Busy Night & Day

Day 50 - Action-packed

In the pitch darkness and bitter coldness in the middle of the night in the Mercantour National Park, one of the hiker's biggest fears becomes reality. Loud barks in the distance turn into heavy breathing around the tent. The sounds indicate that there is more than one species outside the tent, with the snares and growls seemingly aimed at each other more than the fragile hiker laying in the tent. Following researched advice, remaining calm within the tent with an improvised shield and pepper spray at hand, the situation dissolves over time. It is likely the patous defended not just their herd of sheep but also the fortunate hiker from a more dangerous predator.

Setting off before six o'clock to avoid further confronations with the patous proves quite the contrary, as the dogs perform an escort of kinds until the terrain became too rugged for the sheep. With blisters starting to increase following the fortnight's intense hiking, perserverance is required with the endless up and down nature of the trail. Small spots are found to refuel with cold water and stock up on essentials. A sprinting limp across the finish line to a farm's campsite offers a calm setting and a long overdue shower.

Vallon de Sallevieille - Saint-Dalmas