French Alps

The Sound of Music verse 1

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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

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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.

Straight up
Lac Bleu
Where’s Randy?
Table and chairs with a view
Where’s Greg going?

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

Michelle 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

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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

front view from our airbnb
grocery store collection
back view from our airbnb
side view from our airbnb

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

pouncing

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

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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.

We are Family

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Day 8

Saturday we met the bus to pick up Zach and Mazie from YL camp. They had an amazing and tiring time. The camp was 100% French, which became exhausting. The skiing was perfect for them.

Below are parting shots from their ski week. The last night of camp they watched Guardians of the Galaxy 2. A themed dinner brought on even more excitement. Mazie thinks of me at times when she takes her pictures, knowing I like to see random sights. She captured a graveyard of Alpine transportation from rail to cable. Another picture announces the upcoming Tour de France while having icicles as the backdrop. Nighttime sky and Christmas lights bring comfort. 

While away from our French and American homes I still received photos of little friends. Julia says hi. And baby Beau was born. Finally Zach will turn 15 soon. Our train layover in Lyon, just happened to be across the street from an enormous mall that housed Chipotle. There are only 2 cities in France, Paris and Lyon, offering Chipotle and we have now eaten at both. Happy early birthday lunch Zach!