Ucsane3BYaI/AAAAAAAAE3M/avaxHR9_HHs/s640/DSC_1130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be a real science museum without something biology-related such as this DNA helix.</td></tr>
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After Valencia, we headed south to visit a smaller village called el Castell de Guadalest which was recommended to us by my Spanish friends. Aside from being a tourist destination, there is pretty nice climbing near the village, and also we were told to visit a <a href="http://elrefudeguadalest.blogspot.fr/">refuge</a> owned by a very friendly couple. This was actually one of the nicest cultural experiences we had. Sergio? and his wife were from Madrid, and they were super nice and friendly as if they were our old friends or family. They welcomed us to have a "local" dinner with them for a very decent price and then gave us tips on where to climb (which was pretty much in their backyard). We had a great time trying to communicate with them using our broken Spanish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gijGaX8ftJA/UcsZ7bm6wHI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Z3Xsx4FrJA8/s1600/DSC_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gijGaX8ftJA/UcsZ7bm6wHI/AAAAAAAAEzE/Z3Xsx4FrJA8/s640/DSC_1158.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little chapel perched on a cliff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFhPUaJC3PY/UcsZ9UFJ3RI/AAAAAAAAEzU/x6C8ANcC98g/s1600/DSC_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KFhPUaJC3PY/UcsZ9UFJ3RI/AAAAAAAAEzU/x6C8ANcC98g/s640/DSC_1161.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could buy yourself an original T-shirt!! Wow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iyh_V4Zuv4U/UcsZ-x6sbjI/AAAAAAAAEzc/v69qm3Ij6U8/s1600/DSC_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iyh_V4Zuv4U/UcsZ-x6sbjI/AAAAAAAAEzc/v69qm3Ij6U8/s640/DSC_1162.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the climbing in the area. We did a few routes on a different crag, that was easier.</td></tr>
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After this stop, we moved on to Granada. Here we found a very nice <a href="http://www.campingsierranevada.com/">camping site </a>close to the city center. It was good timing, because the weather became quite wet.... and it's actually nice to have a hot shower once in a while, so we were pleased to find out they rented out little suites for a decent price.<br />
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In Granada we had two goals for what we wanted to see: 1) Alhambra, the renowned Moorish palace and 2) authentic local Flamenco dancing. We also wanted to taste some tapas, which was accomplished without a problem. Granada is a very beautiful city, situated near the Sierra Nevada mountains and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit there. It has a very historical feel to it and as you walk on the pebble mosaic pathways virtually everywhere in the historical city center, you get the first feel of how much detail and work went into building this place. Looming over the city center from a hilltop is the architecturally rich Alhambra (UNESCO world heritage site) with its Arab-Islamic features. We spent a full day at Alhambra and the combination of the architecture and the autumn setting made it feel like walking through a fairytale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BbCKquqkmg/UcsYoPKn1XI/AAAAAAAAErc/kphA72yb2sw/s1600/DSC_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BbCKquqkmg/UcsYoPKn1XI/AAAAAAAAErc/kphA72yb2sw/s640/DSC_1185.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gem39WP7CTE/UcsaE1GIzcI/AAAAAAAAEz8/UFI6TJgYOeE/s1600/DSC_1159.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gem39WP7CTE/UcsaE1GIzcI/AAAAAAAAEz8/UFI6TJgYOeE/s640/DSC_1159.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of hundreds of stone mosaics on the ground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0eJ2ie2iJo/UcsaGgaX06I/AAAAAAAAE0M/KadX0sBSui4/s1600/DSC_1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0eJ2ie2iJo/UcsaGgaX06I/AAAAAAAAE0M/KadX0sBSui4/s640/DSC_1181.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs up to Alhambra...looking back at Granada.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnyS7CiRng/UcsaVSKmjHI/AAAAAAAAE1c/AEy1uQ8WUoI/s1600/DSC_1238.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EnyS7CiRng/UcsaVSKmjHI/AAAAAAAAE1c/AEy1uQ8WUoI/s640/DSC_1238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall rain @ Alhambra.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04fP_NNb23A/UcsYzYLl3FI/AAAAAAAAEsU/nBCJIzGey-I/s1600/DSC_1218.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04fP_NNb23A/UcsYzYLl3FI/AAAAAAAAEsU/nBCJIzGey-I/s640/DSC_1218.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to meditate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ3Skykl64k/UcsaKy98SKI/AAAAAAAAE0k/cUOhEQqEcy4/s1600/DSC_1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ3Skykl64k/UcsaKy98SKI/AAAAAAAAE0k/cUOhEQqEcy4/s640/DSC_1198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of cool tiles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLKwOwW-lOQ/UcsaMqAvi1I/AAAAAAAAE0s/mTH0AK-qd3Y/s1600/DSC_1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLKwOwW-lOQ/UcsaMqAvi1I/AAAAAAAAE0s/mTH0AK-qd3Y/s640/DSC_1199.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was always stunned with the impeccable design and the details.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5MG_-MvmWk/UcsaSKfiiUI/AAAAAAAAE1M/l0kiWkZrXcU/s1600/DSC_1213.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5MG_-MvmWk/UcsaSKfiiUI/AAAAAAAAE1M/l0kiWkZrXcU/s640/DSC_1213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden ceiling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKx1K81AOik/UcsaWV1M5_I/AAAAAAAAE1k/TKEI9Jsz7K8/s1600/DSC_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKx1K81AOik/UcsaWV1M5_I/AAAAAAAAE1k/TKEI9Jsz7K8/s640/DSC_1241.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People used to be a tad smaller back then.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnAxALFcl38/UcsaafzGrMI/AAAAAAAAE18/zWnThGYPLVA/s1600/DSC_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnAxALFcl38/UcsaafzGrMI/AAAAAAAAE18/zWnThGYPLVA/s640/DSC_1267.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water channels in the gardens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGNVIIQ2ycA/UcsaYBCplJI/AAAAAAAAE1s/VG2M7n5VA38/s1600/DSC_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGNVIIQ2ycA/UcsaYBCplJI/AAAAAAAAE1s/VG2M7n5VA38/s640/DSC_1252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granada as seen from Alhambra.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOn5wlt3TMU/UcsadxGpNuI/AAAAAAAAE2M/n9sXMESe0ks/s1600/DSC_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bOn5wlt3TMU/UcsadxGpNuI/AAAAAAAAE2M/n9sXMESe0ks/s640/DSC_1285.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn leaves setting the mood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomegranate, (granada in spanish), the official symbol of Granada. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange tree right outside our camp/motel suite windows.</td></tr>
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For the evening, we managed to book a Flamenco show in Granada and of course we took the kids to see this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience. I guess we didn't realize how much torture it would be for them (but I think the main problem was that they got tired). Jakub and I found the show pretty interesting and fun to watch, but the kids said it was the worst thing they've ever experienced and when the dancers were stepping on the wooden floor our children plugged their ears.... well, it seemed that both flamingos and flamenco was unwelcomed by my kids on this trip!!<br />
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At this point we had to make a decision what to do next. There was still so much to do and see, but our time was running short. We still wanted to see Seville and go hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains to see the white villages of las Alpujarras. Unfortunately, we had to leave these destinations for the next time. But before we left, I decided to buy some cured Iberian ham for my dad as a Christmas present (a full leg), because as we all know, Spain is one of the finest ham producers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ham for dad. I think it's still unopened at his place - he's waiting for me, so maybe this Christmas it will get eaten.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ham hanging in a pub/bar. Never seen so much ham in my life.</td></tr>
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Our decision then was to start slowly heading back, south-west and stop at Cabo de Gata natural park. This place seemed much cleaner and more preserved than the delta we visited at the beginning of the trip. We spent some time on the beaches and Tommy did a bit of kayak surfing with Jakub.<br />
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Mill and cacti. I actually took one of these cactus leaves home with us and had it in the bathroom as a souvenir. It turns out that the leaf started sprouting roots, and when I placed it in a bucket of water a new little cactus started budding out (this was now one year ago - pretty cool).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Son, one day....."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs a kayak when you can body surf!</td></tr>
