tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44272641470915603152024-02-07T10:34:37.984+00:00StayInChamonix.com - Tales from the Chamonix ValleyLatest news, ski conditions and accommodation feedback from the Chamonix valley, whilst based in our ski apartment in the village of Argentiere, Chamonix Mt Blanc.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-60362128232900194492014-01-18T18:02:00.001+00:002014-01-18T18:02:08.261+00:00A day off skiingWell, they did ask for a day off skiing. Not quite sure what they had in mind. As it turns out, it could have been prolonged sessions on the sofa watching rubbish cartoons and munching crisps. But how was I to know that?! The sun was shining, the snow was deep... walking over to towards the Swiss border seemed like an obvious choice to me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI4AuA85T0tt9f3VFUwVK7KfFoM6zlKR8FKEPXCnUO51kWeWZ33NNgIUP8ULv0NMwKraS0bmG8jXQa_XpkFUBtDgYcj8Pp5EVzzRNxWeQ8RCNQGXNZtBQMqT49V5B4pEexSygM42DKref/s1600/snow+shoe+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjI4AuA85T0tt9f3VFUwVK7KfFoM6zlKR8FKEPXCnUO51kWeWZ33NNgIUP8ULv0NMwKraS0bmG8jXQa_XpkFUBtDgYcj8Pp5EVzzRNxWeQ8RCNQGXNZtBQMqT49V5B4pEexSygM42DKref/s1600/snow+shoe+01.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To be fair, we did make it easier on them. Instead of heading up the <b>Petit Balcon</b> and through the woods, we did decide to jump on the train as far as <b>Montroc</b>, cutting out most of the uphill stuff. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WO9lAI6ZVRf8sNTIrZ1CfUwFMuhyphenhyphenD0ZDlBC9Vrk2VTNsYVKdv4eCOmo20z1xzaQyTkVwb56ABxdm1RYLGHenH7cG-4oP6I38Ny8uD8orrmKwS3zTXLFr_txtPI8jOJPpvCgaR7Kptvsp/s1600/snow+shoe+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WO9lAI6ZVRf8sNTIrZ1CfUwFMuhyphenhyphenD0ZDlBC9Vrk2VTNsYVKdv4eCOmo20z1xzaQyTkVwb56ABxdm1RYLGHenH7cG-4oP6I38Ny8uD8orrmKwS3zTXLFr_txtPI8jOJPpvCgaR7Kptvsp/s1600/snow+shoe+02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Tré-le-Champ</b> is perhaps my favourite spot in the whole Chamonix valley. There's something about the spread out chalets, the open meadow, the views back to the valley, and the waft of wood smoke that makes this a special spot. I see that they have some new residents, though!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoePy-SEFuppxjKwSu58SYSp1y8eDABXINctHkDNDHSGrrIepMj69gUhiUe3GSjJsP1hH0_w4-qz_Nt5PZ6PnaazAHRm3VZ3qL-u1_p0tuBgba9auoh5ciaWOXqb-Z3SksBh6hLtlmjCB/s1600/snow+shoe+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoePy-SEFuppxjKwSu58SYSp1y8eDABXINctHkDNDHSGrrIepMj69gUhiUe3GSjJsP1hH0_w4-qz_Nt5PZ6PnaazAHRm3VZ3qL-u1_p0tuBgba9auoh5ciaWOXqb-Z3SksBh6hLtlmjCB/s1600/snow+shoe+04.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From there it's a short haul over the <b>Col des Montets</b>, at 1461m above sea level. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCqalAvo8kHvnSy8GyyFTPF0nITyWgWU51KX-fa4s_oLeIaR2Hjd6ThknlHT6mViyGItUP0X2YFmGQ_xuMMbjV5eNogT5R35YLC_M46cL5rfi3t6vIyJMaeE2EVBEdJhF_ck04fD19Igt/s1600/snow+shoe+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCqalAvo8kHvnSy8GyyFTPF0nITyWgWU51KX-fa4s_oLeIaR2Hjd6ThknlHT6mViyGItUP0X2YFmGQ_xuMMbjV5eNogT5R35YLC_M46cL5rfi3t6vIyJMaeE2EVBEdJhF_ck04fD19Igt/s1600/snow+shoe+03.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lunch on the top in the glorious sunshine and then pretty much downhill all the way to <b>Vallorcine</b> via <b>Le Buet</b>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCV1NbbHbm9dcPqBjc3hNd20a3D8224yjW1Q72_RfFtN1mWyQXmYqE2cx25viRUngnxb9U-LBnWQI6F_AxvunYR2fiAnDy6FIyu7aH3NgpHDuO6_3WkdXPO03FPoslYq_P5JfSmXafufP/s1600/snow+shoe+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCV1NbbHbm9dcPqBjc3hNd20a3D8224yjW1Q72_RfFtN1mWyQXmYqE2cx25viRUngnxb9U-LBnWQI6F_AxvunYR2fiAnDy6FIyu7aH3NgpHDuO6_3WkdXPO03FPoslYq_P5JfSmXafufP/s1600/snow+shoe+05.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived in Vallorcine just as the January sun was about to disappear behind the Aiguille Rouges. Perfect timing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OErXlZTbxhhv4SSqiZIitX2Sx-yZGg1Oa-SSgk9MxIsw3ovrLJ097B9LwiK06vqVTr6nuB-wvYEiRQYGQ1LHLGGVOJibtPQAmeR8nUwouVtbcbqbSrt7MKz87zNTO6hMKzR3KVi1I8OZ/s1600/snow+shoe+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OErXlZTbxhhv4SSqiZIitX2Sx-yZGg1Oa-SSgk9MxIsw3ovrLJ097B9LwiK06vqVTr6nuB-wvYEiRQYGQ1LHLGGVOJibtPQAmeR8nUwouVtbcbqbSrt7MKz87zNTO6hMKzR3KVi1I8OZ/s1600/snow+shoe+06.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all a <b><a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/winter-ski-board/snow-shoeing/" target="_blank">superb snow shoe trip</a></b>. Not too long, but long enough to enjoy being out on snow shoes. Lots of great scenery and lots of big sunshine too. At <b>Vallorcine</b> there's the cafe at the station where they serve big glasses of beer and very reasonably priced but huge nutella crepes. A fine place to wait for the train back to<a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/" target="_blank"><b> Argentiere</b></a>, or for this winter at least, the bus that replaces it on the same timetable. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-56112155987468074972012-02-07T20:38:00.007+00:002012-02-07T20:58:38.025+00:00Snow Shoes are fun!I've always wanted to have a go on snow shoes, but for some reason it's always eluded me. I've been around snow often enough and for long enough, but no. It's not happened.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2_DYj67yPF303YnZvRHMtJ3VLYkTsoVUZ83CCyKCer8AsgZbN2NhxJmi2mpbAcFdLZeJJFakSNauuwbm2StGHjAG4G7IYwSsADIGcwYRm6vUhX6dDmtQPW9WAuUXdfYhfSkEmx6i9HQy/s1600/above+les+chosalets.