Day 16 - Nevache to Briancon - Epic Day's Hiking

The weather is reasonable when we get up. But we know there will be 50 km/h winds once we cross the first col at 2500 m. We've looked at a multi-model forecast (basically, about 12 forecasts using different models) and they all show cold temperatures and have rain of some form; a couple have isolated showers, some frequent showers, other have a sustained period of rain, a couple have thunderstorms - but none shows snow at our altitude. The day's hike is about 8 hours to Briancon and we rationalize that, if the weather is too bad, we can either turn back or - at about half distance - descend to Serre Chevalier to get back to valley level. We also discuss the importance of walking at a steady pace - we won't want to stop for rests.

The start of the hike is dry and quite pleasant but we can see rain approaching. Not far from the first col, just below the tree line, we stop for some food and to layer up as the rain starts. Above the tree line it's wet and windy but it's once we cross the col - and get out of the lee of the mountain - that the weather hits us. We're in the clouds and the wind is very strong and straight in our faces, driving the rain into us. 

We basically keep hiking for the next 4 and bit hours. It's not very pleasant but my rain-gear is doing its job and I'm mostly dry. The others seem to be doing fine and there's no discussion of turning back or escaping down to the valley. Eventually the rain stops, shortly after the sun comes out, we stop to eat and remove some layers - broad, relieved smiles all round. 

Briacon - citadel center left, other defenses top left  

The rest of the hike is very pleasant and we reach La Croix de Toulouse, a great viewpoint of Briancon. Briancon is a fortified town (it's basically on the French - Italian border) and the defenses are something special. We descend into the citadel and have our photos taken. 

This is the end of the hike for Jill, Rohan and Rahul so they are a bit demob happy. The first two will head back to the States in a couple of days and Rahul is going to do some travelling in Europe. We find a decent hotel and then find a great resto and Rahul treats us all to an excellent meal.   

The ones smiling have finished the hike