SUMMER
IN ST LUC
August 2009
Fabulous
month in St Luc temperatures in the ideal 24 to 28 degrees plenty of mountain
walks and for the first time mountain biking.
Super hike to Gruben with overnight stay in the hotel there a very good
two day hike.
This was to get us ready for the hike up to the Cabin Montet a truly awe
inspiring place, quite challenging and at time a little nerve racking…..
First Summer in St Luc
Summer in the mountains is something I must confess I did not think would appeal. For me winter is for the mountains and skiing, summer is for the sea and boats. We made a quick vistit to St Luc en route to Mallorca to drop off some furniture at the beginning of May.St Luc had the feeling of a new season just about to start, the weather was quite good, jumper but not jacket weather. The flowers were just coming out to bloom and walking up the mountain there was still snow reminding me of where I had been skiing. There was more streams than I would have imagined and a pretty spectacular cascade with a natural snow bridge that would only be visible for 1-2 weeks. I was beginning to see the appeal of a non snow mountain break.
We returned to St Luc towards the end of May back from Mallorca, leaving Mallorca in the morning and after a very good sea crossing and 500 mile drive we arrived in St-Luc late evening the same day. We awoke to Blue skies and sun streaming in through the windows and temperatures already in the 20's. It was an incredible contrast from the bustle of Mallorca awaking to the absolute peace and tranquility of St Luc. During the day the temperatures rose to over 30 degrees, and although they have a very high sun record, it was quite exceptional temperatures for the time of the year. We set off later in the day to see if the snow bridge was still in existence and it was quite amasing the difference in just two weeks. The grass was greener the assortment and abundance of wild flowers was incredible. what had been streams just a couple of weeks before were now raging torrents. The snow bridge had gone so had most of the snow and in the heat of the day cooling effect of the fine mist from the cascade was a very welcome relief. An ideal place to stop, chill the wine, have a picnic and just relax and soak in the sounds, smell,and tranquility.
The funicular we understood would not be open until June and it was a welcome surprise to find that it was open with a limited service of one departure an hour. The pretty lady that took our fare also drove the Funicular and when we arrived at the top we believed that we were the only people on the mountain. Our objective was to reach one of the lakes (approximately a 11/2 hour walk) but the combination of altitude, non fitness and too large a lunch beat us, but not reaching our objective was not a disappointment trying to get there was such a delight it will just give us something to look forward to on our next summer visit to St Luc
Cascade
with snow bridge
Cascade
walk early May
Early
bloom
Andrews!)