"Eat your heart out, Sir Edmund..." well, it's a poor joke.
Every so often, one wakes and is ready to face the day with verve. This happened on Friday. However, the peak we were planning to reach did not seem to match the mood. So we looked elsewhere and found something that seemed irresistible. We did quick research, made a few plans and set out for the next town. Thereafter, it was just one high after another as we climbed to Lac Blanc, a lake from which Mont Blanc can be viewed, at least, from the hill above the lake. More than that, the short but steep climb, normally 2 hours, allows a hiker views of the amazing mountains of the region at each stage of the way. At the lake sits a refuge, perhaps the busiest one we have seen in Europe. People of all nationalities were on the patio, in the restaurant and on the trails soaking up the sun, downing beers, coffee and eating gourmet meals at exorbitant prices. It was a real happening.
What is remarkable in Europe, and in France and Germany in particular, is the number of elderly people attacking tough trails. Frankly, it seems to us that people over 70 do not slowdown in, on or for the mountains. New Zealanders are another group that we have found active on the slopes. It is refreshing and inspiring to witness such activity. It also makes us whine a lot less or at least, moan more quietly.
Some hikes feel much longer or steeper than they really are. In fact, come to think of it, most feel that way or the aging process is kicking in sharply for us. This one was only 1,800 feet to the hill above the lake but because it was short in length, very steep and on a rugged track, it really felt more than the statistics tell us. Fortunately, statistics lie so they say. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful hike with views that were unbeatable. It was our fourth hike in a row following the inter-continental flight so we felt quite chuffed with ourselves. How long that feeling lasts is anyone's guess because this region is so beautiful, so spectacular, that one walks around half the time muttering to oneself. Firstly, the mountains are shaped so incredibly, some smooth, many jagged, the high areas are covered in snow with clouds and mist working their magic and to top it all, cable cars operate at altitudes that both amaze and frustrate a person. Hence, the mumbling because it does not seem possible that construction could occur in such places and at such altitudes. It is most humbling being in this region but also incredibly invigorating and challenging.
Looking at the refuge, Lac Blanc from the hill above with the lake overflow in front, a 'happening' position.
Mont-Blanc, continues to amaze, intimidate and thrill us.
Jen arrives at the lake, looking quite refreshed even before her 'dip'.
Mountain scenes on a hazy day.
Editor is a little late in plotting the route.
Tip-toe through the tulips...oops, wrong setting.
Full size of earlier display, before Mont-Blanc.
'Ders gold in dem rocks above Lac Blanc'.
Hazy day at mountain tops and on glaciers.
Another day, better visibility, a different view of France's glorious range.
Another change in weather.
And another evening, too.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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