Foothills

This phase of villages - poignant abandoned ones and those being done up is a fascinating change in my journey. Still a high pass every day, but today was short and easy, if hot, so I dawdled. A pleasant stream, a col, an astonishing path traversing high above the valley, village kittens playing. I arrived early and the hotel has given me a surprise upgrade from one to three stars - for the same price. Main pic, setting off early, extra a flavor of the day.