8/18 Refuge Rosuel to Refuge col de Palet

Formally into the Vanoise park now, we were moving by 8:20. The valley was still in shade which was great for the climb in the cool air. The sun tried to catch us but we did half the days elevation in shade finally leaving the trees as the GR reached the opening to the upper valley with rocks of the ancient terminal moraine the last hurdle. They were interesting and showed glacial polish some with a rosey hue. Past them is a long grassy plane through which winds the stream exiting the unseen lake further on up. They day was again perfect and we were leisurely stopping often. Finally gaining a view of the lake, we stopped to have a lunch of sausage / cheese/ mustard sandwiches, chocolate etc. while our feet and socks aired. Onwards and more upwards the views of the lake turned sublime and I stopped every 50 ft to re- photograph the scene. Over a crest the kale disappears but was replaced with a beaufort cattle herd beautiful against the mountain backdrop. It was surprising to see cattle in a national park, but they did not detract. A little further on a donkey stood square UN the trail and we walked around only to have it follow us. Two men coming the other way stopped to chat joined by the donkey. They were Australian (Adelaide ) and British
residing in France. They recommended a side route to the Col de Tourne which we took and it provided interesting views. We looped back rejoining the GR at another stunningly beautiful lake - Lac Gratteleu. 10 minutes on we reached the Refuge. No showers here but we rinse clothes and sponged off after having a wonderful crepe with ham and cheese. Tam rested and I walked further up to the pass the out on a bench with great views of the peaks and glaciers of Grand Motte and Grand Casse spilling into the green valley below. Wow. Great views of the refuge and peaks to the east. Back at the refuge a group arrived with a couple from Seattle. Many children here tonight one too small to be at this altitude - 8500 ft. in my opinion. Sleep could be challenging tonight....