La Nouvelle to Roche Plate - Mafate day 2

Today was expected to be our toughest walking day. An initial decent to the river at the bottom of the Cirque, some 730m, then up the other side some 480m, then down again about 160 m. It was hot in the sun and we were quite exposed for much of the way.

The down...the bottom not visible, but we had to get back up to the left of the knob in the centre left background..

..the river at the bottom comes into view...

..some cable for moral support in some places...

...getting lower..

...a break just before the river...

..the final leg to the bottom...

..the first of the three river crossings...

....heading up...

...and up...

...and finally the top, marked with a cross, for those that wanted to gives thanks we assumed..

..then just " a short run" to the village of Roche Plate...

This was the view from our Gite, Chez Merlin

Plus great atmosphere towards sunset.