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2_DYj67yPF303YnZvRHMtJ3VLYkTsoVUZ83CCyKCer8AsgZbN2NhxJmi2mpbAcFdLZeJJFakSNauuwbm2StGHjAG4G7IYwSsADIGcwYRm6vUhX6dDmtQPW9WAuUXdfYhfSkEmx6i9HQy/s320/above+les+chosalets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706499274627602914" border="0" /></a><br />So last year I bought some. Still that didn't work. The snow conditions weren't brilliant for much of the season, and skiing always took priority.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTod_e8SHPv4_iw5_E5qvAI_1op_43_FIyusSd4KtUNynjE-U1cGcZxAZoTm44Xte7zOA3256JxQ4OzPjsuKz3HdHQONFSewq2lPapgVPFiQXAodPMG9Trvmy5hHHMsjKxJLqubyAdc4H/s1600/jodie+snow+shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTod_e8SHPv4_iw5_E5qvAI_1op_43_FIyusSd4KtUNynjE-U1cGcZxAZoTm44Xte7zOA3256JxQ4OzPjsuKz3HdHQONFSewq2lPapgVPFiQXAodPMG9Trvmy5hHHMsjKxJLqubyAdc4H/s320/jodie+snow+shoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706499860226861410" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU6AW-rLsiLbZMD1GbMpwNnplsrfb1aH2tu0VZ_oKpTUEsoam6ei88uDxyceL6lr0sSaEAHWBEDx-qycVETplu3BqWcPq32Yj2f-ctdDZ6G5FFimJUAnXs59eTS_RHRAJx9hsP_vLFInP/s1600/sam+snow+shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU6AW-rLsiLbZMD1GbMpwNnplsrfb1aH2tu0VZ_oKpTUEsoam6ei88uDxyceL6lr0sSaEAHWBEDx-qycVETplu3BqWcPq32Yj2f-ctdDZ6G5FFimJUAnXs59eTS_RHRAJx9hsP_vLFInP/s320/sam+snow+shoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706499863469924514" border="0" /></a><br />With unbelievable amounts of snow this season, it finally worked out. A mere 44 years wait. We hired some kids sized shoes from Stamos Sports in the Grand Roc, and thinking we'd be back in an hour, headed into the woods. We got the camera out and had a bit of fun filming as we went. Here's the finished results.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36239474?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="220" width="410"></iframe><br /><br />We finally got back at dusk! It was fantastic! Try some!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-46222018109445304392012-01-20T10:07:00.007+00:002012-01-20T10:30:38.472+00:00Steep and DeepA little bit of fun with the camera! A shortish video of the kids skiing at Grnad Montets, with a little bit of Le Tour thrown in for good measure!<br /><br />Hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it!<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35340189?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="410" height="280" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-5276985355326333442012-01-19T13:06:00.006+00:002012-01-19T13:22:05.731+00:00Has anyone seen our pool?Here's a couple more photos for you and a quick game of compare and contrast. One of the (many) nice things about <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the apartment </span></a>is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">open air heated swimming pool</span> in the garden. Open for use throughout <span style="font-weight: bold;">July</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">August</span>, it's a great place to head for after a day on the hot dusty trails and grab a few rays and a nice refreshing dip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGNTdflJroh8wcBXRCfhBzzMsbydbki3tsHjMHyvkHC3Zsxq7C4CbOr39cWAO2f33HWQP7HF4nMUWaMaqUzev9fgoaOzEoB31p_ybJxUSABB1X6JPDZOOdtnX14URKyt69rH2d7wc1xef/s1600/pool_androsace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGNTdflJroh8wcBXRCfhBzzMsbydbki3tsHjMHyvkHC3Zsxq7C4CbOr39cWAO2f33HWQP7HF4nMUWaMaqUzev9fgoaOzEoB31p_ybJxUSABB1X6JPDZOOdtnX14URKyt69rH2d7wc1xef/s320/pool_androsace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699329513540787586" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">L'Androsace and the swimming pool in the garden.<br /></span></div><br />In the last few years, Health and Safety legislation has caught up (it's not just the UK!) and the co-proprietary has had to erect a fence around the pool. It's not too bad, and it doesn't really detract from the informal pool side atmosphere. Though, it is quite high - as you can see in the pics.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcu4z1jiuxp1CIbCyKDZG_0AyL2lmTJ450CfspRbNDBr7b6sqH9eZ2_goK1KO5Wn11xx-CG1OX39wsWZ-mS86qffK5hadWezZbqeayHyAbN8aidnVaHodoYEUI7TOH0hJtbP0lsxTI5cP/s1600/pool_androsace_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcu4z1jiuxp1CIbCyKDZG_0AyL2lmTJ450CfspRbNDBr7b6sqH9eZ2_goK1KO5Wn11xx-CG1OX39wsWZ-mS86qffK5hadWezZbqeayHyAbN8aidnVaHodoYEUI7TOH0hJtbP0lsxTI5cP/s320/pool_androsace_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699329527903563474" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mont Blanc and L'Aiguille du Midi down the valley make for a stunning backdrop to your swim.