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OK, now we are ALMOST!! at the end of our trip. We managed to squeeze in a little visit to Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery, located on top of a huge surreal looking cliff/mountain (1200m). The location is interesting for it's natural beauty, climbing, and its cultural/religious significance. We ran out of time for climbing, so at least we went to look inside the monastery and its famous black Madonna.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the monastery.</td></tr>
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One last thing I must mention is, how challenging it is to travel as a family of four in a relatively small'ish vehicle. As you can see we had alot of junk with us (I'm not sure if we even needed all that) and it was a daily task for us to throw all of it out of the car and then try to neatly arrange it back so we could find what we were looking for. Our kayaking friends now have a term for this: "risotto", basically a mix of "things" in no particular organized manner, which was quite fitting in our case.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our risotto on the ground. Note: even the ham leg needs some tidying up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything in.</td></tr>
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To conclude this journey, I will now have to mention our
beloved Opel Vectra, that is now in car heaven, and has left us forever. She has served us very well and we've traveled many thousands of kilometers with her all over Europe for 2 years. As it turns out, we were just a little over 50 kilometers from home on November 11th (NOTE: this is Jakub's birthday) at 3 A.M. during a heavy rainstorm, and I saw myself in bed already even though I was still behind the stirring wheel, but to my dismay and surprise, the engine stopped working and the car started decelerating on the highway. I poked at Jakub a few times to wake him and tell him about this strange behavior of our car, and no matter what I did, the engine would not start again.... So..... we were left stranded on the side of the highway, and called our insurance company, which told us to call the cops, which called the tow truck, which towed us AWAY from Grenoble instead of towards it (logic here???), to a little $hit-hole called St. Marcellin....where we called our insurance company again to find out that we were not covered because we did not have an additional insurance (WE HAD NO IDEA!!) that is specifically pertaining to a 50 kilometer perimeter around the city where we live in and since our car broke down outside of this 50km distance, we had to pay the full price of 300 Euros or so (it was a holiday, so they charged the maximum possible price!!!). Then we had to call a cab and transfer all our junk and the kids into it, and drive home. The cab was at least 100 Euros since it was extra large and who knows what else (also not covered). I thought - happy birhtday Jakub! I think we got home between 4 and 5 A.M. And then Jakub still had to go back to pick up the kayak and few remaining items, and had the car towed to another village near-by where we got ripped off, because the guy said it's not repairable and actually wanted us to pay him more money for the towing and for trashing it - I think he either repaired/resold it or took it for parts. So that was a permanent goodbye to our little car....we have then bought a Renault espace minivan, which has been serving us well so far...<br />
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If you read the whole post, I congratulate you, it has been perhaps a bit too long this time around!!<br />
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~~Happy adventures!! Petra~~</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-63669781819079161562013-08-27T14:12:00.001-07:002013-08-27T14:12:38.313-07:00Hiking in the Massif de la Vanoise mountain range (Savoie)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has perhaps become a bit of a tradition to organize a joint birthday retreat in the summertime to a refuge in the mountains. Last year turned out to be quite an amazing trip, so I was quite eager to reserve a space when I received an email with the subject heading "minchompleanno". This year, I was a bit more cautious not to drink copious amounts of genepi the night before, in order to ensure I was fit enough to reach high elevations at a faster rate than a snail's pace. Nevertheless, we still earned the title of the last arrivals to the dinner table, but once again, the refuge host and our friends were kind enough to forgive us and feed us later than expected. This time we forgot something in the car and I got a bit carried away with photography on the way, however, the hike itself was relatively short with a small amount of elevation gain. The refuge du Fond d’Aussois is located in the Vanoise massif mountain range at 2350m, surrounded by some magnificent peaks, glaciers, streams, looking over a picturesque valley. Friday was a "Nepalese night", where the Nepalese host of the refuge showed us a slideshow of all his undertakings including superb shots of Mount Everest, of course. Finally, a Nepalese dinner was served -- what a treat!!<br />
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Our group consisted of 18 people this year of different nationalities as usual (Italian, German, Czech, Spanish, French) and at the end, we have formed three groups with different programs for the following day. One group was heading for the glacier, the second group went on a hike to (Grand Roc?) and Jakub and I decided to head over to the "lac du Genepi" (how fitting! :). Before bedtime we gave Laura a little goodbye present as she will be leaving us to go to Barcelona and we'll really miss her!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 1 </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like fresh mountain water!! (Hydration is always very important)</td></tr>
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Group one set off for the glacier at 4AM while the rest of us slept in. I think we managed to start hiking around 9 AM and as the locals suggested we took the short cut and hiked directly to the lake without a path to follow. The terrain was decent and it was actually hard not to step on the dense carpet of flowers on the ground. I even saw chives all around little streams and wondered if these were introduced here by people or belong to the native flora....<br />
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After some easy hiking, we reached the lake rather early on in the day (before lunchtime). Clearly, the name of the lake comes from its color which has a turquoise greenish tinge to it, similar to the local alcoholic genepi liqueur that is commonly consumed in the mountains and results in decent hangovers. Genepi is made from Alpine wormwood, <i>Artemisia genipi</i>, which grows on the local hillsides (and we managed to see one plant along the hike).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac du Genepi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny dipping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake from bird eye's view.</td></tr>
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The lake itself was at 2900m and we thought it would be kind of pathetic to go back to the refuge at such an early hour, so we decided to conquer the nearest summit, Roche Chevriere, at 3276m. This hike was a bit more challenging, steeper and on harder terrain (mainly loose rocks) but the views at the top were worthwhile as usual.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roche Chevriere in the back (snow-covered) as seen from the Refuge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitting the snow patch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughly 3276m.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the glaciers.</td></tr>
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On the way down, we did our favorite shoe skiing and we managed to meet up with some of our friends that were getting back from their trip. It turns out they did not make it to the glacier but had a good time doing all the safety training on steep snow patches close to the pass.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer skiing with no skis.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The descent.</td></tr>
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I would say we had perfect timing because we made it back to the refuge, finished a beer on the patio and then the big storm hit. The rest of our group arrived rather soaked but with big smiles on their faces ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gqB3ka97Yo/UgfeYAzBFXI/AAAAAAAAFJo/ROuS-unCTAo/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gqB3ka97Yo/UgfeYAzBFXI/AAAAAAAAFJo/ROuS-unCTAo/s640/DSC_0802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cow heard and some of our friends making their way back in the storm.</td></tr>
