Some days, the positions are unbeatable.
It seems that each hike is better than the previous one and the latter was great in of itself. There has to come a time when they cannot keep improving. This region, mountain focused, is beyond all our expectations. The French have a way with their trails that make them relatively easy for us to find, clearly marked, well graded but steep, rugged but good tests, many of them inter-linked and with views and atmosphere that cannot be matched easily. It helps that the mountain range, Mont-Blanc, is at high altitude, over 16,000 feet, wonderfully varied in shape and snow-covered.
The trails are not busy but there are always people moving about the mountains. The etiquette is to offer greetings in the local language so unless one stops for a chat, it is not easy to gauge the different nationals. It has happened that we have communicated with people who spoke French to us at first but turned out to be English. This happens frequently. After perfecting Spanish, Italian, Swiss-German and Slovenian, we now find we have to begin all over again in learning another language. We should have commenced with French as it is such a beautiful language to listen to and of course, speak. Maybe in our next life time.
After another wonderful hike of some 2,300 feet, plus odds and ends of rock scrambling, we believe the sights were remarkable.
The caption of the above picture applies equally as once one climbs the rock, the feeling is terrific.
Nothing but spectacular mountains covered in snow.
A hint of sun that appears to have disappeared from the region.
Making the turn to prepare for the jump.
Arriving at destination.
Simply, a favorite.
Stop in at refuge for a cup of tea and rest.
Taking in the overpowering surroundings.
The highest station in the mountains (centre of picture), Aiguille du Midi, 12,680 feet altitude.
Mont-Blanc to right.
Chalets at the hike-end (top).
A favorite, a few days later, illustrating the same mountains from different perspectives. (Bellevue high point.)
One for the road.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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