8/25 Pamplinet to Montgenevere

We woke up late, one of the most comfortable beds in a very long time. After a nice breakfast we bid our acquaintances farewell and headed out into the cool morning. We took a few photos around the old village as we got on route. The GR follows the road up in back of town and begins switch backing elevation quickly but on a sustainable grade. Quickly into the mode, we paused only for photos of the town shrinking below, the valley and surrounding mountains and the old Fort d'Olive on the peak above us. The area is full of these empty old forts still watching over the nearby Italian border. The road levels and moves through a gorge into forest of pine eventually transitioning to larch. We passed a group of chalets, then forded the stream and headed steep uphill. The climb continues strongly until going to trail and entering a large high nearly treeless basin. The col in the distance is obvious but the featureless grassy basin hide the climb to reach it. We reached the col Dormillouse after 3hrs 45 min starting and found another grassy basin waiting on the other side with trail traverse claiming to a second higher Col de la Lauze @ 8300ft. We paused here for the sights - the striking glaciated peaks of Ecrins National Park to the west and the clouds and rain we observed to envelope those peaks and head menacingly our way. Tammy left a note for the Dutch and down we went. The GR does a curving descent into yet another grassy basin border by the gray folded rocks of Mt . Eventually back into trees the and the heat began to rise as the clouds slipped north and Mr Sunshine made his appearance accompanied with strong up valley wind.singing through the larch needles. We reached the zone of day hikers and stopped in the shade for a mid afternoon sandwich - bread- sausage - cheese. Then on into Montgenevere where we walked up to our hotel and did cleanup. My pack stunk! So I washed it the tub with a Tide packet Tammy had hoarded and sweetly donated. What a difference and it dried quickly in the wind. Into the town, we saw the Obelisk of Napoleon built to commemorate has assault of Italy over the pass where the town sits. Many army's have crossed here back to ancient times. Now it's a ski resort and summer playground. We bought supplies and later take out pizza for dinner. First one then a second massive thunderstorm pushed through creating a enjoyable show!