</span><br /></span></div><br /><br />However, it does seem to have suddenly disappeared! Here's Sam stood on top of the fence last week having dug down a bit to find it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcu4z1jiuxp1CIbCyKDZG_0AyL2lmTJ450CfspRbNDBr7b6sqH9eZ2_goK1KO5Wn11xx-CG1OX39wsWZ-mS86qffK5hadWezZbqeayHyAbN8aidnVaHodoYEUI7TOH0hJtbP0lsxTI5cP/s1600/pool_androsace_2.jpg"><br /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAsDFwOb3DVhxnrrtiC6qhXdkPSXGzKscnY1XnA4IZFIdSfEZ8rlsPCeTMs5ZxgST1xmZC4dcMOJW3vBC6n734FWw4pl3h6J0pm4QtahyatFBDIXZ60iZbDo7yl5HOOtgPBi-kCmqo8aO/s1600/pool_snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAsDFwOb3DVhxnrrtiC6qhXdkPSXGzKscnY1XnA4IZFIdSfEZ8rlsPCeTMs5ZxgST1xmZC4dcMOJW3vBC6n734FWw4pl3h6J0pm4QtahyatFBDIXZ60iZbDo7yl5HOOtgPBi-kCmqo8aO/s320/pool_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699329526998783922" border="0" /></a><br />Told you that there'd been a lot of snow! And this is after the fresh snow of the previous week has settled and compacted. It's by far the most snow we've seen lying in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ04lt3jFY6TW9RX3X0VY5t04bnKfwz8DPU4sk-w6PR-dW2m_trVMaDqFORfZzN8cfbMG1SzYgL37mND9oGs8fcdQPZ9SK4wB_x3tuZ5FZWcUGnOsgXxy8CLWXj7HZexWOOMNM3FUJusdg/s1600/fence_snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ04lt3jFY6TW9RX3X0VY5t04bnKfwz8DPU4sk-w6PR-dW2m_trVMaDqFORfZzN8cfbMG1SzYgL37mND9oGs8fcdQPZ9SK4wB_x3tuZ5FZWcUGnOsgXxy8CLWXj7HZexWOOMNM3FUJusdg/s320/fence_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699329511298810386" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >There it is!</span><br /></div>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-42383345871552400152012-01-18T09:54:00.008+00:002012-01-18T10:51:45.604+00:00Lots of snow!That the Alps have seen lots of snow during December is probably not new news anymore. The snows came relatively late, with early December looking particularly bare. However, when it started, it forgot to stop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2WA2WgN2Vw3z6gbB317MfNGZg_m_HigQ6tljeIdor7Mqu85d1Su2gderDGDFQXa5kyKMDmMDOfk1okaXSR9LmlMtPQT6HJDa-D5o45R3bJ2BAa154X3sWBePtb0zoIYImoQ0uVkbe79G/s1600/storm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2WA2WgN2Vw3z6gbB317MfNGZg_m_HigQ6tljeIdor7Mqu85d1Su2gderDGDFQXa5kyKMDmMDOfk1okaXSR9LmlMtPQT6HJDa-D5o45R3bJ2BAa154X3sWBePtb0zoIYImoQ0uVkbe79G/s320/storm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915290433509394" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The storm rages. Icicles on the roof of L'Androsace - and they just kept on getting bigger, and bigger!</span></span><br /></div><br />Watching the rain beat against the windows with a hurricane force in the Scottish Highlands over the Festive period whilst reading blog reports of all the snow felt a bit cruel. However, as soon as January arrived we were off on our travels again, and another couple of weeks at the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com">apartment in Argentiere</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPorVVLL9RdN-LcSlw9bzaN-nyJxkEBzhOujTDmnwzqBqI7PGCHDmeuViPzD3DMxGnnxihRLSsoZqVb4Ea3yFqgjJ3g5Em6AL6gWArtkFHLXi-ZmNMkm3mlzlz1RFeCKX8BrBRItA4iuYF/s1600/androsace_snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPorVVLL9RdN-LcSlw9bzaN-nyJxkEBzhOujTDmnwzqBqI7PGCHDmeuViPzD3DMxGnnxihRLSsoZqVb4Ea3yFqgjJ3g5Em6AL6gWArtkFHLXi-ZmNMkm3mlzlz1RFeCKX8BrBRItA4iuYF/s320/androsace_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698913924370641826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >L'Androsace apartments looking a little bit wintry.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCBWD_miBFjTwlLlHOytRKVAMs0jRQ0OQtwyi5gO5kBOWb1qJGkaN8EEUPvpBtB34jb8QwjZxvTjrMP2vhgsV-taUGJFsZuu2mLIfIpR1xJ5MQJV2D9smSGiaNHlhncHVLqH9y0zwY1Wg/s1600/garage_roof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCBWD_miBFjTwlLlHOytRKVAMs0jRQ0OQtwyi5gO5kBOWb1qJGkaN8EEUPvpBtB34jb8QwjZxvTjrMP2vhgsV-taUGJFsZuu2mLIfIpR1xJ5MQJV2D9smSGiaNHlhncHVLqH9y0zwY1Wg/s320/garage_roof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698913943271182642" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">We kept looking at the depth of snow on the garage and wondering just how deep it would get.<br />Jodie and Sam in front of our garage which is inlcuded with your stay at the apartment.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fzfn1D3Dnkts6G5URWHazGGw3CH68xAjRI1vrIqEQoQZov23Je6WjLH4CZnWfBr-dUk1Kg-YLAMRHq4Sa47NSeJyFtWpFWykkGOSj7WwgGjov0YbDiGNPP66Lpkfvo0FEucBuBMki_Zf/s1600/digger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fzfn1D3Dnkts6G5URWHazGGw3CH68xAjRI1vrIqEQoQZov23Je6WjLH4CZnWfBr-dUk1Kg-YLAMRHq4Sa47NSeJyFtWpFWykkGOSj7WwgGjov0YbDiGNPP66Lpkfvo0FEucBuBMki_Zf/s320/digger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698918445171731858" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Keeping the driveway clear required an extra big shovel.</span><br /></div><br /><br />And it didn't disappoint. Snowing as we arrived, a clear first full day to settle in, and then another week of constant snowfall. In all, around a metre fell in the village in the first week of January alone.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9JhVKZw2r8UVwsL_esU4jasgDNQa2UL7DivVeHFYJ_z-8gRLJvcGlTvaCbi3RDu3u-GTbc5jxn73aadWKCS5kMRpV2j-GlM8qTeSbttI1hnTEUTQvyu0hpZY5-LFq4KKw4f9_FY4TMbk/s1600/no_garage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9JhVKZw2r8UVwsL_esU4jasgDNQa2UL7DivVeHFYJ_z-8gRLJvcGlTvaCbi3RDu3u-GTbc5jxn73aadWKCS5kMRpV2j-GlM8qTeSbttI1hnTEUTQvyu0hpZY5-LFq4KKw4f9_FY4TMbk/s320/no_garage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915967688670418" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">What happens when you book an apartment without dedicated covered parking.</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtE_RJSHQ1nqfSA37VjkTn_5JDM5mqK-JAOHSSFg8hcFWZ5DEEJihJsA_XTzUDChn69klWdrsL4lOim6_if5yT2QMYCLtUmzAFDlyVvx2kNFCT8qSLnVKuG2qATq-HRWZx50WQfBf2aQN/s1600/still_no_garage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtE_RJSHQ1nqfSA37VjkTn_5JDM5mqK-JAOHSSFg8hcFWZ5DEEJihJsA_XTzUDChn69klWdrsL4lOim6_if5yT2QMYCLtUmzAFDlyVvx2kNFCT8qSLnVKuG2qATq-HRWZx50WQfBf2aQN/s320/still_no_garage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915279855813378" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >There's a van under there somewhere.