Lazarow World-Hike-About

We left San Diego real early, before the sun thought about rising and with the desert air having failed to cool overnight. It was a little unpleasant, especially as our 3:30am wake time arrived not much after our attempted doze a few hours earlier. In addition, we had to look forward to a session with the “friendly skies” transport company. We’re happy to report they have improved since our last adventure during March—'hats off' to both the flying and cabin crews. (Continued at end...) Glacial view from Aiguillette top. One of the 'Village People' breaks into song. On a cloudy day, the Mont Blanc made an appearance. Extending the hike to see the other side of the mountain. Sighting a future hike on the other side of the river. The position of the highest cable station, the Aiguille du Midi from below our peak. Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest, (right). Reaching close to the end-point as the mist blows in fast and furiou...

This was our first hike in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. A narrative is included in the later posted blog, the one before this. The weather was outstanding: cloudless and warm, with a cool breeze providing relief although it was hardly needed. We headed up to the glacier and then further up to the cable station, bringing the accumulated elevation gain to 2,850 feet. As in most places in Europe, there are restaurants and huts (refugios) throughout the mountain ranges. So, a person can stop for a cup of tea and/or a gourmet meal somewhere on a mountain in the middle of 'nowhere'. It's another civilization in the mountains and a glorious one at that. (See last picture.) The contrast between the two hikes is exacerbated by full sun and heavy cloud on each of the respective days. Early evening on a cloudy day. The following morning, a sunny day. Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable station in the mountains. As we make our way up, the town of Chamonix presents itse...