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The storm left as fast as it came and we spent the rest of the lazy afternoon sunbathing and drinking beers. Even the marmot came out on his sunbathing spot to chill out. The evening was spent eating dinner, chatting and then giving out gifts to the birthday boys and myself... and of course I had a bit of time for photography!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMR6eyOPipU/UgfeY48LWrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/mLt_oRmJyB0/s1600/DSC_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMR6eyOPipU/UgfeY48LWrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/mLt_oRmJyB0/s640/DSC_0828.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunbathing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura, we will miss you!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milky way.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starry night and galaxy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day2</b></span><br />
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On Sunday we did a joint group hike to the "pointe de l'observatoire" (3015m). This hike was very popular and busy. When we reached the summet I was not to inclined to climb the last few boulders at the top as it was overcrowded and a bit sketchy (slipping would result in falling down off the cliff).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there.</td></tr>
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After the hike we slowly packed our bags and headed back to the parking lot. The truth is, nobody wanted to go back to the sweltering city full of cars and people. We did stretch out the day a bit by stopping at the dam reservoir on the way back for a refreshing swim and this was one of the highlights of our trip.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High five.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason, Jakub seemed to attract most of the cows, they almost went home with us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye mountains, hello civilization.</td></tr>
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Last but not least, we stopped for some ice cream and beers (this was dinner number one). And a bit later we went for pizza. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who said ice cream doesn't go with beer?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our pizza while watching Marco eat his slice :)</td></tr>
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<b>What a fun trip - thanks guys - I look forward to next year!!! </b></div>
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To view all of the photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/drncova.petra/Vanoise?authkey=Gv1sRgCJT8uo7_xai-NQ">click here</a>.</div>
Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-33393336919781481282013-08-11T05:47:00.001-07:002013-08-11T05:47:57.956-07:00Summer Vacation Part I - spending time with kids and family.July - finally vacation is here, and it's time for my yearly visit to the Czech Republic where I'll spend some time with the kids and my mom in Náměšť nad Oslavou. Of course july is also my birthday so it's an opportunity to celebrate with my extended family.<br />
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My trip went smoothly but I'm still surprised that it does take 12 hours from Grenoble to my destination. Bus, plane, train and <i>voilà, </i> I'm finally there...<br />
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I was greeted with a very lovely, traditional "grandma's cake" that the kids decorated and lots of hugs and kisses of course....<br />
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During my stay we've experienced the heat wave so some days we did not even dare go outside but before it got really bad, we went on a little trip to Třebíč and spent the day at the outdoor aquapark. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train ride....</td></tr>
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Both kids really like swimming, but Anna is just crazy about it. If you
give her diving goggles, she is more below water than above, doing
crazy twists and turns, like a little fish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passed out after a full day of swimming.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When it got really hot, we had watergun fights!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terminator.</td></tr>
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On other days we went to the chateau because every year there is a folk
festival with some activities for the kids including puppet shows, games
and crafts. I also bought a new camera (Nikon D7100) so I spent some
time trying to read the manual and play around with all the new
settings, which is still ongoing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zámek (chateau)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street at night...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to do some light painting.... :))</td></tr>
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We also had many visits from the family. I got to see my cousins, my aunts, my grand-mother and my dad. The kids got to see their 2nd cousins and 1st cousins. Tommy and Anna's (1st) cousins, Vítek and Eliška are roughly the same age as our kids so they get along really well. We usually see them in the winter for skiing and in summer they stay together at my mother-in-law's place. And because we had all these visitors, my mom and I decided one day to do some crazy baking of Czech traditional pastries but since we used alot of yeast and it was super hot out, the dough was rising like crazy and we could barely keep up with it!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy seeds, plum paste and cottage cheese (czech type), main fillings of these pastries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd cousins. Klára and Magda.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st cousins. Eliška and Vítek.</td></tr>
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In Náměšť each year there is a "fair" with rides for kids so of course we had to go there and spend some money :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy really missed Vítek. They were quite happy to see each other again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands free!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In motion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fun.</td></tr>
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<br />Before I knew it, the vacation was over and I headed back to Brno to visit my dad once more, before I took off back to Grenoble, and back to work. The kids are now with my parents-in-law and we will see them in one week in Austria!!Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-57842275336842157822013-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:002013-07-17T10:32:27.428-07:00Hiking in les Écrins National Park<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a very small sampling of all the flora in the park. The rhododendrons (left) were just about everywhere.<u><br /></u></td></tr>
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I am completely behind my blog schedule as usual. We're in full-on summer mode right now, the kids are in Czech Republic with grandparents, so it's finally time to get out and do some more intense sports. Unfortunately I've had shoulder tendinitis for several months now, and therefore, won't be able to post any interesting climbing trips for now, as I'm out of climbing at the moment. At least my legs are still working (knock on wood) so we decided to go hiking with Jakub to the Écrins National Park this weekend.<br />
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<b>DAY 1</b><br />
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On Friday evening when we finally made it through the usual traffic jam out of Grenoble (the well known "buchon"!!), we finally arrived at the Champhorent parking (1584 m). We descended to and crossed the beautiful Vénéon river valley (1417 m) and then after hiking up a bit, set up our first "bivouac" under the stars. We did spend about 20 minutes trying to break into our only bottle of red wine, as we decided at home, that carrying a wine opener would be just extra weight. We tried the shoe technique <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EZZVIyVeQI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EZZVIyVeQI</a> and the pushing the cork inside with a spoon technique, but it seemed the bottle was filled too much to let us get to the treasure inside. At the end, Jakub managed to get it opened though by pushing the cork inside. What a perfect night! Stars, mountains and a bottle of wine. :)<b></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y9U4lso5tg/UeaKeiDPU7I/AAAAAAAAE64/oB513iebI-U/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y9U4lso5tg/UeaKeiDPU7I/AAAAAAAAE64/oB513iebI-U/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in the mountains.</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>DAY2</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The night was a bit chilly under the tarp and I always forget how cold it can get at night in the mountains. But waking up to blue skies made up for it. After a small breakfast, we were ready to hit the road again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQagZXIm3gY/UeaKiNmUF2I/AAAAAAAAE7I/a3zsbsAQl88/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQagZXIm3gY/UeaKiNmUF2I/AAAAAAAAE7I/a3zsbsAQl88/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Time!!</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8Ow4ZgRdMc/UeaKix8btUI/AAAAAAAAE7U/Rk9-patqnRU/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8Ow4ZgRdMc/UeaKix8btUI/AAAAAAAAE7U/Rk9-patqnRU/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first bivouac; hiking poles and a tarp.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuW9gH_oWaA/UeaKiQ-6b7I/AAAAAAAAE7M/wMsBz1ubulk/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IuW9gH_oWaA/UeaKiQ-6b7I/AAAAAAAAE7M/wMsBz1ubulk/s1600/DSC_0084.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise, promising a perfect sunny day.</td></tr>
