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See in the dark

Walking around at night reveals other senses. We then learn to see in the dark.

The Aiguilles de l'Argentières at night

The Aiguilles de l'Argentières at night

Without any luminous pollution, the night is deep dark inside Belledonne. With fresh snow, the Aiguilles de l'Argentières can only be seen by those who take time to.

Me and the Milky Way

Me and the Milky Way

The small guy in the picture who desperately tries to illuminate the Milky Way, it’s me.

Crescent moon above Belledonne

Crescent moon above Belledonne

A crescent moon was rising up above Belledonne. Meanwhile the summits of Belledonne and Chartreuse were overlooking the sea of clouds.

Circumpolar above the Aiguille Dibona

Circumpolar above the Aiguille Dibona

The Aiguille Dibona 3,130 m (10,270 ft) is a summit of the Massif des Écrins. Despite its singular shape, it is popular for the many routes to reach its summit. Good climbers would choose the Visite Obligatoire one.

Late thawing

Late thawing

Thanks to a late thawing, ice blocks were still floating in the Lac de l'Âne. Many stars were sparkling into the dark night. The nightscape was gorgeous.

Starry night in the Cerces

Starry night in the Cerces

The night was becoming darker and darker making stars sparkling in the skies. Vaporous clouds were breaking up letting sharp peaks appear.

Night-time self-portrait

Night-time self-portrait

Can one imagine how much windy was this night ? Yet, without this strong wind, such an atmosphere would not have been possible. The clouds would not have hidden the moon. The beam of the headlamp would not have been visible.

Moonrise

Moonrise

Only few seconds remain before the moon, hidden behind the mountains, illumates the whole landscape.

The Milky Way from North to South

The Milky Way from North to South

The Milky Way crosses the skies from North to South. Were campers around the Lac Noir watching it ? I believe that only few of them were. People are usually not attracted by the magic of Nature.

Vercors at night

Vercors at night

Few minutes before the sunrise, the skies full of Cirrus took a magenta colour. An incredible sunrise was then expected.

The Lac Fourchu

The Lac Fourchu

In the spring, if you are lucky, you can see the Milky Way rising up above the Taillefer and reflecting into the still waters of the Lac Fourchu.

A tent at night

A tent at night

When the moon is full, the Plateau d'Emparis is a perfect spot for a bivy. Despite of the night, one can enjoy scenic moutain views.

The Milky Way and a shooting star

The Milky Way and a shooting star

Above the Pic de l’Étendard, close to the Milky Way, a shy shooting star crossed the skies. Wow was the only word I could deliver.

Nightscape in the Dévoluy

Nightscape in the Dévoluy

From left to right, one might recognize 3 famous summits of the Dévoluy: the Tête des Ormans, Tête de Garnesier and Roc de Garnesier. It is so rare not to get windy conditions in the Dévoluy that we had no other choice than to enjoy it.