Mens and mountains

English novel

Mens and mountains

It was late afternoon in Morzine when James and Clement decided to go for a drink at the "Coup de Coeur". They entered the tavern and took two orange juices. After a few moments James tells Clement, "Yesterday an old woman told me that the weather would be beautiful this week. It's good time for going hiking. Besides, I looked on the map, there are lots of walks that are very nice. There is one in particular that I have heard a lot about. Every year a dozen of people go there, but they do not always come back. For example last year 3 did not return. After few minutes of silence Clement said, "Are you talking about the Rock of Hell? Yes indeed it is aptly named.” It was decided, the two men, against their will, had challenged themselves, they have to climb the Rock of Hell. After a few weeks of training, during a beautiful summer evening they started to launch themselves. James said "Clement that's it, it's for tomorrow, the weather is good, and it’s now or never. Clement said: "Indeed if we miss this lull, it will be for next year." The next day, at 5am, all the preparations were ready, they dressed warmly and at 6am, while it was still dark and cold, although it is late August, Clement turned the keys and started the car. They were still numb during the climb of the very winding and deserted road leading to the Folly pass. Once the car was parked, the equipment was down and the big hiking boots were well laced, they ran towards the path indicated on the map.

When the sun rose, around 6:30 am in the morning they marveled. The landscape was beautiful, in front of them, they saw the Mount du Diot, the one before the Rock of Hell, which stands majestically at 3240 meters above sea level. Behind them, about fifty kilometers away, we had a splendid view of the Mont Blanc massif. This impression of freedom, solitude and sharing is very rare and particularly pleasant. They no longer thought of much, they did not focus on the effort as in the first hour. Now they walked at the same pace on the dry ground, in the middle of deserted fields, talking. The conversation was not usual, they talked about things that matter to them and strong topics, and they indulged in each other because the setting was moving. They talked about their family, their passion, their vision of life. Then, after hours of walking, fatigue arrived. The path was more and more steep, they passed the edge of the pines and began the crossing of a large field. Upstream from these fields was a herd of towering dairy cows. Clement said: "It is probably the last sign of civilization. Let's cross this field pretty quickly, I do not like cows. Look how funny it is, there is a big rock in the middle of the fields, it looks like a watchtower. James replied teasingly, "Actually, you'll perch on it so that the cows do not attack you!" ". They started crossing the fields. Halfway up the watchtower, suddenly the cows, which were still a mile away, were panicked. Clement said, trying to control himself and hide his fear: "James watch, the hurtle come down to us!” James replied, "Do not worry, they are peaceful herbivores. It looks like something scared them up there.” But Clement gave way to panic when they realized that the folk were heading straight for them. He ran towards the watchtower-shaped rock and climbed it over the fields. James kept his cool even if he perceived something abnormal, which anguished him, he walked towards the watchtower, telling Clement that they feared nothing. Clement shouted "hurry up!” However it was too late, James was violently shoved by several mad cows. He was thrown at the foot of the watchtower, which protected him from trampling because the cows passed around him. Fortunately he had a superficial wound on his head and arm. He resumed his spirit quickly stuck to the watchtower Clement occupied, and climbed to join him. They both watched as the flock hurtled down and then worried by looking at the top of the hill. Relieved, astonished and happy to have taken refuge, they became aware of where they were. This rock of about three to four meters in diameter, three meters high, which stood in the middle of the large fields was a bone graveyard! Shocked, they left quickly for the ascent.

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