Chamonix – Lees in France

The Sound of Music verse 1

July 5, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

Mer de Glace

My day in the hills has come to an end,

I know.

The stars have come out

To tell me it’s time to go.

Our last day in the French Alps was upon us, we knew. This particular day consisted of sun, hail, rain, steep hikes down, a billion metal stairs to descend, a billion metal stairs to ascend, along with rides in both cable cars and trains. This time Cody came with us!

Our destination was Mer de Glace, an ice cave formed inside a glacier. Reading signs along the hike informed us of previous glacier levels. Sarah and I were absolutely amazed at how quickly the glacier was indeed melting. Due to the metal grate stairs we put Cody’s hiking boots on him to prevent torn toenails!

Once inside the air was cold. The lighting was blue due to the ice reflecting light. Cody started licking the walls of ice. This cracked us all up. We did normal poses with ice creations. As we read the information signs we realized the dirt being exposed on the walls was pretty old.

We made our way through the cave and geared up for the ascent of metal stairs! We all climbed these at different rates. At the top of the stairs we chose to continue the ascent via cable car. We were all glad for the smooth quick ride up, even Cody.

We found Sarah safe and sound, saving us a lunch table. During lunch the weather changed drastically to HAIL. We waited the hail storm out in the gift shop, where we also came home with 2 pocket knives! This weather forced us to change our travel plans from hiking down the beautiful, smooth, forest lined paths to riding a packed train back to the village. BTW if you ever go to Mer de Glace and see a US dime posted behind the cash register, know I donated it. I could not believe I found American money in my bag, after 11 months of living overseas.

Spaghetti and games ended our stay in Chamonix. Tomorrow will be a travel day back to Montpellier, this time with Greg and Sarah!

Sixteen Going on Seventeen & Bright Copper Kettles

July 3, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

There is not much to say about this song in relation to our adventures, however, the song came to mind as I recounted the day.

At the midway point coming down Aiguille Du Midi, everyone has to change gondolas. We decided to get off and explore.

First stop was grabbing the last sandwiches at the little café. As we found a picnic table we heard, “Go HOKIES!” Yes indeed, our clan of VA Tech clothing advertisements was spotted and greeted warmly on the side of the French Alps by fellow Hokies. College memories from different years were shared and smiled upon. “18 going on 50+,” should have been the caption for this moment in time snapshot.

The mountain snow was thawing, patches of dirt and rocks were seen peeping through the snow. Several of us went out for a hike. Sarah and Zach scouted out the trail ahead.

Eventually 4 out of 6 of us ventured on toward the hidden alpine lake, Lac Bleu. I, personally, did not need someone older and wiser telling me what to do. I knew hiking uphill in snow and ice was not for me.

Mazie and I took the gondola to the bottom and enjoyed a 4-D movie. Once home we saw evidence that Cody missed us by moving our socks near his best friend, Pooh Bear. We ended the night at a fun restaurant that had bright copper kettles and pans hanging for decoration. Our last dinner out and Raclette was on the menu, on the table, and in our mouths.

The Sound of Music Goes to Italy

July 2, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

June 2023

A lot of this year has been about experiencing new places, adventures, and culture. With each new adventure I find myself researching the history of the experience. Sound of Music became the theme of this vacation with Greg and Sarah, after our joint Google photo album was named, “Sound of Music.” While this is one of my top 5 favorite movies I did not title the photo album. My research began on the VonTrapp Family and the movie. “The von Trapp’s real-life departure from Austria was less dramatic,…In daylight, the family exited the gate at the rear of their villa and crossed the railroad tracks that ran behind it to board a train to Italy…” Italy…yes the tie in to this post about traveling to Italy over the Alps.

25 years ago my sister and a friend tried to cross the Alps via a cable car ride from France to Italy. Needless to say we were not able to because the cable car transportation was still closed for the winter season. Just a reminder 25 years ago there were no cell phones or handy internet services to check schedules prior to arriving.

Back to 2023, I was excited to have the chance to cross the alps via cable cars. The kids were excited to visit a new country. One traveler was not thrilled about going in a cable car but conquered the fear and later reported it was worth it.

