Читать книгу Tour of the Queyras. The GR58 and GR541 in the French Alps онлайн

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It is wise to assume that water taken from streams and rivers is potentially unsafe to drink, particularly if there are cattle, sheep or goats in the vicinity. If in any doubt, add a water-purifying tablet to any unboiled water, allowing at least 10 minutes for the chemicals to react before drinking the water. Water labelled l’eau non potable is not suitable for drinking.

Equipment

The most important consideration, always, is to ensure that your pack is as light as possible, without compromising your safety in the mountains. Do not take unnecessary items; nothing spoils a walking holiday more than having to endure the excessive weight of an overloaded rucksack. Those who cannot resist taking a heavy rucksack are recommended to make use of the baggage transfer service (see ssss1, above, and Appendix 3).

During the summer months this region of France usually experiences fairly high temperatures during the daytime, but, at the relatively high elevations found on this Tour, it can become decidedly chilly on cloudy days and once the sun has gone down. For much of the time, shorts and a t-shirt will be fine, but warm clothing must be carried to allow for a possible deterioration in the weather, and for the evening. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential, and waterproof trousers are recommended. A pair of thin gloves and a warm hat weigh very little, and could save discomfort or worse if the weather turns cold at altitude. Pack a pair of lightweight walking trousers, which can be worn on the occasional cool day or to protect sensitive skin against sunburn, and wear them while relaxing in the evenings.