So i scored a car ride thru (blablacar.com) all the way up to Valfréjus, as i would arrive there around 3 in the afternoon, i decided to skip the first 2 hours hiking up from Modane to Valfréjus. The guide book said the trek up to Refuge du Mont Thabor from Modane would take 6 hours, and i didn’t want to hike the last km in darkness.

It was strange to get into the center of Valfréjus, there was almost no people around and loudspeakers, hanging from poles around the town square, where blasting 90’ies techno music. I quickly rearranged everything in my backpack and filled my water bottles form a fountain, then followed the road up thru the small town.

there are several places to pitch a tent on the way up, to the Col but this is an area with a lot of cows and farming!

I reach Col de la Vallée Étroite in under 3 hours, way faster than expected, but i’m also tired and hungry now. The refuge is 10min from the col, and the trail is super nice, so i enjoy it and the view fullly. the first lake isn’t the best place to camp, but at the second theres a nice flat grass area right next to the lake, it’s an fine spot, and it out of the worst wind, but there isn’t a cool view, only the majestic mountains behind me 😉

Just after i have pitched the tent it starts to rain, but only a bit. i have some dinner while waiting for the rain to stop again. it’s only half past 6 så i go out to check my surroundings. theres actually several spots for som fine camping in this area, and if the weather i good you can pitch your tent right on the edge and have a grand view of the valley.

I’m super exited to test my new sleeping bag, it is actually a quilt, meaning that there isn’t a hood on it, and i can open it up and use it as a blanket if it gets to hot. it is super nice and i’m toasty all thru the night. i’m a bit sickish and don’t sleep very well, in the morning i have a massive headache and nausea, i think it’s the elevation! a little height sickness maybe?