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdv9iW7npimEZBc75PrOg6VK77sgLH2WUNdXqU4fchizIwc_gQXjOi-QEP5QNX5x7eDH6BbzxKtL-23eQhXHlFp1yjZfR7HX7mi4ZUKcQGfeLIcpBED-vLmJD-kD2_KO_yd9N1PHJeoS7/s1600/garage_snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdv9iW7npimEZBc75PrOg6VK77sgLH2WUNdXqU4fchizIwc_gQXjOi-QEP5QNX5x7eDH6BbzxKtL-23eQhXHlFp1yjZfR7HX7mi4ZUKcQGfeLIcpBED-vLmJD-kD2_KO_yd9N1PHJeoS7/s320/garage_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698913946204700498" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Digging out. Nothing like a ton of snow down your neck when you're filling up at the pumps.<br /></span></div><br />The skiing was mostly very good as a result, although visibility did warrant a bit of Jedi skiing at times. However, heading for the trees above <span style="font-weight: bold;">Plan Joran</span> at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Montets</span> and playing in the powder in the steep gullies proved a big hit, even in the worst of the weather. Winds stopped play (first time I've seen this in the last 5 years of regular visits) and while many moaned about the queues for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pierre a Ric</span>, we found ourselves down at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Flegere</span> having one of the most fun days on skis we've had in years. Whilst there was only two sheltered chairlifts running, we didn't need anymore. Only a handful stayed to play in the bottomless powder between the trees. Yee har!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9B9c9iOsvvyCF9GpBg9018kRjiqvbeX3GFYBgFvvnDL58AmT9mQGerrzdx5teZ7ZMYrRA7b9ldtiNIFW1-hbWlarzbRdJ1Ep_SeBDtCKBXQy7tXrJaLoBqgX6pIHGWyyDAwz4jp5p38s/s1600/river.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9B9c9iOsvvyCF9GpBg9018kRjiqvbeX3GFYBgFvvnDL58AmT9mQGerrzdx5teZ7ZMYrRA7b9ldtiNIFW1-hbWlarzbRdJ1Ep_SeBDtCKBXQy7tXrJaLoBqgX6pIHGWyyDAwz4jp5p38s/s320/river.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915255525633922" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >In the woods behind Argentiere.</span><br /></div><br />When the legs got too tired we opted for a walk. Popped out for an hour, came back at dusk! I've always fancied having a go with snow shoes, and it's taken 44 years to make it happen. I've been missing out! More on that in due course.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2FWYZQP6JOxe1rknVlnE1eMvcCYgnffsHHYa4XI-Xv0WOxnNBjY_hle-3zohXuhABl4GjH04ymNiUouHROGenb198En_4VNA7Zai6_e2xGyPUpgnjCkxBCH8eCBOI6DcR-yVc2NbuX__/s1600/buckling_roof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2FWYZQP6JOxe1rknVlnE1eMvcCYgnffsHHYa4XI-Xv0WOxnNBjY_hle-3zohXuhABl4GjH04ymNiUouHROGenb198En_4VNA7Zai6_e2xGyPUpgnjCkxBCH8eCBOI6DcR-yVc2NbuX__/s320/buckling_roof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698913930141511202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">At the Aire de Jeux<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2FWYZQP6JOxe1rknVlnE1eMvcCYgnffsHHYa4XI-Xv0WOxnNBjY_hle-3zohXuhABl4GjH04ymNiUouHROGenb198En_4VNA7Zai6_e2xGyPUpgnjCkxBCH8eCBOI6DcR-yVc2NbuX__/s1600/buckling_roof.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAZ00RCuFtzMXpE5quB-48NUTvJp5Nf5mpe6T8viSWUnnK9DSRH4ZM7YR2Pa65TOG30V5UKwA-yFeKyFfnUlidntLrQUxBXMRIuEJmYaITvWFFA8t9tXNMZ-gWL2p2GcvSaL4uXcF4r2E/s1600/slide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAZ00RCuFtzMXpE5quB-48NUTvJp5Nf5mpe6T8viSWUnnK9DSRH4ZM7YR2Pa65TOG30V5UKwA-yFeKyFfnUlidntLrQUxBXMRIuEJmYaITvWFFA8t9tXNMZ-gWL2p2GcvSaL4uXcF4r2E/s320/slide.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915261914668578" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The depth of snow meant that the slide wasn't too exciting!</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdjZLH8D2lu-bofUvgc35ptTuZJR_MliAdiK4mEg82MsPUTvBZd7zKJyLzYBp1pk7tRQkMeEzY2LDP_JH3JQdTg6xLvkptQLT_gGYJulyYxM0drXnuh1q9hNHJX8FAXFdGGzDWUVx2ZhK/s1600/snowshoe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdjZLH8D2lu-bofUvgc35ptTuZJR_MliAdiK4mEg82MsPUTvBZd7zKJyLzYBp1pk7tRQkMeEzY2LDP_JH3JQdTg6xLvkptQLT_gGYJulyYxM0drXnuh1q9hNHJX8FAXFdGGzDWUVx2ZhK/s320/snowshoe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698915273657761298" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Off piste snow shoeing above Argentiere. Huge amounts of fun.</span></span><br /></div><br />But soon enough high pressure arrived over the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Haute Savoie</span>, the clouds cleared and some big ski days came our way. 2 weeks flew past faster than ever, and now it's time to plan the next trip to Argentiere. Can't wait!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmWPYR_1B3oDb4lmUUt1riZ9gyEOjbWE0VcG5n2blFK_iX3-OACFy8c_Wn-3pAQlLq-RT-y16oEmNpNM4KmBwAmp5YDLrEfj4H2KCEDFdbjoNKiF-jtHrio1jEFEPTAKXwBx9dL3FjywP/s1600/moonlight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmWPYR_1B3oDb4lmUUt1riZ9gyEOjbWE0VcG5n2blFK_iX3-OACFy8c_Wn-3pAQlLq-RT-y16oEmNpNM4KmBwAmp5YDLrEfj4H2KCEDFdbjoNKiF-jtHrio1jEFEPTAKXwBx9dL3FjywP/s320/moonlight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698913956508944050" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Evening view from the balcony. Temperatures dropped to -13 degrees overnight this last week.