Category Archives: Sunset

Animals, France, Hikes, Landscape, Mountain, Nature, River, Sunrise, Sunset, Travel |

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Mont Bégo

5, 6 and 7 August 2021

This is it, the weather forecast is rather good for the next 3 days, my dad’s health is back to great, I took a day of leave, so… Off we go!

A little 3 days loop thought by my dad, starting at the Gordolasque parking, going up to the Pas de la Fou to cross over to the valley of the Valmasque, then onto the valley des Merveilles with a side trip up the Mont Bégo before heading back to the car.

Day 1: we leave the parking of the Gordolasque (1690m) around 9am, and it is about time: the parking is near full, it is crazy! We follow the main path to the Lac de la Fous (2200m) passing by the Italian wall (see picture from above). From there we reach the Refuge de Nice (2220m) and veer off the main tracks to go to the Pas de la Fous (2828m). I make a small side trip to the Cime Viglino (2910m) with an impressive view of the east side of the Mont Clapier. We go back down to the Lac Gelé (2610m) where we find a small patch of grass to sleep on. As we enjoy the peace and quiet after our evening meal, we are visited by a curious bouquetin. Sniffing here and there, he comes to about 2m of us. before taking a step back and going back to its dinner.

Day 2: we keep going down all the way to the Lac Vert and the Refuge de la Valmasque (2220m), after a small stop, we back track to follow the edges of the lac Vert, Lac Noir (2280m) and Lac du Basto (2340m) before going up to the Baisse de la Valmasque (2549m) where we will come back for the night. We have our lunch there overlooking the lakes we just walk by. After lunch, leaving our big back packs behind, we do a big side trip to the Mont Bégo (2872m), we see quite a few bouquetins with huge impressive horns. A colony of males it seems. The path is really enjoyable, even if at time a bit challenging with quite exposed bits, going around some cliffs, sometimes bellow, sometimes at the top. Finally, the summit, with a small space to spend the night if required, and an amazing view of the Cîme de la Malédie et Gélas, but also the Grand Capelet. Then, we back track to our sleeping quarters.

Day 3: this this the day where we go back. A long way down, first through the Vallée des Merveilles (2170m) from there we go back up, as the fog comes in, to the Pas de l’Arpette (2511m), by then, we cannot see a thing, so, we head down to find a spot a bit protected from the chilly wind and have lunch, then, we finish our walk to the carpark and head home.

Another beautiful hike, so good to be in nature, and climbing those summits to enjoy the views they offer…

To see the pictures, click here.

Animals, Flowers, France, Insect, Landscape, Mountain, Nature, Plants, River, Sunrise, Sunset, Travel |

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Le Ténibre

20 to the 22 of August 2021

Having a 3 days window of rather ok, not too cloudy, definitely no rain weather, my dad and I are off to do a little hike that we had on our minds.

Going to the Ténibre (3031m) on a big 3 days loop:

-Day 1: from the parking de Vens (1580m) we take the main path going to the Refuge de Vens (2370m), it is a real pleasure to see that we have a good rhythm, the differnet hikes from the previous weeks paying off and allowing us, even with our big packpack, to maintain +300m per hour. We stop at the refuge for a drink and a blueberry pie and then head off on a less travl track towards the Pas de Vens. We soon reach the first of those less frequented lakes and stop for lunch. The weather alternating between clouds and full sun, I time it well for a swim in this high altitude lake. So nice. We then keep going, up rocks and boulders to yet another lake before reaching the Pas de Vens (2796m). I do an extra little side hike, leaving my big back pack at our night camp, to reach the Cîme Borgonio (2930m) which offers amazing views of the surroundings, and of our tomorrow objective, the Mont Ténibre, shrouded in clouds that evening. I go down a different way to map down what would be our track the next morning, as from bellow it is not very evident. Joining my dad, we wait the day out and are join by a lonely walker who, just like us, had elected to pass the night in an old Italian casemate that offer shelter at the Pass.

-Day 2: I wake as the light start to shift from the pre dawn, the dark hues of the sky slowly filling with lighter shades. I ponder, and then get up, my dad still about asleep, and head again for the Cîme Borgonio (2930m), I reach it just in ti;me to see the sunrise. What a show! After enjoying the changing colors and welcoming the new day, I head back to our camp to join my dad. We pack and start our way to the Brèche Borgonio (2904m), having breakfast on the way, once we reach a spot in the sun. Amazing view on the Viso, before the Nébia hides it away. From the Brèche Borgonio, we head down to the Lacs du Ténibre (2550m), a beautiful spot to spend a night in peace. Then up an amazingly steep slope, and more boulders and rocks to the Ténibre (3031m). Amazing views all around, the Argentera, the Gélas, Cîme du Diable, Grand Capelet, Mounier… They are all visible. Only the Viso is now hidden away. Then, down the next valley to the Lac Chaffour (2650m), where I can resist another swim, we look for a welcoming spot for the night. The edges of the lakes are pretty nice, but a bit humid and a welcoming site for clouds of flying bugs. We look a tiny bit further up and end up spending the night under the stars (and the full moon) on a small grass patch.

