The last big hill

Charlie

At least for this trip.   Todaìy we reached both the halfway point on the Regodane and the last long climb before leaving the mountains.   We are now heading downhill into the Mediterranean climate zone.   Here is the updated chart.

DAY 8: Génolhac to Le Pontil

If you would like to see the virtual trail video clip,  click this link.

A section of ancient road.
A more typical path

The Regordane was a mercantile route for several centuries.  At one time, they hauled material using carts,  and as the roads degraded, they began using donkeys.  That practice continued until the 19th century and train lines were created.   There are a number of sections that appear to have been roads, but those sections are interspersed with rocky terrain that is sometimes nearly impassable.

The humming birds here are enormous.   Hunters hunt them with shotguns and send dogs to retrieve them.
This is the remains of a coal mining operation,  with a long ramp used to move the coal to the rail line several miles away
The chateau in Portes is currently being restored
The trail passes right next to the chateau.
This particular castle was designed specifically to move horizontally and vertically like a ship through a waterboard.  (Hint: that’s a lame chess joke inspired by the similarity of the corner to the prow of a ship.)  I can explain further,  if needed.
A view of the area of the Cevennes we passed through the last few days.  This photo was taken as we reached Portes.

I actually felt a bit sad seeing these mountains for the last time in this journey.  Tomorrow we will hike to Alès (formerly spelled Alais) as we continue to drop in elevation to near sea level.  It will be warmer and start becoming more densely populated as we approach the Mediterranean coast.

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