Gorges d’Opedette

As a late afternoon walk, all of us except my mum decided to do the hike at the Gorges d’Opedette. Based on the description we would walk at the top of this “canyon” on both sides, with the prospect of a few good shots on the river at the bottom.

We started the hike and quickly Wolfram and I were left behind. Despite we usually walk at a decent speed, taking pictures does slowed us down.

We first covered the left bank of the canyon. The view was good especially with the evening sun. Nothing compared THE Grand Canyon, but the wilderness of this one is worth the trip.

Walk was challenging as most of the time we had to step on stones. Believe it or not these Lapiaz stones are part of what one should see during this hike. They were nice at the beginning but quickly became painful to walk on.

The right bank was even more painful but really worth it as with the sun going down the light was simply amazing on the cliffs.

Following the yellow marks we reached a point where there was a choice to be made:

-          1km to the parking by going all the way down to the bottom of the canyon and back up (40min)

-          1km to the village and then another 1.5km back to the parking (1h30)

Of course we picked the shortest way although based on the people coming up it would be difficult. And difficult it was as going down and then up was a mix between climbing and hiking. Some spots were very tough for the inexperienced climbers that we are and even with the metal bars placed there to help us, it was challenging.

But we made it.

First to the base to find ourselves in the river. Luckily for us in this season it’s pretty empty. Although it was difficult going down, the scenery there was really worth the effort.

And then back up (100m )

I’m especially proud of my sister who’s afraid of heights and managed the whole climbing piece like a pro. 

We will have sore legs (and maybe even arms) tomorrow, but tonight it feels good to have stretched ourselves a bit into this climbing exercise. A story to remember and to be told many times in the future!