-Day 3: from the Lac Chaffour (2650m) we aim for the Pas du Cormorant, we reach a point were both my dad and I feel like we have to stop. Everything around us is falling down. All rocks, from the tiny pebbles to the massive boulders are not anchored down and want to go down. Without helmet, with our big back packs, we feel it is safer to head back down. We have probably reach 2850m at this stage, only a tiny bit short to the pass and then the summit (later on, we would read that it used to be down on eternal snow… None of it remains). After a breakfast on a boulder in the sun, we go down to the Refuge de Rabuons for a snack, before starting the long way back to the car, along the Chemin de l’Energie, with a detour to the Lac du Fer (from 2350m to 2550m and back down to 2350m), as the track was damaged. No swim today, we are short on time, and the weather is turning. Strong wind and many clouds. A total of about 19kms that day, with about 1420m of down…

An amazing hike, I am already looking for the next one!

For the pictures (quite a few) click here.

Forest, Landscape, Nature, Ocean, Plants, Sunset, Tasmania, Travel |

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More Rainforest

DSC0604517 January 2017

Today we drive around and stop at various places in the Rainforest area of Tasmania. Each time, we go for a small walk in wonder. Surrounded by giant trees. We can only grasp their size when they have fallen and we can then walk along side them, their trunk having become a long straight natural wall, about 2 meters tall, and many many meters long.

One of our walks brings us to a waterhole, accessed through an arch in the rocks. This is quite fantastic, walking in the realms of sylphides and elves. A world I hope will be protected from the stupidity of humans loggers. Ah, Tasmania, if only you knew…

By the road we can see vast spaces which have been burn by some fire or other, and we can see the gumtrees starting to sprout back. It is quite a funny sight, those trees with their auras of new green leaves.

We had dreams of a nice hot meal and a night spent in Corinna. Alas it was all booked out, so we left. Not really knowing what was ahead of us. Took the ferry across and kept driving. Rain started to fall. And still no idea of where we would eat, let alone sleep. We stopped in Zeehan for a bit. A pub meal. Good. But nothing special. From there, as dusk was settling, we made our way to Trail Harbour, a small village on the West Coast. Little piece of paradise, no running water nor electricity, yet a very welcoming clean little town, with a small inviting camping area.

The tents were quickly erected, and then we had the chance to witness a very beautiful sunset.

Here is the full Gallery

Aujourd’hui on explore différents coinsdes  luxuriantes forêts tasmaniennes. A chaque fois, ces petites marches nous émerveillent. Nous sommes entourées d’arbres géants. On ne peut que commencer à en estimer la taille  que lorsqu’ ils sont au sol, étant alors devenus un long et haut mur naturel, d’un un peu plus de deux mètres de hauts, et je ne sais combien de mètres de long…

L’une de ces marches nous amene près d’un trou d’eau, petit étang accessible via une arche de roche. C’est assez fantastique, nous marchons dans le royaume des elfes et des sylphides. Un monde qui j’espère échappera à la stupidité des bucherons. Ah Tasmanie, si seulement tu savais…

Le long de la route on peut voir de vaste étendues qui ont été décimées par un incendie , et deci delà, on peut voir les eucalyptus qui commencent à reprendre le dessus. C’est une vision bien singulière que ces arbres avec leur aura de feuilles vertes…

Nous rêvions d’un bon repas chaud, de la viande, un verre de vin ou de cidre, et d’une nuit à Corinna, petite bourgade qui avait l’air bien sympa. Pas de bol, c’est complet, alors on reprend la route, on passe la rivière en barge, et on continue, sans trop savoir où on va pouvoir manger, et encore moins dormir. La pluie commence à tomber. Une petite bruine assez fraîche. Et toujours pas de coin fantastique pour la halte. On s’arrête à Zeehan, dans le pub du coin, un repas chaud, et bon, rien de spécial, mais ça fait du bien. On reprend la route alors que le crépuscule s’installe, et on va jusqu’à la côte, au  petit village de Trial Harbour, un village sans prétention, pas d’eau courante, pas électricité, et pourtant un village très accueillant, très propre, un petit coin de paradis, avec une petite aire de camping juste en bord de mer.

Les tentes sont très rapidement plantées, et on peut alors apprécier un magnifique coucher de soleil.

 

Here is the full Gallery.