</span></span><br /></div>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-14557032296308503102011-04-19T20:10:00.010+01:002011-04-19T20:30:53.245+01:00The Haute RouteRead around our web site a bit and you’ll find that we’ve been coming to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere since 1986</span>. That first trip was a bit of an adventure. The Chamonix Valley was just somewhere that I’d heard of and sounded like it was a place to go. Free camping on Snell’s Field, a climbing guidebook, plenty of the blissful abandon of youth and a wealth of experience of Alpine climbing – all gained from tales of daring do in the bar back home. (I’ve chosen to ignore the fleeting visit as a 5 year old, passing through at Easter 1973 on our way to Pisa in a Ford Cortina. All I can really remember is a snowball fight outside the entrance to the Mont Blanc tunnel and a chicken running round a farm yard somewhere in rural France just after having it’s head chopped off.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Lw3hhbjpfWGQO6vwTXCpNJD5ClbZl_cWyZEp9Rs0yxTXm1F__SrM4sCISn3V1uVTqS61mJHwgJe2aZuAJIWBHllxAzpj3nlaBtcrRdjuNIYH04mtt1K4giGyV3mY0IIDX38Pfv_pxaW/s1600/Col+du+Chardonnet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-Lw3hhbjpfWGQO6vwTXCpNJD5ClbZl_cWyZEp9Rs0yxTXm1F__SrM4sCISn3V1uVTqS61mJHwgJe2aZuAJIWBHllxAzpj3nlaBtcrRdjuNIYH04mtt1K4giGyV3mY0IIDX38Pfv_pxaW/s320/Col+du+Chardonnet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597376236249866770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >The Chardonnet Glacier and the first col to cross.</span><br /></div><br />That trip was many things and, bits of it at least, I remember well. The photo we use for the StayInChamonix banner photo was taken on the trip during a foray into the Vallee Blanche. A bivi in the ruin of the old Cosmique Refuge and an ascent of the North Face of the Tour Ronde followed that shot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAnTfRlqNEx2KmZckyg5Zn05IZtf3CNMLgC7wszNXKpjMAtNJnWa9lmLq-Qah9j7LHvkWvIol6mlXYu5uqHarRQFPZZTJZETf7aY6NwFnOQ-CyGaBwmnoQw6zYXKv3n9mWkoy6UTKzRIa/s1600/tour+ronde.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAnTfRlqNEx2KmZckyg5Zn05IZtf3CNMLgC7wszNXKpjMAtNJnWa9lmLq-Qah9j7LHvkWvIol6mlXYu5uqHarRQFPZZTJZETf7aY6NwFnOQ-CyGaBwmnoQw6zYXKv3n9mWkoy6UTKzRIa/s320/tour+ronde.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597378216621534786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Revisiting the North Face of the Tour Ronde 25 years after I climbed it.</span></span><br /></div><br />One of the things it did do was open my eyes to the wider world of mountains. I heard about the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Haute Route</span>, the high level ski traverse from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chamonix to Zermatt</span>. At the time, skiing was prohibitively costly, and not something that proper mountaineers - like what I was, would entertain. But still, it sounded like a bit of a journey, and from that point on, the idea of doing it was logged.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHzBuM9P-iNI7rqqs7jXHoRWin_aU7Y5P_DG8xnM2Qlu9-rZ9LkFwKGkBL_i78HqFMUB3n7lWvrObbzMQ9lwNfXGeQR4b02SA0I2vlyVano6futtF8yvI1xuievmie_jfsRrFuvLnxvDA/s1600/chardonnet_climb_gregor.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHzBuM9P-iNI7rqqs7jXHoRWin_aU7Y5P_DG8xnM2Qlu9-rZ9LkFwKGkBL_i78HqFMUB3n7lWvrObbzMQ9lwNfXGeQR4b02SA0I2vlyVano6futtF8yvI1xuievmie_jfsRrFuvLnxvDA/s320/chardonnet_climb_gregor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597376594163476306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Dawn on the Chardonnet Glacier, looking back to the top of the Grand Montets above Argentiere.</span> </div><br />I do think that it’s important to have goals to work to. Some take longer than others to achieve, but nonetheless, so long as you keep moving in the right direction… It’s now 2011, some 25 years on, and finally I’ve done it! I’m not long back from a traverse of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Classic Haute Route</span>.<br /><br />The hardest part was probably parting with the cash required to buy into ski touring. Just when you think you've bought all the Alpine ski gear, you find out that you need a complete set of other gear to even think about ski touring. And it’s even more expensive! And then you find out that ski touring is mostly about going uphill, and you feel a bit cheated to find that you had to buy new skis at all!<br /><br />How hard can it be? Starting off your ski touring career with the Haute Route did seem like a bit of a silly idea to some. But if you can ski, you can walk up hill for a long time, and you like being really dirty for days on end, then surely you’ve got what it takes?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnouYv4EQA0c89bkf2H42S1Q7nOZ3632nb6YGaacKS6DwHpDZAWcLbvJSOO8gtWGxGaqRXQ6nVo5In7o1hCfp_Cq0DD8AX8zeppHzNc6ONn_Hw3nxW4j28x84zumR9AYT0q_oKKkHW2Wz/s1600/Haute+Route+April+2011+030.