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The first goal was to reach the Refuge de la Lavey<b> </b>(1797 m) which we found to be a very strategically located beer stop in the sweltering heat that we experienced this weekend (even in the mountains!!). So every time we passed here, we had a refreshing pint on tap of a local "Alphand" alpine blond ale. It was as perfect as it sounds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ5JfdJl-4/UeaKkDtXAoI/AAAAAAAAE7c/16gv53acGnE/s1600/DSC_0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ5JfdJl-4/UeaKkDtXAoI/AAAAAAAAE7c/16gv53acGnE/s1600/DSC_0089.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The great thing about hiking in this valley was the amount of water everywhere. Rivers, streams, waterfalls and glaciers, ensured that we could always get refreshed in the heat.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_ID_0OFOiA/UeaKkglqZ3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/hwWSo-iUkkg/s1600/DSC_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_ID_0OFOiA/UeaKkglqZ3I/AAAAAAAAE7k/hwWSo-iUkkg/s1600/DSC_0101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paradise!</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx-MUntcBGY/UeaKlD7qVgI/AAAAAAAAE7s/oZZW9JQ9A_8/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx-MUntcBGY/UeaKlD7qVgI/AAAAAAAAE7s/oZZW9JQ9A_8/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are these cool fluffy flowers?</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6p1lOtjm5vs/UeaKmUE1MCI/AAAAAAAAE70/MIE5E9lRDZI/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6p1lOtjm5vs/UeaKmUE1MCI/AAAAAAAAE70/MIE5E9lRDZI/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers, waterfalls, mountains. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As we were not the earliest risers, we managed to set out to start hiking up to Lac des Bèches <b></b>(2401 m) close to noon, which cost us a slight sunburn, despite all the cream we thought we had slathered on our bodies. I found out that I am rather out of shape when I tried to hike up these 600m of elevation. But considering this was the first hike of the season and I had my 60L pack, perhaps I should have had lower expectations :) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srIjnOPxe2A/UeaKnTIYLqI/AAAAAAAAE8A/HiNjlwMpvsw/s1600/DSC_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srIjnOPxe2A/UeaKnTIYLqI/AAAAAAAAE8A/HiNjlwMpvsw/s1600/DSC_0109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in the heat, sweating like a pig :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6yTrBEQB-U/UeaKo3VuukI/AAAAAAAAE8M/xLr0t5YHGWA/s1600/DSC_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6yTrBEQB-U/UeaKo3VuukI/AAAAAAAAE8M/xLr0t5YHGWA/s1600/DSC_0118.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lac des Bèches, the colors are a bit surreal. </td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9DsLiXqUiU/UeaKnxtiJwI/AAAAAAAAE8E/_GAxjomFa0A/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9DsLiXqUiU/UeaKnxtiJwI/AAAAAAAAE8E/_GAxjomFa0A/s1600/DSC_0115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch break and siesta.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P6dEkkmgSE/UeaKzb6wzyI/AAAAAAAAE-M/En4m4yp9_yM/s1600/DSC_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P6dEkkmgSE/UeaKzb6wzyI/AAAAAAAAE-M/En4m4yp9_yM/s1600/DSC_0232.jpg" width="404" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After resting a bit, we descended back to the refuge to have our beer stop of course!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The final part of the hike for the day was to continue up the valley along the river to the base of the next hike, which would be completed the next day. Here we once again set up a little "camp" and chilled out for the evening.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRmuKjHcTlI/UeaKqplnkYI/AAAAAAAAE8g/AU9qItiY_U0/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRmuKjHcTlI/UeaKqplnkYI/AAAAAAAAE8g/AU9qItiY_U0/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our bedroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57xm6Um2hyc/UeaKpvlmBGI/AAAAAAAAE8U/tiN5B-0T_Lw/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57xm6Um2hyc/UeaKpvlmBGI/AAAAAAAAE8U/tiN5B-0T_Lw/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57xm6Um2hyc/UeaKpvlmBGI/AAAAAAAAE8U/tiN5B-0T_Lw/s1600/DSC_0131.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bedroom from far away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iETzzDbe_7E/UeaKq1TdrhI/AAAAAAAAE8k/y4ANk7DSy-I/s1600/DSC_0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iETzzDbe_7E/UeaKq1TdrhI/AAAAAAAAE8k/y4ANk7DSy-I/s1600/DSC_0159.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a bit of a mosquito problem in our bedroom and since Jakub forgot his hat, he improvised with his detachable pant leg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmJn7-1QZFE/UeaKrj6DyFI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ukNlERE3s_s/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmJn7-1QZFE/UeaKrj6DyFI/AAAAAAAAE8s/ukNlERE3s_s/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The animals we saw on this trip included tadpoles, frogs, marmots and .... sheep! They seemed to be very independent (no shepherd or herding dog) and were quite well adapted to mountain climbing and snow walking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_4b5ZXhY70/UeaKtIMqAEI/AAAAAAAAE88/LFum72ltVgs/s1600/DSC_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_4b5ZXhY70/UeaKtIMqAEI/AAAAAAAAE88/LFum72ltVgs/s1600/DSC_0184.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally had a moment to start reading my camera manual and use my new camera to do a few shots of the stream. I got very enthusiastic and managed to kneel in mud and water just to capture that perfect moment :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUVBbOGZd1U/UeaKt4nORRI/AAAAAAAAE9E/yoZXe4NA1v0/s1600/DSC_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUVBbOGZd1U/UeaKt4nORRI/AAAAAAAAE9E/yoZXe4NA1v0/s1600/DSC_0189.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turquoise waters, red rocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndmqFGjqA9E/UeaKu5ko7xI/AAAAAAAAE9U/4xetKfXW-xc/s1600/DSC_0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndmqFGjqA9E/UeaKu5ko7xI/AAAAAAAAE9U/4xetKfXW-xc/s1600/DSC_0191.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed time.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>DAY3</b><br />
<br />
The next morning it was very fresh. We had an early start this time and managed to start hiking up before the heat hit us. We also gained considerable elevation before the sun was too hot, so it worked out perfectly. The route seemed to be very popular as we met many groups on the way. Surprisingly most of these people were seniors and they were incredibly fit running up the mountain as if it was some easy peasy promenade. We were actually trying very hard to keep a pace so they would not catch up with us. Seriously, they were kicking our asses! Not to mention that the hike was slightly challenging and involved a bit of scrambling on very wet and slippery surfaces. When we finally reached the glacier melt lake "le lac des Rouies" (2722 m), we were a bit surprised. We saw snow and in the middle of it a hill covered completely in sheep! Sort-of reminded me of Noah's ark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR1zwvL7r7U/UeaKu1GdyXI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/Nr4Mm6vyGAQ/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR1zwvL7r7U/UeaKu1GdyXI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/Nr4Mm6vyGAQ/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's get moving before the sun gets us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8pcmAK8AU/UeaKwcjwgpI/AAAAAAAAE9k/wJZtLg1vSRU/s1600/DSC_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8pcmAK8AU/UeaKwcjwgpI/AAAAAAAAE9k/wJZtLg1vSRU/s1600/DSC_0211.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "sheep" island.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PilFV5bJ9GI/UeaKwxzD5TI/AAAAAAAAE9w/dMxaCGOpdsA/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PilFV5bJ9GI/UeaKwxzD5TI/AAAAAAAAE9w/dMxaCGOpdsA/s1600/DSC_0216.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm getting a little sheepish ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uECxwqj9Qlc/UeaKxgbPNzI/AAAAAAAAE90/oZoas_Ha7Ic/s1600/DSC_0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uECxwqj9Qlc/UeaKxgbPNzI/AAAAAAAAE90/oZoas_Ha7Ic/s1600/DSC_0221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le lac de Rouies.