Central Australia, Cliff, Flowers, Landscape, Nature, Plants, River, Sunset, Travel |

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West MacDonnell’s Range

dsc073343 September 2016

On our day off, I go around the West MacDonnell’s Range, exploring the gorge one after the other. This is truly a beautiful place. I saw part of it with my parents on a trip in 2006. And yet, it seems like this was the first place. The rain has changed the colors so dramatically that it looks like a whole different place.

Here is the Full Gallery.

Journée de repos :  je vais découvrir la West MacDonnell’s Range, explorant ses gorges l’une après l’autre. C’est vraiment un coin fabuleux. Je l’avais en partie exploré avec mes parents en 2007, mais j’ai l’impression d’y venir pour la première fois. La pluie a changé les tons de manière si radicale, qu’on dirait un tout autre lieu.

Central Australia, Cliff, Landscape, Nature, River, Sunset, Travel |

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On The Road To Ormiston Gorge

dsc070481 September 2016

Once again, work offers me the opportunity to travel and explore amazing places. This time it is around Alice Springs, where we shoot for a couple of days around Ormiston Gorge. The road to and from is just amazing, and as it rained just before our travel there, everything is green. Flowers are blooming everywhere, the natural red tones of the place have withdrawn under a green invasion. So beautiful!

Here is the Full Gallery

Une fois de plus, le boulot me donne l’opportunité de voyager et de découvrir de nouveaux coins magnifiques. Cette fois c’est autour d’Alice Springs, et on tourne pendant quelques jours dans Ormiston Gorge. La route pour s’y rendre est magnifique, et la pluie qui est tombée juste avant notre arrivée a modifié le paysage. Partout, des fleurs s’épanouissent , et les tons rouges naturels du coin ont capitulé devant une invasion de verts.

Cliff, Jervis Bay area, Landscape, Ocean, Portrait, Sunset |

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Cathedral Rock and Bombo Quarry

dsc0657620 August 2016

For my birthday, Detti surprises me with a road trip. She plays very well her cards, making me believing this and that before the full scope of her surprises is finally revealed. We traveled south to Bombo, where we pay a visit to Cathedral Rock, a natural rock formation that I had wanted to see and photograph for a while, and also, just nearby to Bombo quarry, a site which I absolutely adore.

She had planed everything in details, Thank you my love for this great birthday spent in your delightful company!

Here is the full Gallery

Pour mon anniversaire Detti me surprend avec un petit voyage. Elle joue très bien ses cartes, me faisant croire ceci et cela pour ne révéler le but de notre escapade qu’à la dernière minute. On a conduit vers le sud vers Bombo, où on est allé admirer Cathedral Rock, une formation rocheuse naturelle que je voulais photographier depuis un moment, puis a Bombo Quarry, lieu que j’adore.

Elle a tout prévu dans les moindres détails. Merci mon amour pour ce magnifique anniversaire passé en ta charmante compagnie!

 

Landscape, Nature, Plants, Sunset, Travel |

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On a Shoot in the Flinder’s Range

DSC00218

1st of June 2016

I found myself on a nice little gig in the Flinder’s Range, Victoria, a job for Toyota, a car that won’t be sold in Australia any time soon. I had the chance to fly a bit, but also to operate the Shotover K1, which was really fun, and very good for my learning curve, and I had the pleasure of having a bit of time here and there to take some stills…

Here is the full Gallery.

J’ai effectué un petit boulot bien sympa dans la Flinder’s Range, dans le Victoria, pour une pub d’une Toyota qui ne sera peut-être jamais vendue en Australie. J’ai eu l’opportunité de voler pas mal, mais aussi d’être aux commandes du Shotover K1, ce qui est génial pour mon expérience et ma progression dans ma carrière! Et pour couronner le tout, j’ai eu un peu de temps ici et là pour prendre quelques photos…

 

Aerial, Landscape, Sunset, Travel |

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Shotover F1 – Alice Spring

DSC09677

22 September 2015

A little job Peter and I did in Alice Spring, shooting a promo launch of the new Bentley, proving that it could drive at 210 miles per hour.

Very fun job, always love to travel, and well, play with big toys… We rigged the Shotover F1 on a R44, quite small helicopter really, and then on the second day we rigged it on a flat bed ute, for some car to car action. Great fun!

Those pictures were taken at sunset, when the chopper was shooting the evening sequence for the launch.

Here is the full Gallery.

Un petit boulot que Peter et moi avons fait à Alice Spring : filmer une petite vidéo promotionnelle pour la nouvelle Bentley, pour prouver qu’elle peut rouler à 210 miles par heure.
Un boulot bien sympathique, vu que j’aime bien voyager et jouer avec des gros jouets! On a monté le Shotover F1 sur un hélico R44, un petit hélicoptère, et le lendemain, on a filmé des scènes de voiture à voiture, en montant le Shotover F1 sur un pick-up a plateau. Que du bonheur!