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnouYv4EQA0c89bkf2H42S1Q7nOZ3632nb6YGaacKS6DwHpDZAWcLbvJSOO8gtWGxGaqRXQ6nVo5In7o1hCfp_Cq0DD8AX8zeppHzNc6ONn_Hw3nxW4j28x84zumR9AYT0q_oKKkHW2Wz/s320/Haute+Route+April+2011+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597378761398552738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Classic touring on the Haute Route heading towards the Valsorey Hut</span><br /></span></div><br />It was a great trip – fairly full on from start to finish. Straight off the plane, up to the Argentiere Hut, and into the route itself. A bit of acclimatisation would have helped, but so would a clean bill of health – the one without the hacking cough to start off with. The weather was fairly kind to us, as was the snow (despite the relatively lean season) and we made it to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Zermatt</span> in 6 days. Days off don’t come into it when you’re on a boys trip (even if there’s at least a token girlie on it) and so day 7 was up the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Breithorn</span> and day 8 was a plod to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col Freshfield</span> in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vallee Blanche</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fA1gF6xQ88eEZAjFi2AXrOrHFn1UJbueGZObFkTZ3tahCqrXoQhFTXqAlDsjou79Wt6BDF29ZoJl1tezZesyUMVD1I019f2413HTRA1x0MRK4n8gpeesZfNLE-H8YWVu9jvCJNWknYcp/s1600/Haute+Route+April+2011+090.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fA1gF6xQ88eEZAjFi2AXrOrHFn1UJbueGZObFkTZ3tahCqrXoQhFTXqAlDsjou79Wt6BDF29ZoJl1tezZesyUMVD1I019f2413HTRA1x0MRK4n8gpeesZfNLE-H8YWVu9jvCJNWknYcp/s320/Haute+Route+April+2011+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597377486820537106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Nearly there. The Matterhorn on the final afternoon above Zermatt.</span><br /></div><br />Tick! Haute Route done. And boy did I sleep when I got home!<br /><br />See the <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/gallery/view/6/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Haute Route Photo Gallery</span></a> on our <span style="font-weight: bold;">StayInChamonix</span> web site.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-30792712753881273302011-03-10T20:58:00.005+00:002011-03-10T21:02:37.449+00:00Thinking about the summerWinter is far from over, and we've got a few ski trips planned yet. But the odd glimpse of the sun, and a burning desire to get back on the bike, and we can't help but dream of long summer days...<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20525900" width="400" frameborder="0" height="225"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20525900">Mountain Biking in Chamonix</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1357175">Jason Chambers</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br />With thanks to Jason for this clip. Check out his <a href="http://www.photolakedistrict.co.uk/">web site</a> for more.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-50161771134633867522011-02-25T14:49:00.010+00:002011-02-25T16:03:35.464+00:00Try something differentIf you've been following the <span style="font-weight: bold;">snow conditions</span> in the Alps this winter then you'll be aware that, until this last week at least, fresh snow fall has been somewhat lacking. With big dumps of snow in the lead in to the season pre-Christmas, once the new year settled in, the sun decided to come out... And stay out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-jteI0kaooixmco-S62N8duYbThEY9G4BwNvXpQIprC_dwt99aECqSUM65X-jG_Hx68BfLkl9JpNKqa6hMPuoK66o-NxZF0vprtRvhS4GVkkv1aEX_JFGhBtLOdlG-ah001At5p4yz3T/s1600/marmottons_piste.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-jteI0kaooixmco-S62N8duYbThEY9G4BwNvXpQIprC_dwt99aECqSUM65X-jG_Hx68BfLkl9JpNKqa6hMPuoK66o-NxZF0vprtRvhS4GVkkv1aEX_JFGhBtLOdlG-ah001At5p4yz3T/s320/marmottons_piste.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577656277363465730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Certainly no lack of snow at the Grand Montets</span></span><br /></div><br />On our most recent trip to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span>, we were a little nervous that the much coveted ski trip wouldn't be quite the same. After all, we do like our powder and the off piste. However, as it turned out, we ended up enjoying some of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">best family skiing</span> we've done, albeit lacking the steep and the deep.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssrUPD9qhMLo6G7rpIyqMlsmlg_ssahbRtlGPolsR-d-KjOIZF-nik_gIO3IUei5unRDnm9r3gPb8BGE99fYeGvjw7GhyQq9fbjA3YTQ0RHsR1_Up-4vijca7g-6muKxWHg59iysglhYN/s1600/skis_snow.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssrUPD9qhMLo6G7rpIyqMlsmlg_ssahbRtlGPolsR-d-KjOIZF-nik_gIO3IUei5unRDnm9r3gPb8BGE99fYeGvjw7GhyQq9fbjA3YTQ0RHsR1_Up-4vijca7g-6muKxWHg59iysglhYN/s320/skis_snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577655325583123266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">How do ski conditions compare to the design of your skis?</span></span><br /></div><br />Although the pistes were 'firm', they were also fast, and a dream to let loose on. It wasn't long before we got to thinking much more about our skis and the way they worked. And the natural progression followed...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ym_p33xTKFtg5LiM-hWNsAR2YeGo8d_FoTIAi1nenriGp5yqE8fH6o0U1a3ZamTycG1mQWOj3mCWCYL5-wzv3eitoFT0QPSpbT-zG2YAYKvoG4k4O6TU6sdpDzkK1cVePACxLQWhx1Ls/s1600/hearse_piste.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ym_p33xTKFtg5LiM-hWNsAR2YeGo8d_FoTIAi1nenriGp5yqE8fH6o0U1a3ZamTycG1mQWOj3mCWCYL5-wzv3eitoFT0QPSpbT-zG2YAYKvoG4k4O6TU6sdpDzkK1cVePACxLQWhx1Ls/s320/hearse_piste.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577656916749873554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hard and fast - the Hearse piste at the Grand Montets</span></span><br /></div><br />... I wonder what it would be like on some different skis..., these different skis are the absolute business, I can really blast the piste on these unlike my own..., I wonder what some top end performance skis would be like..., these performance skis are the absolute business, I must have a pair, etc...