Le Queyras J2 St Véran Refuge Agnel

Animateur Alain C.

Hike around Queyras

07:25 : We set off on an early start from "Chez Nanou / Auberge Coste Belle" (5 mins ahead
of schedule). It was cold : perfect for the hard climb awaiting us.
Pascal saw what he thought was an Indian camp and was mostly interested in the two
squaws !!!
09:00 : We saw the remains of a copper mine with the distinctive colour of the surrounding
rocks.
09:30 : We stopped at Notre Dame du Mont Carmel (1846m) also named Clausis' Chapel.
Who was Clausis ? : remains an enigmatic mystery.
10:15 : We stopped again with a different view of the copper mine and noticed the St Veran
marble quarry. Philippe (and others) had their eyes riveted to their binoculars looking for
marmots, mountain goats, eagles, vultures, hawks and other raptors.
10:30 : Rocher des Marrous (2490m). Binoculars out again searching for mountain goats,
marmots etc. but nothing in sight.
11:50 : Col de Chamoussière (2884m). We enjoyed a rest, the view and a good lunch. Some
remarked that the sky wasn't as blue as the preceding day.
12:30 : Everything stops…all activity stops… life stops… many fall asleep… it's siesta time. But
a few resist… binoculars out again, this time attention was focused on birds of prey
13:00 : Binoculars down for some, wake up for others and we all set off.
14:00 : Riou du Rocher (2630m) where we decide to head to the Col Agnel as this evening's
Refuge is not far and we would have to wait until 16:00 when the dormitories open.
14:20 : Arrive at the Col Agnel (2744m) : where lies the border with Italy and an magnificent
view of Mont Viso.
15:00 : Arrive at the Refuge Agnel (2580m).
18:00 : After a nice cool beer (and other beverages), it's back to looking at the birds, beavers,
mountain goats… As a precaution, several were Oximeter tested (measurement of oxygen
levels in the blood stream and pulse rates). Initial tests were alarming, showing that most of
us were dead. Using the equipment properly we were relieved to find that we were all still
alive and ready to start a new day's walk (after diner and a "good night's " sleep).