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfetrcIuKng/UeaKy34_x8I/AAAAAAAAE-I/MZEmPoouZYo/s1600/DSC_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfetrcIuKng/UeaKy34_x8I/AAAAAAAAE-I/MZEmPoouZYo/s1600/DSC_0227.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brave man.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BtzWrhE3x4/UeaKyLy6eDI/AAAAAAAAE98/i0eK5HOkP7c/s1600/DSC_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BtzWrhE3x4/UeaKyLy6eDI/AAAAAAAAE98/i0eK5HOkP7c/s1600/DSC_0226.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he is crazy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After lunch and a dip in the glacier waters, we headed back to the refuge of course to get a refreshment, and then hiked all the way back to the parking lot. Overall we estimated that we hiked 36km with some 1100m difference of elevation within our hiking trips. Not bad for a start. It was absolutely beautiful, peaceful and well worth it!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkR8xfTSI3M/UeaKvSIXEoI/AAAAAAAAE9c/-W9M6-zTO60/s1600/DSC_0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkR8xfTSI3M/UeaKvSIXEoI/AAAAAAAAE9c/-W9M6-zTO60/s1600/DSC_0209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-73545062568820189082013-03-21T14:02:00.000-07:002013-03-21T14:02:04.370-07:00Fall fun and visit with grandma.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRwAlc7drXM/UUom7PYvPGI/AAAAAAAAEdI/ZkQMIjjRCEE/s1600/SD530032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRwAlc7drXM/UUom7PYvPGI/AAAAAAAAEdI/ZkQMIjjRCEE/s640/SD530032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
My mom came for a visit in the fall and since I've just recently gone climbing to Mt. Aiguille, I thought it would be cool to go hiking somewhere nearby so we could have some magnificent views. After searching on the internet, I found a nice little hike to take the kids and my mom along. So the plan was set, but the weather did not seem to cooperate in the morning. We woke up to a complete whiteout, and despite the worries that the day was ruined, I was stubborn (as I can be:) and decided to go for it with some hopeful and optimistic attitude. As we drove on the highway, the fog got thicker and I almost missed the turnoff.... To make things even more interesting, we came to road block in a tiny village because some dude was repairing his roof. Basically, the only road that existed was blocked, with no warning or sign for a detour prior to reaching the village. Being a dedicated GPS fan, I was now absolutely stumped! But only for a few seconds; I ended up asking one of the workers how to find my way along some random dirt roads which was a 15 min detour that brought us back to the other side of the village. Fun times!<br />
<br />
And guess what, it was well worth all the trouble, because soon enough, the fog was thinner and as we drove closer to our destination, the skies above got bluer. It was going to be a beautiful day after all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small plan of our little hike!</td></tr>
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The fall colors as usual did not disappoint, we were well above the fog/clouds in the valley, and the temperature was perfect. <br />
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And sure enough, when we hiked out of the forest, we did get to see some amazing views, including Mt. Aiguille and the Vercors range.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9-iOx5vF3k/UUomqMZtX2I/AAAAAAAAEbA/OU58ChUOUlo/s1600/DSC_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9-iOx5vF3k/UUomqMZtX2I/AAAAAAAAEbA/OU58ChUOUlo/s640/DSC_0782.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Vercors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Aiguille!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the summit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, enjoying the hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit photo.</td></tr>
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The way back down was not as pretty because there was no real path in the forest and it was steep. So I would recommend to probably take the same path back for beginner hikers. But anyway, we made it and everyone was happy when we saw the car again. (I was happy that we didn't get lost, because my sense of direction can be a bit wishy washy sometimes - so as the leader of the trip, I felt responsible of course :D<br />
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~~~~~<br />
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Within the next week, the weather changed dramatically. We received the first dump of snow in the city, but that didn't hold us back of course. We just pulled out our winter gear and went outside to play!<br />
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I then went around and took photos of our garden and around the house, because it looked like nature didn't have time to hibernate for winter yet....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor roses bending down with the weight of snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea time?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our window.</td></tr>
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As the snow conditions seemed really good, I decided to drive up to Saint Nizier du Moucherotte to do some sledding with the kids because there are a few perfect hills there. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punk snow man.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the air.....</td></tr>
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And that's all folks!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j36W92Vy468/UUomjxaL8nI/AAAAAAAAEaU/StSLYqnbhQc/s1600/mamka+navsteva.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j36W92Vy468/UUomjxaL8nI/AAAAAAAAEaU/StSLYqnbhQc/s640/mamka+navsteva.jpg" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall in Grenoble within one week, before and after snow, photo taken in the same spot.</td></tr>
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Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-26908335271687663432013-02-20T14:25:00.004-08:002013-07-17T11:48:11.544-07:00Mt. Aiguille, La Tour des Gémeaux.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I move to the actual post of our really cool climbing trip way back in October, I'd like to just quickly write a few words about my super long winter hibernation :). As you've noticed the blog has been silent for 4 months. Essentially I've been alternating between being way too busy or way too sick, but as spring approaches, I hope I will be more active again in my blog writing and sharing with you what I've been up to! So stay tuned.....<br />
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~Petra~<br />
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Mt Aiguille (2085m) is a prominent, limestone mesa in the Vercors Plateau, just 58 km south of Grenoble (lucky me!). It is regarded as one of the key birthplaces of mountaineering and comes with a very interesting history in that sense. In 1492 Charles the VIII ordered one of his servants, Antoine de Ville, to climb up the mountain using ladders, ropes and other tools (sketchy aid climbing anyone?!!), and so the mountain was finally conquered for the very first time, which is absolutely impressive. In 1957, the flat table-top feature of the mountain attracted stunt pilots and fly-in tourists after a runway has been built on the plateau. And today? Well, today it's a climber's paradise of course and the first minute I laid my eyes on Mt. Aiguille, I knew I had to climb it sooner or later.<br />
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You can imagine how exciting it was when we finally started to plan the trip. And you can imagine how disappointed I became when I got sick. But luckily, I got over the illness fast enough, to be able to make it at the end - and I did not regret it one bit. This has been one of the most memorable climbing trips I've done (maybe I say that very often now, but it's true!!).<br />
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Mt. Aiguille can be enjoyed by the novice climber as well as the expert climber. The easiest route is 3c. We decided to go up one level to challenge ourselves of course :) and so we chose the beautiful route des gemeaux (Trad/bolted climbing, 8 pitches, 275m, 5c difficulty [5.9 US]), located on the northwest face. It is a classic route and quoting <a href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/tour-des-gmeaux/106689745">mountain project</a> it has "neat features. A variety of fine climbing, from face, to overhangs, stemming, cracks."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igIV81mceGo/USUbKckrsxI/AAAAAAAAEWs/rqGwF-dbzk0/s1600/Tour+des+gemeaux.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igIV81mceGo/USUbKckrsxI/AAAAAAAAEWs/rqGwF-dbzk0/s400/Tour+des+gemeaux.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.camptocamp.org/routes/53940/fr/mont-aiguille-la-tour-des-gemeaux (last two pitches are scrambling at the top, not seen here)</td></tr>
