24-07-2016 Chamonix
Sleeping in the mountains is sure a great way to catch some Zzzzs! We left the windows open and were awakened by birds bringing up the morning sun. Anne bought breakfast items the day before and threw them together for quite a spread. Thanks Anne!
Nom nom nom!
We headed straight for the Chamonix cable car after breakfast and were greeted by some amazing weather for a mountain top visit. This ride was amazing! We had views of Mont Blanc and all the surrounding mountains. The car was expensive at 58.50 Euros each, but after the visit, we found that it was most definitely worth it.
At the midway point waiting for the second ride.
Mont Blanc in the background.
All of us standing on the clear window.
Mountaineers making their way across the snow-covered ridges.
On our way down, we stopped at the mid-way cable car change, and decided to hike over to the Mer de Glace. This is a glacier that is spitting out into the Chamonix-Mont Blanc area and after a 5K or so hike, we saw it. Wow!
We hiked down to the glacier and entered an area carved out for a walking path. This allowed us to see the internal workings of the glacier. It won’t last forever, so this tunnel is only around for a year or so due to the glaciers’ downhill glide and melt.
Our decent was via a mountain rail back to Chamonix, and as soon as we got there it started raining. We donned our rain gear and ran a few more errands for the trip tomorrow. We found little crampon like traction devices for our shoes to buy, as we heard we might need them on the early morning icy patches. The store had enough for everyone but me, so we will have to find them (hopefully) in another place before the going gets tough.
Dinner was at a local pizza joint with the rain diminishing. The village was quiet and we took our time eating and planning our early morning departure. Tomorrow’s trek will be a combination of the book’s 1st and 2nd stages.
yup, 4WD!
Really beautifull panoramic views!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the glacier is beautifull too.!!