Saturday, August 22, 2009

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Two peaks in the eastern Pyrenees: Pic & Gra Fajole of the Giant (Basti)


16/08/2009: Vallter 2000 - Refugi Ulldeter - Coll Marrana - Gra of Fajole - Refugi Ulldeter

The family vacation this year (Catalonia) allowed me to finally discover the Pyrenees, well known by Dreamer 4000 (D) told me about how often passionate and affectionate.

As I had the firm intention to explore the mountains, which means as much to me and my children without the disgust at the outset, I wanted to find a refuge in the area, easy to CCAEC, which could we serve as "base camp" for hikes. And after long hours of research, my choice was the Refugi Ulldeter in the eastern Pyrenees.

After two hours away, we, that is to say two of my three children and myself (the little has remained behind with his courageous mom) arrive at the car park below the ski Valldeter 2000. We leave the backpacks, we put our walking shoes, the last little look at the map and go!

view of the Gra Fajole Baix, 2567m.

We intend to join the GR11 and then reassemble it to the refuge, but, and here it starts rather badly, we do not fall into the nice little path between parking and GR. After half an hour of wandering, I feel compelled to abandon the search and go through the road that leads to the ski resort.

Fortunately, my two brave fellow travelers do not complain and are very happy.

Soon we leave the road and go up pretty far in the direction of the shelter.

Such a path is a feast for children: a large but not boring, not too steep, a small river in parallel in which they can play.

Meanwhile, dad takes full advantage of the beautiful landscape: the refuge is already visible at the top of the slope, and behind the Gra of Fajole, 2712m, emerges against an azure blue sky.

Go, friends, it is the last mile!

Sanctuary Ull de Ter, 2235m. He was ready, we have only put 45min. From the parking lot.

As it is still early, I decided not to hang out: we will try to climb to the top of the Gra Fajole! I reorganized my backpack and takes a few cases of children, they will not like this bag to carry.

An early rise to very mild Coll Marrana. At right, Bastie, 2883m. Only point of criticism: the slopes of the ski area closest to disfigure the landscape.

Children are fascinated by the small river (el Ter) along the path. I suggest they play in after the summit and they agree.

The Coll Marrana, 2529m.

With my clubs, the climb becomes a game in itself.

Looking Mentet of the Portella, 2411m. At left, the ridge that leads to the Pic de la Dona, behind the famous Canigou 2784m.

last part of the climb to the Marrana Coll.

arrived at the pass, we can contemplate the Bastiments, which gives the appearance of an extinct volcano here.

The extensive nature reserve and Mentet Canigou.


the pass, a steep slope strewn with rocks mounts directly to the top of the Gra Fajole. All this is not difficult, we must put one foot before the other. All this was still an air of Karwendel. A small ridge leads us finally to the summit.

We are hyper-happy: our first Pyrenean peaks is a fact, even their children's first mountain at all! I am very proud of them: even if we see that they are not used to walking in the mountains, I do not stimulate them to go too and they listen well.


view the Bastiments (or Pic du Geant) and Fresers Peak, 2835m.

You will agree with me that this is a time to éternaliser and cherish?

The western edge of Fajole Gra. Behind Puigmal, 2911m.

descent without problems. We are relaxed and have plenty of time. I let the children play in the little river promises, things done!

The area around the shelter Ull de Ter is a haven of peace.

One would not we just climb this summit spectacular!

scene of desolation and melancholy around the refuge.

Once returned to the shelter, it's time to play and draw. I try to do everything to ensure that children have good memories of this trip and this refuge, very pleasant, well maintained and pleasant indeed, especially frequented by hikers along the way on the GR 11.

At 19:30, dinner is ready. I am happy to introduce my children to this mode of operation of shelters, I can not stop repeating it, I became so familiar during all these beautiful years mountain. Meanwhile, a violent thunderstorm.

At 21h, I think it is time to go to the dorm, we share with a family in Barcelona (my children were not the only children at the shelter). Wash will be for another time, good night!


08/17/2009: Refugi Ulldeter - Coll Marrana - Bastiments - Refugi Ulldeter - Vallter 2000

The next day, after spending a pleasant night, we enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Morning grand, we leave to another level, the Bastiments.

We're once again en route to Marrana Coll.


Children seek their own path through the meadows.

Petite pause Coll Marrana, 2529m.

We climb slowly towards the Bastiments. Gradually, we realize the dimensions of the Gra Fajole that we climbed yesterday.

massif of Gra Fajole: Gra of Fajole Baix, 2567m and Gra of Fajole, 2712m.

The climb becomes steeper and the views now extend (left, Puigmal). Though quite different from the Alps (greener, more rounded forms), this landscape very nice to me.

Passage typical ascent of Bastiments.

The arrival of the secondary top Bastiments is glorious: it is really a respectable altitude here (not far from 3000m) and continue towards the main summit is a real pleasure.

Between the secondary top and the main summit of Basta.




Ah, this is magnificent! It is very mild, no wind, sweeping views of the entire chain ...

The continuation of the ridge towards the border Fresers Peak, 2835m, Pic of Infern, 2869m, and the Pic de la Vaca, 2826m, is tempting, but it will still be a again.

It is generally a long pause on the summit fabulous. It's time to eat, look around, play with the toys away to the top ...

The traditional image on top of a mountain ...

we go down the same path. The broad valley leads to the refuge Fresers Coma de Vaca.

After work, children play the game like crazy around the river Ter, which knows its source not far below the Marrana Coll.

We say goodbye to the Sanctuary of Ull Terr and surrounding area that have captivated us during these two days.



My first outing mountains with my children was a success: the weather remained fine, we were able to climb to the summit of two mountains, without any major worries, crying, etc.. Even if I do not follow in my footsteps crazy and obsessed mountain, I am sure they will fondly remember this trip the Pyrenees.

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