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<tr><td>So FINALLY the morning of the big day came, and there was nothing stopping us. The forecast called for decent weather in the morning, with possible rain in the afternoon, hence there was no room for slacking around and we got on our way fairly early with a quick stop to pick up our good friend and climbing partner, Robert S. We were all pretty damn excited, and as we got closer to the looming giant, I felt a sense of fear, beauty and respect for nature. First thing's first, we had to organise our gear and then we were on our way, hiking up to the base of the climb....the autumn display of colors was surreal and so was the scenery.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S32DKXeCWjo/USUT0U8PBKI/AAAAAAAAEQs/6XfL5Zi492Q/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S32DKXeCWjo/USUT0U8PBKI/AAAAAAAAEQs/6XfL5Zi492Q/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S32DKXeCWjo/USUT0U8PBKI/AAAAAAAAEQs/6XfL5Zi492Q/s640/IMG_3458.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHk6A6RoPqM/USUTzHC--UI/AAAAAAAAEQk/0X_Lv5RncM0/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHk6A6RoPqM/USUTzHC--UI/AAAAAAAAEQk/0X_Lv5RncM0/s640/IMG_3455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring directly at the multipitch climb called Le Pilier Sud, one more level harder than tour des gemeaux. Next project? :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety first.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color madness.</td></tr>
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After a very pleasant hike, chatting and warming up, we finally approached the base of the route. There was a group before us, but at least we had an idea what to expect ahead of us and where to go. It was decided that Jakub and Robert would alternate leading, and I was the piggy in the middle, happy to just tag along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sS3i09-QZ8/USUT3YD03iI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/uTI7XvCtcXM/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sS3i09-QZ8/USUT3YD03iI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/uTI7XvCtcXM/s640/IMG_3465.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve34G4miZFI/USUT8-fAjzI/AAAAAAAAERc/Z37Ci0quYQY/s1600/IMG_3475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve34G4miZFI/USUT8-fAjzI/AAAAAAAAERc/Z37Ci0quYQY/s640/IMG_3475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scenery on the way up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgjKzXiVYvE/USUT6qkBpCI/AAAAAAAAERM/ARwFK2rZw_w/s1600/IMG_3471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgjKzXiVYvE/USUT6qkBpCI/AAAAAAAAERM/ARwFK2rZw_w/s640/IMG_3471.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our goal!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ywRLH6BFLk/USUT_1VModI/AAAAAAAAERs/3nJpXiNz1Bg/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ywRLH6BFLk/USUT_1VModI/AAAAAAAAERs/3nJpXiNz1Bg/s640/IMG_3481.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jakub is first to go for pitch #1.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoXmrJn9AXk/USUUBGRBSvI/AAAAAAAAER0/bvfQDthp_eU/s1600/IMG_3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoXmrJn9AXk/USUUBGRBSvI/AAAAAAAAER0/bvfQDthp_eU/s640/IMG_3483.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert, Pitch #2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltdv6gs_zCM/USUUCdlk8uI/AAAAAAAAER8/xNYzhF5NdRs/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ltdv6gs_zCM/USUUCdlk8uI/AAAAAAAAER8/xNYzhF5NdRs/s640/IMG_3490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just chillin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7aGaOIz3L8/USUxUfekM8I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/NILISfM4Ip0/s1600/Mt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7aGaOIz3L8/USUxUfekM8I/AAAAAAAAEZ8/NILISfM4Ip0/s640/Mt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes there is waiting during climbing. This was my "examination of the flattened croissant" interlude.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPooJk2bCOk/USUTyHoXuII/AAAAAAAAEQc/_KtvBoBf0Bg/s1600/IMG_3491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EPooJk2bCOk/USUTyHoXuII/AAAAAAAAEQc/_KtvBoBf0Bg/s640/IMG_3491.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This had to be the best day of the year to climb -- look at those colors!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjNCCfWLFhs/USUs3aY0SXI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ZS0TQrzTu-Y/s1600/CIMG0206.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjNCCfWLFhs/USUs3aY0SXI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ZS0TQrzTu-Y/s640/CIMG0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch #3. Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjNCCfWLFhs/USUs3aY0SXI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ZS0TQrzTu-Y/s1600/CIMG0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpKTm2caYUw/USUs55zErpI/AAAAAAAAEX8/PIWdApxKfns/s1600/CIMG0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IpKTm2caYUw/USUs55zErpI/AAAAAAAAEX8/PIWdApxKfns/s640/CIMG0215.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out..... Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAULM92Xgmk/USUUauWQo4I/AAAAAAAAEUk/Dfy1D092SJw/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAULM92Xgmk/USUUauWQo4I/AAAAAAAAEUk/Dfy1D092SJw/s640/IMG_3499.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little hiding place before the overhanging crux and traverse.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's just say that I had a rather exciting
moment when I was going over the crux move because I forgot to unclip my
quickdraw. I think I was just too eager to get over this part :) I was already well above it when I noticed my little issue. However, when I
yelled "slack" at Robert who was belaying me from above, he heard "sec"
which in French means "take", so basically the opposite to what I
needed! So as the rope got tighter, I was being pulled downwards, and I
could not remove the quickdraw at all, at this point. The more I yelled slack, the tighter the rope became. I was hanging
just above the crux move with one arm, while still trying to fiddle
around with the other arm, not to even mention the exposed view below me
:)...finally Jakub yelled loud enough SLAAAACK, and Robert gave me some
rope. Note to self, communication is very important when climbing and
even though we said at the very start we will use English, mistakes can
still happen. Nobody is blamed and Robert did a good job keeping me
safe in any case! Good teamwork at the end.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_stxFZ6bTU/USUUbzZfnjI/AAAAAAAAEUs/cn2QnFGvrM8/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_stxFZ6bTU/USUUbzZfnjI/AAAAAAAAEUs/cn2QnFGvrM8/s640/IMG_3504.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch 4, the crux. Robert about to start.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaDYPCNcVZs/USUUdKdPzPI/AAAAAAAAEU0/5wRG9O30IZs/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RaDYPCNcVZs/USUUdKdPzPI/AAAAAAAAEU0/5wRG9O30IZs/s640/IMG_3511.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talk about exposure. I am feeling pretty uncomfortable right now :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMvVrJ0807g/USUs4kuwXSI/AAAAAAAAEX0/uKDiOZxYpWE/s1600/CIMG0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMvVrJ0807g/USUs4kuwXSI/AAAAAAAAEX0/uKDiOZxYpWE/s640/CIMG0212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of pitch #4. Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9tsGXugMkQ/USUUeYL5ZDI/AAAAAAAAEU8/kD46iqoe6Oo/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9tsGXugMkQ/USUUeYL5ZDI/AAAAAAAAEU8/kD46iqoe6Oo/s640/IMG_3517.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crack, pitch #5.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tusFId5Jp9Y/USUUfnYvy_I/AAAAAAAAEVE/r5gdBoOG6_o/s1600/IMG_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tusFId5Jp9Y/USUUfnYvy_I/AAAAAAAAEVE/r5gdBoOG6_o/s640/IMG_3536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertigo anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUm2zpC3o_U/USUUgzkRKkI/AAAAAAAAEVM/0djpH6hXG1Y/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUm2zpC3o_U/USUUgzkRKkI/AAAAAAAAEVM/0djpH6hXG1Y/s640/IMG_3539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last but not the least of the "real" pitches, pitch #6.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ959-vMcO4/USUUixHFqOI/AAAAAAAAEVc/_cLYx5Y_ETM/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ959-vMcO4/USUUixHFqOI/AAAAAAAAEVc/_cLYx5Y_ETM/s640/IMG_3552.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cool arch in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyDdl5MrrAU/USUUj7YOfMI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Tqpgh7LWGPo/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyDdl5MrrAU/USUUj7YOfMI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Tqpgh7LWGPo/s640/IMG_3554.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">almost there....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYIbK_uVEL0/USUUlRz82ZI/AAAAAAAAEVs/_qOpHuWZoZY/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kYIbK_uVEL0/USUUlRz82ZI/AAAAAAAAEVs/_qOpHuWZoZY/s640/IMG_3555.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the last scrambling bit....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVZg4QH7LpI/USUUnspbg0I/AAAAAAAAEV8/FT9DczSTOeY/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVZg4QH7LpI/USUUnspbg0I/AAAAAAAAEV8/FT9DczSTOeY/s640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert reaches summit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GluS-eLgYTE/USUUr1A0YPI/AAAAAAAAEWc/66Dw_mKolIs/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GluS-eLgYTE/USUUr1A0YPI/AAAAAAAAEWc/66Dw_mKolIs/s640/IMG_3566.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plateau. Meadows, summit, great feeling to stand at the top (of the world:).</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY0w8QI6o8E/USUs-JFvF7I/AAAAAAAAEYk/seL_oKkHEH8/s1600/CIMG0238.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY0w8QI6o8E/USUs-JFvF7I/AAAAAAAAEYk/seL_oKkHEH8/s640/CIMG0238.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comemorative plaque of the first ascent in 1492!! Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4eSa4uwYU/USUUqKis3ZI/AAAAAAAAEWM/e0g0_WrdhDM/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4eSa4uwYU/USUUqKis3ZI/AAAAAAAAEWM/e0g0_WrdhDM/s640/IMG_3562.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two "leaders".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit photo :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick picnic as thunderstorms gather around us. Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking
