Italy Road Trip: Camped in The Vercors!

Well what an interesting day. We had a vey pleasant and comfortable night in the Ibis Hotel in Gap last night after the stresses of our day. We awoke this morning to a view of fresh snow on the mountains, although that view soon disappeared as the the cloud base lowered and it began to rain again. The temperature was a cool 7degrees. The plan was to drive from Gap through the Vercors to at least see the area and then head north to Macon and perhaps some drier weather, sadly missing out on our stay in the area. As we left Gap, however, we climbed up and over one col after another and the weather began to clear. As we crossed the Col de Grimone and headed down to Chatillon en Diois, near Die, home of the famous Clarette de Die, the sun put in an appearance and superb views were revealed. We drove through tunnels and narrow, steep sided gorges where the cliffs overhang the road. We spotted stunning deep blue trumpet gentians and more orchids, one a new one for me bringing the new orchid total to 16. This time it was a superb military orchid. Once in Chatillon we found our intended site and couldn't bear to drag ourselves away so set to to pitch the sodden tent. Amazingly all went well, despite a heavy shower, and after mopping out the inner we were able to set up camp. After a welcome brew if tea we headed back to the medieval village of Chatillon for sightseeing and shopping and a quick beer!!! Back at the site a meal of chicken in tomato sauce with potatoes and haricot vert was conjured up, the rain has dried up and the surrounding mountains are bathed in a wonderful golden light. Hopefully I may be able to post this but not photographs as the wifi is not reliable. The search for lady's slipper orchids is back on!!!!