At the Italy station we explored the restrooms and café,

observation tower,

and stairs leading down to the snow before heading back to France.

Riding above glaciers, mountain peaks, and step walls of snow and rock was breathtaking. The great outdoor adventurers looked like baby ants in this vast mountain range. Rock climbers became camouflaged against their rock face. Ravines of snow reminded me of biscuit dough after being stamped by the cutter.

We had a great morning on top of the Alps. The weather was incredibly cooperative. The clouds quickly rolled in while we were in Italy. Half way down the mountain into France we decided to stop at the changing station for more exploration and lunch.

The Sound of Music

June 30, 2023June 30, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

Aiguille de Midi

Despite the forecast predicting rain for the next 5 days we awoke to a bright clear blue sky at 7am.

Randy scored early tickets for the ascension of Mount Blanc observation area on Aiguille du Midi.

The gondola was packed with climbers and everyone else wanting to capture a rare clear day. Not anyone’s favorite thing to be packed like sardines in a cable car, suspended over snow covered mountains, or pressed against climbing gear.

The hills (mountains) are alive with the sound of music (people)

With songs (noises) they have sung (heard) for a thousand (hundred) years

Once at the top the woolen mittens and hats adorned our bodies. The air was thinner and crisper than down below. Despite people talking about the beauty around, the area was still and silent.

This magnificent, rock-jagged mountain range stretched across France, Italy, and Switzerland. We saw hikers beginning to transverse ridges and cross the Vallée Blanche area from the observation tower. They looked like ants barely moving.

We took our turns in the glass room known as the “Step into the Void” room with a glass floor. Explored the tunnel of snow, and enjoyed being in all the beauty. Over the intercom we heard the announcement about the cable car ride to Italy being open with no wait.

My (Our) Favorite Things

June 30, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

Chamonix, France

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens will have to wait a day for us…

Big Mountain Brewery: Local craft beer, pizza and Nachos with guacamole to go

Dinner and a Movie at home: Top Gun:Maverick

Slow morning

Artwork around town

Alpine Coasters and old school potato sack style slides

Meandering flat hike through nature on the outskirts of town

Alpine architecture among old and new construction

Capturing funny things in a picture: Why does the chicken cross the road?

Hiking in the French alps to a restaurant chalet

Resting sore body parts by taking a bus home

Hiking with playful Cody

Flowers at the chalet

Scenic views from the chalet

French dinner: Fondue, Beef Bourguignon, Roasted Chicken, and Duck

Ice cream: Amorino

25th Anniversary of Guys’ Night on Wednesdays

June 16, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

After hiking in snow, mist, and sun in Chamonix Randy, Matt and Liv made it down to our home. But first a few more pictures from the French Alps.

A lunch stop in Annecy fueled the bodies.

The guys spent several days biking the vineyards and countryside. Randy hiked them to our favorite castle ruin, found poppy fields, and ventured to another ruin. It has been at least 25 years of weekly “Wednesday Night Hangout” for these three college buddies. Not a bad way to celebrate this friendship by being in France and sharing beer and wine. We all enjoyed their conversations, company and English.

After a couple of rest days here at home the guys hit the road to the Pyrenees for more hiking. Randy took them on the trail we could not finish when we were with Jan in Gavarnie. This hike was incredibly breathtaking.

A Week in May

June 3, 2023June 3, 2023Michelle LeeLeave a comment

This might just be our last week of semi-normalcy here in France, even though we do not leave for another 2+ months.

Routines we have become familiar with continue as the week progresses. School work and projects, hair cut for Zach, playing with Julia, trying out new bike/scooter parks, observing differences in France, and sight seeing a new village or two.

Randy headed to Chamonix to meet up with college buddies, Matt and Livingston, for a few days of hiking.

I took the kids for American Mother’s Day ice cream in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. This little medieval village dates back to 804. The houses are nestled together in a small ravine giving way to tight walking passages throughout the village. We could have spent more time here strolling and hiking the mountains.