over at the other end of the plateau. Black clouds rolling in, but
still sun shining on us to make this moment of victory sweet. Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99XK_Y-ySmg/USUtEhxRI0I/AAAAAAAAEZU/XP2YE78IXF0/s1600/CIMG0243.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99XK_Y-ySmg/USUtEhxRI0I/AAAAAAAAEZU/XP2YE78IXF0/s1600/CIMG0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuBg1biBgo4/USUtFsec7tI/AAAAAAAAEZc/ho2JK4-zVVQ/s1600/CIMG0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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But guess what came at the very end. You would not believe it if I didn't have the photos, and even then it doesn't look nearly close to what we saw :) Even though the black clouds rolled in, the sunshine kept illuminating the plateau and we saw an amazing rainbow just above Mt. Aiguille. At start it was small, but then it grew into a perfect semicircle, just above the summit. And we were standing there gazing in awe, frozen in time, admiring this once in a lifetime scene.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pot of gold must be in that village down there.... :) Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a neat little treat we got! Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closest depiction of the best moment we experienced. Photo courtesy of Robert S.</td></tr>
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After some delay admiring the rainbow, we decided it was time to "run" as the storm seemed to be coming in and getting wet on the descent didn't seem very appealing. To our amazement, Mt. Aiguille remained untouched by the sporadic weather patterns and we safely made it to the car, dry and content. A couple of beers on the way back made for a perfect finish of the day and even though we were soon back in the city, I was still up on the mountain in my mind, feeling perfect peacefulness, a light breeze playing with my hair, standing there like a little ant, under a colossal rainbow dome :))<br />
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~~~~~The End~~~~~</div>
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Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-52852548637708691402012-11-12T14:52:00.000-08:002012-11-12T15:11:29.313-08:00Fall Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AooD61Oyloo/UHm1Wn4GqdI/AAAAAAAAEJw/3pMm5QA9wiQ/s1600/DSC_0886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AooD61Oyloo/UHm1Wn4GqdI/AAAAAAAAEJw/3pMm5QA9wiQ/s400/DSC_0886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Autumn in Grenoble is absolutely beautiful and very Indian summer like. Temperatures still hover between 16C to 20C, and the high abundance of deciduous trees that surround the mountainous slopes of our home make the fall scenery a delight for the eyes. It is the perfect time to go hiking, climbing (yes, the climbing season here is quite long!), wine tasting and harvest of course! This fall I set out to explore the surroundings of Grenoble to find walnuts and edible chestnuts as they are grown here in large quantities. Chestnuts are very popular here not only for roasting but they are also used to produce chestnut spread, chestnut mousse, chestnut jogurt and other types of dessert, for example. Walnuts are also included in many local recipes such as the salad Dauphinoise which I have not tried out yet, but is considered a local specialty.<br />
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And so one weekend we set out for a little walk in the vicinity of <span class="st"><i>Hurtières</i>, where we found many fallen walnuts on the trail as well as wild chestnuts in the forest. The chestnuts, however, were very tiny and not quite ripe yet. Regardless, it was fun to walk around and collect the nuts and at least it was entertaining for the kids. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As sharp as needles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rC2-NJryuqQ/UHm01KIDOHI/AAAAAAAAEHA/DIbIfsveUpA/s1600/DSC_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rC2-NJryuqQ/UHm01KIDOHI/AAAAAAAAEHA/DIbIfsveUpA/s640/DSC_0728.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our collection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k122GiKT4hc/UHm0ztT7I6I/AAAAAAAAEG4/2qsm4HvfSMo/s1600/DSC_0727.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k122GiKT4hc/UHm0ztT7I6I/AAAAAAAAEG4/2qsm4HvfSMo/s640/DSC_0727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnut tree from below.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFRUotpj5M/UHm05tTnqxI/AAAAAAAAEHY/usO2C_EMIp8/s1600/DSC_0735.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFRUotpj5M/UHm05tTnqxI/AAAAAAAAEHY/usO2C_EMIp8/s640/DSC_0735.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnut tree from above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAetsQlAggU/UHm038I8yPI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/K9KP1iU0lYI/s1600/DSC_0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAetsQlAggU/UHm038I8yPI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/K9KP1iU0lYI/s640/DSC_0731.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in conversation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhY-W9P3GIA/UHm07BmxzPI/AAAAAAAAEHg/bANiI3QY--U/s1600/DSC_0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhY-W9P3GIA/UHm07BmxzPI/AAAAAAAAEHg/bANiI3QY--U/s640/DSC_0739.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep, near Hurtieres.</td></tr>
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As I said, the chestnuts were too scrawny and got moldy before we even tasted them, so hopefullly next year I will find a better spot and good timing. At the end, <span class="st">I did end up buying (local) chestnuts at the grocery
store and they were the best I've ever had. Massive in size, very easy
to peal, sweet and melt-in-your-mouth. </span>The walnuts we picked required cleaning, washing and drying, but at the end it was a very nice treat and will be at Christmas time.<br />
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Another weekend idea was to go to the adventure park up in St. Nizier since we haven't taken the kids there for a while. Jakub has been training his uphill running, so he jogged from our house to St. Nizier, which is roughly 1000m in elevation. Pretty impressive, I'd say! We drove up there to greet him at the "finish" line :).<br />
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And then it was time to head to the adventure park where the kids get harnesses and go on all sorts of rope bridges, obstacles and zip lines. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
first obstacle - cows in the parking lot :). These lovely ladies
provide us with the milk for the local cheese "bleu du vercors".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna on the course.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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While the kids were having fun (and Jakub too, I hope), I started looking around and saw tonnes of fly amanitas (<i><b>Amanita muscaria</b></i>) and it became almost challenging not to step on one by accident. So I decided to wonder deeper into the forest to see if I can find any edible mushrooms, and sure enough, this was a perfect time and place to be if you're an avid mushroom picker or a hallucinogen seeker.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Interesting quote of the day</b>: "In eastern Siberia, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7743508093509552675" title="Shamanism">shaman</a> would consume the mushrooms, and others would drink his urine.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Wasson161_85-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria#cite_note-Wasson161-85"></a></sup> This urine, still containing psychoactive elements, may actually be more potent than the <i>A. muscaria</i>
mushrooms with fewer negative effects, such as sweating and twitching,
suggesting that the initial user may act as a screening filter for other