Ces photos ont été prises au coucher du soleil, quand l’hélico filmait la scène de la vidéo avec la belle lumière du coucher du soleil.

 

Animals, Cliff, Landscape, Nature, New Zealand, Night, Ocean, Sunset, Travel |

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Cathedral Cove

DSC05665

12 February 2016

On the 11th of February, Detti had an audition with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra in New Zealand, and did pretty well since she made it onto their Casual list, and may already be going back there to perform in the near future. Since both her agenda and mine had a bit of free time, we decided to jump on the occasion and have a short, but fully packed, trip in the land of the Kiwis.

And so, on our first day of travel in New Zealand, Detti and I take our campervan, our home for the next few days, and drive East, in the direction of the Coromandel Peninsula. Our goal is to go and see Cathedral Cove, which seems to be a nice little spot if the almighty Internet is to be trusted.

We arrive quite hungry, and enjoy a lunch with a view, overlooking Hahei Beach. We first go down to the beach, enjoying the amazing view, mainly of little islands, born from the erosion of the main land. The sand is full of little purple shells, with amazing colours, it looks like it’s seasonal, maybe some reproductive period. We also found a “Glaucus Atlanticus”, a weird but beautiful blue sea slug which lives on the surface of the ocean. Detti and I look for some larger shell to put it in so that I can take some macro shots.

On the south end of the beach is a swing attached to a huge tree, and we both have a bit of fun, rushing up and down with the ocean as a backdrop.

There is a track going up the south promontory, which opens up the South view. It is really a beautiful place!

But we need  to go back North now, walk back across the length of the beach to start the hour or so walk to Cathedral Cove.

We arrive just past sunset on the beach, just by the side of the “Cathedral Cove”, a big arch carved into the sandstone cliff by the elements and time. The cliffs are white and look amazing!

We enjoy a dinner picnic by the ocean, take a few shots before heading back in the dark, our path lit by the stars, and moment by moment, by the help of an electric torch, to our home on wheels and find a place to stay the night.

Cathedral Cove is really quite astonishing, and I really would love to go back there and bring a couple of sleeping bags to stay in a little nook on the beach. With the chance to take more pictures (the sky was slightly covered up with a light haze/cloud), to just enjoy the peace and quiet of the place.

Here is the full Gallery.

Le 11 Février, Detti a une audition avec l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Auckland. Elle réussi plutôt bien, vu qu’elle est maintenant sur la liste de réserve, et qu’il se peut bien qu’elle retourne jouer avec eux très bientôt. Comme son emploi du temps et le mien ont tous deux quelques jours de libres, on décide de lier l’utile à l’agréable et d’aller passer quelques jours ensemble en Nouvelle Zélande.

Le premier jour de notre voyage, nous récupérons notre camping car, notre maison pour les quelques prochains jours, et mettons cap à l’est, en direction de la Péninsule Coromandel. Internet indique un lieu qui semble  bien sympa, “Cathedral Cove”, et si on peut en croire les photos, ça semble vraiment sympathique.

On arrive en début d’après-midi, et on a bien faim, alors on se fait un petit pique-nique avec vue sur la plage de Hahei.

Puis on commence notre découverte du coin en marchant le long de la plage, vers le sud. Le sable est parsemé de magnifiques petits coquillages violets. Ce doit être leur période de reproduction, car ils semblent tous être plus ou moins vivant et occupeés. On trouve aussi un “Glaucus Atlantitus” qui est une petite limace de mer bleue, qui vit a la surface de l’océan. C’est une créature vraiment étrange, qui fait un peu penser a un extra-terrestre. Detti et moi, on cherche un coquillage un peu plus grand pour la mettre dedans afin que je puisse prendre quelques photos macro.

Le sud de la plage a une sorte de balançoire attachée à un immense arbre qui surplombe la plage, on prend des tours pour s’éclater à monter et descendre sur fond d’océan…

Un chemin monte de la plage vers  l’éperon rocheux qui délimite la plage. D’en haut on peut admirer la vue qui s’étend au sud. C’est vraiment un coin sympathique.

Mais maintenant il est grand temps qu’on se dépêche de remonter la plage pour attaquer la petite marche (à peu près une heure) qui mène jusqu’à  Cathedral Cove. On y arrive juste après le coucher de soleil. Une arche naturelle, formée par l’érosion, traverse la falaise blanche, c’est bien majestueux. On y reste pour un dîner pique-nique, puis on prend quelques photos avant d’attaquer le retour, éclairés par les étoiles (et un peu d’aide de la fée électrique et d’une petite torche).

Ce coin m’a vraiment séduit et j’aimerais vraiment y retourner, emmenant avec moi des duvets pour passer la nuit dans un recoin de la plage. Pour pouvoir faire plus de photos de nuit (les étoiles étaient un peu couvertes par une brume/nuage), et apprécier la sérénité de ce coin.