An Adventure In Vercors / 3rd Tour Report November 2019

I meet with our participants early morning for this last wildlife tour in Vercors of the year. We start our hike early. The snow seems to have melted a lot the days before, so we do not need to take our snowshoes. During the hike we spot 2 Golden Eagles in full parade! Quickly after we see some Alpine Ibex, including 2 large males who fight very seriously. The scene is a bit distant to photograph but it is a great sight.

We continue the hike and leave the forest. With the snow, we have to trace. The wind is picking up and the rain is coming. So we try to get to the shelter as soon as possible to change and eat. But here comes the fog too! It becomes difficult to find one's way in a white day like this, but I manage to find the refuge well hidden thanks to my experience in this area. Once at the shelter we dry our things and eat a good snack.

It starts to snow outside, and quite a lot! We go out to go photograph the Alpine Ibex. We find ourselves in a real snowstorm. The wind sweeps the snow already on the ground and very thick snowflakes fly horizontal. We get covered in snow.

One of our participants, Arthur, only 12 years old, already has a sharp eye and spots a Rock Ptarmigan in flight! A female Alpine Ibex is there.

The Alpine Ibex is much better adapted than we are to face these extreme conditions. After this incredible moment in nature, we return to the refuge to have diner and sleep.

In the morning, no more wind. Just a nice layer of fresh snow, and silence. Total silence. When did you enjoy total silence in the wild for the last time? It is an extraordinary sensation.

The moment is truly magical. We gain a little altitude to find more Alpine Ibex.

On the way, we find some fresh tracks of Rock Ptarmigan! Once near the Alpine Ibex, we take all our time to observe and photograph them.

We spend more than 3 hours with them. A magical session!

Several times we put the cameras down and seize the moment. Pure happiness! We can even watch some scenes of rut.

After that, it's time to go back to the shelter to eat lunch and pack our bags. Then we go down slowly, happy to have spent a beautiful weekend in total immersion in the heart of the Vercors.

The power of the elements reminds us of the strength of nature and puts us back in our place. This is also what we like to share with our participants.

Luca

Guide Salva Fauna