Clouds Below

A walk South up to the ridge overlooking the next valley revealed a 'river' of clouds rolling along half a km below me. I ate lunch underneath a large wooden cross, with wild thyme growing nearby and a mouse running around the rocks at my feet.

Looking over my shoulder back to The Belleville Valley, I could see the chalets and Mont Blanc emerging from the clouds to The North.

Alps Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISxUXm27v0E&feature=youtu.be

Hailstorm Hot Tub

In the middle of an amazing hailstorm we ran across the white hailstones and dived into the 37 degrees hot tub for an hilarious team-bonding session. It seemed like a good idea at the time - and probably was. then we made hail-angels on the decking and a Hail-man who lasted well into the next day, such was the volume of ice that fell from the skies!

Cime de Caron

High above Val Thorens, via two cable car rides is the Summit of Cime de Caron at 3195m. The ride up itself is amazing, with views down the Belleville Valley and then as you rise higher, 360 degree views that are breathtaking. With The Matterhorn to The North and white peaks in every direction.

Via Ferrata

I tried Via Ferrata on the cliffs below the village. What a great way to spend an afternoon. GoPro vid. 

1000m Up

After a tough 8 days setting up, Mary and I went to recee one of our planned guest walks. After reaching the intended lake we added another target destination, then another and finally, being so near the summit, we went for The Col to  get a view the other side. The day was getting seriously warm. As the tracks steepened, the flaura changed and the streams became more tinkly. We sat looking South with the Alps stretching out over countless valleys and ravines. The snow capped peaks looked big in that direction. Behind us we looked back down the valley towards Reberty and to Mont Blanc in the distance. On the way down we crunched through snow, stopping at a higher lake for a swim in the meltwater. We dropped down again and went for a cup of tea. We had done 1km of climbing and then back down again in five and a quarter hours.