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe7ELHC34lMjAEo5Ngu7E4r9u9wbINgdxRMa1I8m86yao342wEmE5vn72ti9qSkC_lu8eqsMGABi1lbgoXPNOp_AS0KjoHxcWMZek1bLsvJWdrkelY7Mc9syujgPP2lnrYhaOLKU-6WMe/s1600/super_styling_jodie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe7ELHC34lMjAEo5Ngu7E4r9u9wbINgdxRMa1I8m86yao342wEmE5vn72ti9qSkC_lu8eqsMGABi1lbgoXPNOp_AS0KjoHxcWMZek1bLsvJWdrkelY7Mc9syujgPP2lnrYhaOLKU-6WMe/s320/super_styling_jodie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577657505618683938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Work those edges!</span></span><br /></div><br />And so on it went. We had a blast and very soon I'll be several hundred Euros poorer, but have a big grin on my face. So the moral of the tail is that while no snow is definitely not good, different snow might just be the key to a whole new chapter of skiing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LDhMj40oY-HSDs2sieBqb-uNY3cZZZT6wDojjG6JUTusuXGyr7-aS5QvlSWyfyihQ0oOFex_kVjwfB8gtKsNaIeosPxbmAxP4qZxcxKzB8ow2oeAwohJu-dbrKEaE64-zmuXu0kv2oDM/s1600/test_pilot.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LDhMj40oY-HSDs2sieBqb-uNY3cZZZT6wDojjG6JUTusuXGyr7-aS5QvlSWyfyihQ0oOFex_kVjwfB8gtKsNaIeosPxbmAxP4qZxcxKzB8ow2oeAwohJu-dbrKEaE64-zmuXu0kv2oDM/s320/test_pilot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577654425668185074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dynastar's youngest Factory Test Pilot</span></span><br /></div><br />Head across to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sanglard Sports</span> and hire some skis with <span style="font-weight: bold;">15% discount</span> when you mention <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">StayInChamonix</span></a>, or better still, <a href="http://www.rentski.com/default.asp?associer=66&lang=2"><span style="font-weight: bold;">book online using our preferential rates</span></a>. You can also ask <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sanglard</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sports</span> for a voucher for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynastar Test Centre</span>, based up at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lognan</span> on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Montets</span>. With this, and for free, you can take any of their range of skis for a test ride for a couple of hours. (But remember, it'll cost you when you fall in love with them and have to buy a pair afterwards!)<br /><br />And, by the way, plenty of new snow this week!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-23001896285980365962010-10-22T13:33:00.004+01:002010-10-22T13:44:27.575+01:00All change in ArgentiereSome welcome improvements to the village of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span> are under way at the moment. First is the complete refurbishment of the village 'square', outside the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mairie</span> and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Office Bar</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY5_3lMvehcUGoscQSixPe_jLIz431zsu_Z5McBDbY0k1ul3e6zHh4FL0oLNY9wFjMhBvzDWXq2OTKex1mvfwvFl4dxLrm05P12qvAD0r2zJDUa_7txGG62uTXUvyoXtow0eSY5o7NuIL/s1600/Mairie_Argentiere.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY5_3lMvehcUGoscQSixPe_jLIz431zsu_Z5McBDbY0k1ul3e6zHh4FL0oLNY9wFjMhBvzDWXq2OTKex1mvfwvFl4dxLrm05P12qvAD0r2zJDUa_7txGG62uTXUvyoXtow0eSY5o7NuIL/s320/Mairie_Argentiere.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530849675684338450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Mairie, Argentiere.</span></span><br /></div><br />Although in the centre of the village and effectively being the focal point, the open area was always a bit lacking, dominated by a cash point lobby and a defunct chalet office.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3B8Wnl8FWC5q3e66kRlznhRRkqgWmlN0pBWdysSTgHQqGXNvXxDenZ0ueN6yUskuI3OvjH63VLbtSpdE-YFHwy6tIBw8y4lMNJVWj0fMCKnVqjOtAgwiY5BvolvxyryIf-tNwGl4rV1i/s1600/new+steps.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3B8Wnl8FWC5q3e66kRlznhRRkqgWmlN0pBWdysSTgHQqGXNvXxDenZ0ueN6yUskuI3OvjH63VLbtSpdE-YFHwy6tIBw8y4lMNJVWj0fMCKnVqjOtAgwiY5BvolvxyryIf-tNwGl4rV1i/s320/new+steps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530849676951453186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">New steps replace the defunct chalet office.</span></span><br /></div><br />But no more! These buildings have been cleared, new steps added, and a more organised open communal space created.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bdRh2pBMMQ3RQESNxHnIMF-fgL9t5NKV-cl52VgzQA5LpuYYGr9Qh5tv5HeBP3jgSRLKWcIV1TpH_V_c8kVMJ95a0ofkjWoUZu3LZ3fnK-YeXzXrI_zwXU2zpDS3PQs9pYu7mj0wz0pZ/s1600/Argentiere_centre_works.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bdRh2pBMMQ3RQESNxHnIMF-fgL9t5NKV-cl52VgzQA5LpuYYGr9Qh5tv5HeBP3jgSRLKWcIV1TpH_V_c8kVMJ95a0ofkjWoUZu3LZ3fnK-YeXzXrI_zwXU2zpDS3PQs9pYu7mj0wz0pZ/s320/Argentiere_centre_works.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530849684103972482" border="0" /></a>But does anyone know if there's going to be a replacement cash point?!<br /><br />Elsewhere, the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> road junction</span> to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Montets </span>car park is being rebuilt. Again, hopefully this will improve the busy junction and perhaps set the tone for more improvements planned for the Grand Montets car park and lifts in the next few years.