Castellane Pre-Alpes peaks, snorkelling, climbing, Pic de l'Ours run

My irregular campaign on the peaks around Castellane resumed yesterday with a brief but splendid foray onto the Crete de la Bernarde from the Vauplane ski 'resort' above Demandolx. Tremendously clear weather, especially for the time of year. Gained the ridge quickly and went direct for the summit of La Bernarde, the highest in the Castellane Pre-Alpes at just under 2000m. Superb views across to Verdon, Pelat, Mercantour and previously climbed Castellane peaks like the Teillion and Robion. Jogged along the wonderful ridge to the summit of La Gourre, then back to the car. After lunch in Castellane, we all drove up to the summit of Montagne de Lachens, the highest point in the Var, for a second lunch in a delightful limestone glade. I nipped up the main hill as mist spilled into the limestone clues towards the Cheiron. We all went up Pic d'Aurielle in the Esterel on the 24th, fantastic sea views. I ran up Pic de l'Ours in ridiculous midday sunshine to finish. An awful struggle, like breathing in hot tar. Some splendid snorkelling on the 23rd and 26th, around Cap Dramont (saw an octopus), and ran along the headland to the side crag, where I soloed Let's Go and Moonflower, two very simple f3s.