components in the mushroom (taken from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria">wikipedia)</a> <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Diaz_86-0"></sup></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fISjKqpHhNo/UHm1FCF8ofI/AAAAAAAAEIY/DDysy-iKLTQ/s1600/DSC_0829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fISjKqpHhNo/UHm1FCF8ofI/AAAAAAAAEIY/DDysy-iKLTQ/s640/DSC_0829.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First edible find! Bay bolete/ <i>Boletus badius </i>?<i><br /></i></td></tr>
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In a few minutes I found several edible mushrooms including some perfect porcinis, but the icing on the cake was when I found a rather large porcini mushroom that was the size of my whole foot, untouched only with a few superficial slug holes. At this point I really thought that I was hallucinating.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEvPnzx6bP0/UHm1GgTgjKI/AAAAAAAAEIg/lM9JX6Zzrxw/s1600/DSC_0837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VEvPnzx6bP0/UHm1GgTgjKI/AAAAAAAAEIg/lM9JX6Zzrxw/s640/DSC_0837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lucky find.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XhVdGEZJRY/UHm1KBbhwAI/AAAAAAAAEI0/4kf9VHYJhbM/s1600/DSC_0849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XhVdGEZJRY/UHm1KBbhwAI/AAAAAAAAEI0/4kf9VHYJhbM/s640/DSC_0849.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XhVdGEZJRY/UHm1KBbhwAI/AAAAAAAAEI0/4kf9VHYJhbM/s1600/DSC_0849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3HK1wo6nY/UHm1OztZvYI/AAAAAAAAEJI/n8qltNAllR8/s1600/DSC_0865.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QV3HK1wo6nY/UHm1OztZvYI/AAAAAAAAEJI/n8qltNAllR8/s640/DSC_0865.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">385g, 20cm. My record in my mushroom picking career.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for cooking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream of wild mushroom soup. Mmmmmmm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep fried 'shrooms.</td></tr>
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Fall in the wine country is of course very exciting as there are the so called "wine fairs" in every supermarket and you get great deals on wines as well as a very large selection lasting about two weeks between end of September and start of October. I studied all the little catalogues very well this year and went around to get some nice wines that I want to try out in the winter when we have our fireplace lit :D.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9XUSfMUd34/UHm1U8LD0oI/AAAAAAAAEJo/u35GcHK9_e0/s1600/DSC_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9XUSfMUd34/UHm1U8LD0oI/AAAAAAAAEJo/u35GcHK9_e0/s640/DSC_0876.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fall/winter 2012 wine collection :) I don't think I've ever owned this many, I must be getting into this!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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But life isn't always about having fun of course :), the next day on Sunday, I became ill with some viral bug, and had to stay home for several days, to catch yet another virus just when I recovered and finished my antibiotics for laryngitis/bronchitis...and had a lovely itchy rash break out all over, either from the virus or antibiotics. So it took me 3 wks to get better again in total -- part of the fall season as well I guess!<br />
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-26457001136849293132012-10-31T06:23:00.002-07:002012-10-31T06:23:58.054-07:00September weekend.<br />
Finallly,
it seems like we've settled into the school year again. It's been very
hectic in September adjusting to regular school hours and work hours,
dropping the kids off to two different schools mainly on bikes, buying all the school
supplies, attending parent meetings (some in French!), signing up the kids for
extra-curricular activities, helping with homework... All that with no family help, but somehow
miraculously we managed. After the first few weeks of all this, at last I had the
time to renew my membership in the climbing gym and started climbing
regularly as well as keeping up with semi-regular jogging sessions
slightly uphill here where we live. We also decided to start playing squash with Jakub once every two weeks, but it turns out to be rather pricey here in Grenoble. Work is also still very fulfilling -
so I am content as ever before. The synchrotron is now in full mode
again, hence Jakub has more than enough work, sometimes spending time there
on weekends whether it's visitors that he has to take care of or his
own experiment. Not to mention that once in a while he has to go to a conference and I'm here on my own. Therefore, when we realized we had one weekend that we could spend together as a family, we seized the opportunity and went on our probably last camping trip of the year here in France. <br />
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Saturday was spent at an amusement park (Walibi) because we promised the kids to take them there again this year. It was actually a surprise, so they had no clue we were taking them there until we basically arrived and it was neat to see them get very excited. This time, Tommy went on most of the extreme rides with Jakub. Anna and I just watched and I documented. I'm sure Anna would go too though, if she was tall enough. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh7PKTBQYS4/UHmz-JLYIeI/AAAAAAAAEDM/v2QiHozg_xw/s1600/DSC_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh7PKTBQYS4/UHmz-JLYIeI/AAAAAAAAEDM/v2QiHozg_xw/s640/DSC_1025.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy, who usually gets very plane sick, seemed to handle this totally fine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guy behind Jakub seems to be praying for his life and then there's the lady on the right.... :)</td></tr>
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Aside from crazy rides, the park has a little zoo, and petting zoo, as well as pony rides, so we hung out there for a bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goats seemed to be very intrigued by literature.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KO6yKsrVL5g/UHm0G7hr90I/AAAAAAAAED4/VYwYQ8wbAP8/s1600/DSC_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KO6yKsrVL5g/UHm0G7hr90I/AAAAAAAAED4/VYwYQ8wbAP8/s640/DSC_1065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But chewing on clothes turned out to be more interesting at the end.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdXHSPQY4aY/UHm0ISyfmQI/AAAAAAAAEEA/VOjFpkx3qv8/s1600/DSC_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdXHSPQY4aY/UHm0ISyfmQI/AAAAAAAAEEA/VOjFpkx3qv8/s640/DSC_1070.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even Tommy gave up on reading.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pony ride with papa.</td></tr>
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After a full day of rides, we headed to the Chartreuse mountain range where we set up our tent and camped out.</div>
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On Sunday we went on a nice easy going hike to Sai<span style="font-size: small;">nt-</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Même, les cascades du Guiers (waterfalls). <span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning was very misty and chilly, but in the afternoon the sun came out and it still felt like summer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool cave on the way, so we checked it out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les cascades du Guiers</td></tr>
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At the end of the day, we managed to squeeze in a bit of climbing at Rochers du Mollard. We visited a good "family" climbing spot so the kids could also enjoy it.</div>
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That's all folks!</div>
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Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7743508093509552675.post-47095472678711688142012-10-09T12:55:00.002-07:002012-10-09T13:02:29.524-07:00Tommy's 9th birthday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My boy turned 9 this year, which made me realize how grown up he is already and how really fast time has gone by. I mean, he's half way to 18 already! So this might be a good time to reflect on the past, think about my current parenting skills, determine where we are at in our relationship, and where we want to be. I'd like to see myself improving as a parent, and so this will be one of my key focuses for the next little while :). I'm grateful for having two beautiful and healthy kids. <span class="st">♥ <span class="st">♥ </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a nice party in the local park - our favourite to do picnics.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a "family" cake with our landlord Martine (yummy strawberry pie made by her), she is the most sweet lady I've met and really reminds me of my grandmother.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking very positive here :)</td></tr>
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<br />Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06290363036913300689noreply@blogger.com0