Sat. Sep 2 [2 September 1899] Woke at 9. Charming view out of my
window. A few green fields and pines climbing up the opposite
hillsides. Awfully steep hills all round. Felt pretty brisk, but my fingers
uncomfortable. Down at 9.30 and found my Germans there
breakfasting. Decided to go up to the refuge that evening. An[?]
orderly arrived carrying provisions for two officers who were going up
to the refuge - Puretise or Buretin, I think, and Rice. Thunderstorm at
lunch time, but it cleared and at 3.15 I started up the very narrow
valley. Waterfalls and a few pines. Struck up the hillside to the right,
over stones and grass to a stream where we rested and had
chocolate. Then steep pull up to the refuge which lies almost under
the glacier. Got there at 6.30. (We passed the Refuge Puisicus on the
way, a miserable litle hole under a rock.) Buretin came out to meet
me and introduced himself most politely. Rice very grumpy. I think he
had a chill. He went straight to bed. Very good refuge with two rooms.
Buretin talked to me while I supped. He had done the Pelvoux 5
times and the Roche Brune[?] about 18! He meant to do the Ecrins
alone. About 8 the Germans came and I talked to them while they eat.
Very cold. Paulcke lent me a jacket. About 9 to bed and slept
soundly, but felt the cold all night. I had a mattress.