It’s Been a Wonderful Trip!

We’ve had two days of relaxing after our hike - one in Courmayeur, Italy and one back in Chamonix, France.  Here are some photos from some of the things we’ve done.

In Courmayeur, we spent a good part of the day taking the Skyway Monte Bianco which is another way to get amazing views of the mountain ranges we had just hiked. The Skyway took us up to 3,466 meters or 11,371 ft. Once again, we had another beautiful day!

When we got back to our hotel, we asked our wonderful innkeeper, Mario, for a dinner recommendation. He gave us directions and even called to make a reservation for us.

Believe me, “the taper” (off all our delicious eating) hasn’t started yet. 😀

The next morning, we said goodbye to Mario and then walked to the bus station to take the bus from Courmayeur to Chamonix.

After arriving in Chamonix, we’ve had a low key day that has included shopping, eating, and more relaxing. 

We had a lovely day . . . Then, amazingly, at the very end of the afternoon as we prepared to depart tomorrow morning, the rain began. We went the whole two weeks without rain and now as we are leaving, the rain can start. We are blessed!

A “Kick - Ass” Last Day of Hiking

We awoke to a beautiful, clear morning after a somewhat rocky night of sleep for all of us 😀. There is no question that when you put six adults in a very small room with squeaky wood floors, that it isn’t particularly restful. However, after a hardy breakfast, coffee, and tea, we were ready to go!

First we said goodbye to Dave and Patti - we’re hoping they will come and visit us in Minnesota. Next, we had to make a decision about whether to double back to Courmayeur the way we had come . . . . Or, take the “high route” back.

Greg’s finger is pointing to the high route which would mean a big ascent and an even bigger descent. But several members in our group had talked to a hiker from Brazil who said the views from the high route were fantastic! We decided we were all in for the challenge - after all, this was our last day of hiking.

Leaving the Refugio Bonatti.

After a climb, we found ourselves in a valley before beginning the next climb to Col Sapin.

Along the way, there were a multitude of cool places to take more photos!

Once we reached the col, we realized we still had another steep climb up to Tete de la Tronche which was at 8377 ft.

“Activating the glutes” as we make the final steep ascent.

Once we were all up, it was time for lunch on top of the world. We all agreed that none of us had ever seen such a spectacular view!

After enjoying our accomplishment and the view, it was time to start the descent all the way down to Courmayeur. Believe me, we knew our knees and toes would be talking to us! In fact, there was some popping of Advil before we started down!

Luckily, there was a place to stop for some substance part of the way down 😀.

After that short break, we had another two hours downhill. For the last hour of the hike, we fantasized about the big Italian feast we were going to have that night.

The very last part of the hike descended through the woods and then the streets of Courmayeur as we made our way back to our hotel.

Stats from our “Kick - Ass” last day of hiking - 9 hours of hiking; 10.37 miles; 2700 vertical ft and 5236 ft down! We were one STRONG hiking team!

After much needed showers, we celebrated with a wonderful Italian meal! It was a wonderful way to end the hiking portion of our trip. Now we can just relax and rest up before we head back to Minnesota.