9/8. Refuge Nice to Refuge Valley Mervielles

In the refuge there is always someone with further to go or sleepless and wanting to move or whatever- perhaps just a needed trip to the WC. That first movement precipitates an overall awakening and usually a bit after 6 the place awakens and the packs begin to be assembled. So it was this morning. Still we always are the last out the door a bit after 8.
Thé route climbs above the refuge up the branch valley and follows the water flow into a narrow basin with small lakes / ponds often unseen till you climb above then and look back. And climb we certainly did steeply over a rocky boulder strewn route - you Crain your neck upward into the sun trying to see where the markers take you do as to plan your steps. The landscape shrinks below and I couldn't help but rephotograph the area as it changed . The bast bit to col was steep switchbacks till you collapse over top - typical. 8830 ft. We sat and ate our picknick purchased from the refuge. The little pate container tasted like cat food ( don't ask me how I know) and that was pitched, but the rest was simply calories needed. Above us a Bouquetin gazed and grazed down at us.
Forward was a shallow basin to descend too and then the route turns a corner down more often boulder hopping. Ahead on the opposite wall a switch backing trail up to the next pass could be seen. In the background Mt Bego and dark heavy clouds loomed. Whatever- on we went bouldering / hiking down until another blue resevoir lake appears - the map shows 3 but you can only see the upper one from our perspective.
The rocks became fascinating slabs of teal green collapsed from one side mixed with plates of maroon having come from the other. Huge chunks of brilliant quartz. Simply beautiful.
We had a snack then climbed the easy trail to the next pass at 8363 ft. The Velley des Merveilles is bellow and the trail descends in long sometimes steep switchbacks and there are trail braids as the many visitors have cut the trail .
At the bottom 2 small lakes. From here you need rubber tips on your poles to protect the rock. This valley has 100000 bronze age rock art etchings but frustratingly you must join a guided tour to view it as the areas are restricted. A few examples just along the trail are well marked. But I regret not having investigated this in advance so as to be able to have seen more.

The rock itself is spectacular covered in green & orange lichen and the different colors were played by the shifting light.
We slowly made our way to the Refuge Mervielles. Strict rules here to accommodate and manage the crowd. No one allowed in the dorms before 6 Pm! Free showers - all you want - its all ice cold- no hot water. I took one anyway. The air became hazy and humid - we were in a cloud really.
Eventually inside, a mass dinner and we had roast beef with polenta. Very good and enough. We sat with the Belgians we'd met at Le Boreon and enjoyed getting to know them better - fun guys both named Ronnie - R2!
Sleep was fitful with so many people, snoring etc. I should have take a sleeper.