Top of haute cimeHaute cime summitThe descent from the top of Haute Cime is steep. Back at the col the path to the lake is interesting with a scary section around a gorge with chains to protect the toughest sections.

The lake is dammed to provide hydro power to the Rhone valley and the Salanfe hut (1942m) sits at the Eastern end. More luxurious tonight with private room with balcony!
Dawn at Lac de Salanfe

Tour Day 3Lac de SalanfeDay 3

We wake to great views of the Tour de Saliere, Dome and Eglise (above left) reflected in the lake as the sun rises.

Today's route climbs for about an hour to the Col de Jorat (2212m) after which it is downhill all the way to Mex. From here you can continue on to Verrosaz before climbing back up under the Cime de l'Est and on round to complete the circuit. We call it a day in Mex although a few days later we climb up to the Lac D'Anteme thereby almost completing the circuit.

We leave the hut before 8 and enjoy a beautiful clear morning as we climb to the pass.
Salanfe hutCol de JoratFrom the top of the pass we get views down to Martingney and the Rhone Valley. I continue up for a few hundred metres towards the Dent de Salantin hoping to get a better view of Mont Blanc. As a bonus I find 3 bouquetins who approach me curiously. The one below then prefers to look out towards Mt Blanc.

Deer above the Col de Jorat
Verge de GagnerieLa Verge againThe descent to Mex is a long steep path that drops 1100m over about 6km. Much of the walk is dominated by views of La Vierge, a tall rock tower on the Gagnerie ridge. As you descend the Cime de l'Est looms into view.

At around 1180m the path crosses the main river coming down this valley and then becomes a more gentle road, and then path that leads into Mex.

Mex is a pretty mountain village with houses and barns built along the steep hillside. We climb up to the top of the village to the local hostelry.
Fleming in MexAngela and Ross in MexHere a welcome beer cools us down. A salade Vallaisanne washed down with the local Rose puts us in a generous mood and we drive a hitchhiker back to her car before heading back across country the Champery.

In total I have climbed over 3144m over a distance of 27km (see below). I missed the top of Haute Cime in plotting our route!