Word for the Day - Diversity
Sunshine, clouds, fog, mist, drizzle, rain, sleet, freezing rain, hail and snow - we saw it all today!
Woke to beautiful blue skies and clear views of Mont Blanc, however we knew it would not last. Set off early, before 8, knowing we had a high pass to navigate and wanted to be ahead of today's Ultra Trail race (1200 racers from Courmayeur to Chamonix - half TMB in 10 to 16 hours).
The first hour was pleasant and level with great views to the valley below. We were soon donning our rain gear for a major mucky descent and then ascent to Refugio Elena arriving in the driving snow. A few hikers decied to stay there since we were at 2062m and we still had to climb to 2537. After a coffee and a pep talk to Francine, we set off for the Grand Col Ferret. We reached the pass in blinding snow and heavy winds after negiotiating steep and narrow trails at the edge of cliffs that had become snow covered. Francine's hands were cold from the wet gloves she had as the temperature dropped at the top (-4C). We didn't stay long and couldn't see anything so headed down the Swiss side of the mountain after learning that the first of the racers was about 10 minutes behind us. He soon passed us as did a constant flow for the remainder of the afternoon. Difficult hiking while watching for racers coming up behind us. After the snow stopped on the Swiss side we actually had a pleasant descent to La Fouly.
Checked into Hotel Edelweiss and after a hot shower headed down for dinner with the folks from the UK and the US. Tomorrow should be an easy day.
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| Mont Blanc - the day began with sunshine |
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| At Grand Col Ferret - blinding snow! |
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| Ultra Trail CCC runners |
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| Torben & Merete - Danes living in UK, Mark & Kathy from Minnesota |
