Stage 3 St Andre to Barcelonnette

Stage 3- St Andre to Barcelonnette

Woke up to beautiful blue sky and sunshine. Great overnight at the municipal campsite- great facilities and only 15euros. Situated amongst pine trees, and large supermarket at entrance. At 900m, cold last night, so stayed in van, got up to date with blogs, did some washing, checked tomorrow overnight stay and watched a couple of episodes of “Outnumbered”- I just love Karen, she reminds me of Kate, at that age, with fluffy blonde hair, without the attitude!

No chance of meeting up with Ian today, as he’s going a van-unfriendly way- D955 to Colmars, over Col d’Allos (2247m) and down to Barcelonnette, whereas I’m driving an easier route, aiming for Digne-les-Bains, on D900, through Seyne, and on to Destination. Campsite at Camping le Plan, 10mins walk from centre. Digne-les-Bains a bit indifferent, but from then on stunning drive through meadows of wild flowers- had to stop, turn around and take photo of fields red with poppies, and saw someone else do the same a few minutes later! Fields of rows of purple lavender, the scenery was so colourful and gorgeous. I passed through a lovely little place called La Javie, and then on to Lac Serre-Poncon, in the valley- would like to go there again. Stunning views of the Hautes-Alpes and easy driving into Barcelonnette. Ian arrived more or less at the same time, after problems relaying messages to each other, and having to ring ultimately, because Worldsim service was so slow. In fact he didn’t get come of my messages until 3hours later!!!

Ian says:
Today was lovely weather and start of serious alpine passes. 45 mile ascent of the Col d’Allos (summit 2250m). On the way up passed through the lovely village of Colmars, which we must return to together. The last 6K of the climb were very hard and had to stop twice to take a breather, food and drink. The views at the top were superb and the 20K descent to Barcelonnette was exhilarating. Situation in the posterior deteriorating further!