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.
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.
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.
Looking Mentet of the Portella, 2411m. At left, the ridge that leads to the Pic de la Dona, behind the famous Canigou 2784m.
arrived at the pass, we can contemplate the Bastiments, which gives the appearance of an extinct volcano here.
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.
descent without problems. We are relaxed and have plenty of time. I let the children play in the little river promises, things done!
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.
We climb slowly towards the Bastiments. Gradually, we realize the dimensions of the Gra Fajole that we climbed yesterday.
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.
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. 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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