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-61793443614558616572010-08-26T09:52:00.003+01:002010-08-26T09:54:43.918+01:00Argentiere in 1925My! How times have changed! Came across this post card recently, and going by the postmark on the reverse it appears to date from around 1925.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQivTEZ-CoElH1VYeB_XK872aioD4ax1Zr2G198ClfCxsRTptRQyXyDsHN_5jxoryX8tVyJDTiuFyAZqUTF5zIjWB8AfN3Zc_TxNNo_gDnSXqiuEHDPV5ax7rRnibrON5bFJvduhk3HW8/s1600/argentiere_card.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQivTEZ-CoElH1VYeB_XK872aioD4ax1Zr2G198ClfCxsRTptRQyXyDsHN_5jxoryX8tVyJDTiuFyAZqUTF5zIjWB8AfN3Zc_TxNNo_gDnSXqiuEHDPV5ax7rRnibrON5bFJvduhk3HW8/s320/argentiere_card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509639055049351186" border="0" /></a>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-91016174370542459842010-08-19T16:59:00.003+01:002010-08-19T17:10:49.841+01:00My hero!I think the photo says it all. I don't do hero worship. Just like I don't do all the celebrity culture bit either. Well, not normally. But meeting <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Plake </span>is different.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJcmHD_OuwvBVZdUybn011TJ_yaNTGiPiX1eOwhTRr7dbkV7GxazjFNdT_lY297FNWQf5AkbyVlf-HjuZ13-shxAs5xdwcUaNLR9fQ_nmLMDuHN4fnl1xbjzq1gWtO7SzcGz5dA9i9Mvj/s1600/glen_plake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJcmHD_OuwvBVZdUybn011TJ_yaNTGiPiX1eOwhTRr7dbkV7GxazjFNdT_lY297FNWQf5AkbyVlf-HjuZ13-shxAs5xdwcUaNLR9fQ_nmLMDuHN4fnl1xbjzq1gWtO7SzcGz5dA9i9Mvj/s320/glen_plake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507152031522401778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Family Daynes (minus shy Sam) meet My Hero.</span></span><br /></div><br />Actually, its not the first time we met. I was quite taken aback at a local ice hockey match; Chamonix taking on Megeve I think it was, last October, when I realised that Glenn was sat further along the same row. Too shy to go up and say hello.<br /><br />No one has really asked what took us to Chamonix. Obvious I guess. But if anyone did then the full answer would have to include watching <a href="http://www.gregstumpproductions.com/films.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greg Stump's movies</span></a> in my 'formative' years. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Blizzard of Aahhhs </span>(still got it on my iPhone!), <span style="font-weight: bold;">License to Thrill</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Groove Requiem</span> in the key of ski. Then dashing across Europe to for a week in Chamonix, flinging ourselves off anything vaguely steep and dangerous, and wishing I had the nerve to go for the full pink mohican.<br /><br />What a sad man I am!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-25287642909843594472010-08-05T11:24:00.005+01:002010-08-05T11:57:24.585+01:00Le Grand BornandThere’s an old Chinese proverb that goes along the lines of “simply printing a mountain bike route map does not a mountain bike mecca make”. Or at least if there isn’t one, there should be. And the good folk of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Le Grand Bornand</span> in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aravis Region</span> should take note.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7mBNe94R_WvvIkquosQv82zax0xHaQyZqOMrPQj_6Rl2_e-19XLvFspMDcxnfVXyyIju4JE3vUBi9LUMXc9ghm98G7HxwVT8HRRZYFfzXjIaQfsRoFZ9y6kOCNiAeTguXMEfXDKswEO9/s1600/LGB_camp.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7mBNe94R_WvvIkquosQv82zax0xHaQyZqOMrPQj_6Rl2_e-19XLvFspMDcxnfVXyyIju4JE3vUBi9LUMXc9ghm98G7HxwVT8HRRZYFfzXjIaQfsRoFZ9y6kOCNiAeTguXMEfXDKswEO9/s320/LGB_camp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501871877565040098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Camping L'escale, LGB</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-IxAWsG1C9A7FmhwDC-3NRV4GbWiNMzK-0wnDsJ1SEFro9dFZKNjOqgIWQRnIMOWKQMdglaq-u4Q842CHnstIAZmSHVHp2BBpsWkQHHdF9VvffSFR_96kvroNDG7AWCrQ31cKnMBlMT8/s1600/bike_gondola.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-IxAWsG1C9A7FmhwDC-3NRV4GbWiNMzK-0wnDsJ1SEFro9dFZKNjOqgIWQRnIMOWKQMdglaq-u4Q842CHnstIAZmSHVHp2BBpsWkQHHdF9VvffSFR_96kvroNDG7AWCrQ31cKnMBlMT8/s320/bike_gondola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501870512049234834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Uplift!</span></span><br /></div><br />Moving on from Annecy, a trip back through the Aravis seemed like a good idea; a good scenic route on the way back to Argentiere, with plenty to see and do along the way. Finding some good biking was high on the list of priorities, as was a good camp site with a pool, hence we landed in Le Grand Bornand for a few days.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg_JoJgpxvpTsi2mX6NNDVhBLOSLIhNkR1ZY-Kld4XZMBNc9NJRwghUGBlscFc7gbJpk_mFUXSmlZCJh5OGN5Th4Dg7IofIiyWMY9HZaNIL-j6Nd1K2ZSiGBHqM4aNG7TQ6FZ68ufCsv9/s1600/jodie_colombiere.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg_JoJgpxvpTsi2mX6NNDVhBLOSLIhNkR1ZY-Kld4XZMBNc9NJRwghUGBlscFc7gbJpk_mFUXSmlZCJh5OGN5Th4Dg7IofIiyWMY9HZaNIL-j6Nd1K2ZSiGBHqM4aNG7TQ6FZ68ufCsv9/s320/jodie_colombiere.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501871865630669826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB1rO-bdXj0E2BXxn2SuurHhvKsDlfhrl1ezHxoN7it_CPgLsfsNVzu2R9jweGBCdJlJvhPVhJkkMZ4Flwoh_NF_Pi-FRCP22rLgbcIgOSFe8W57YXKajFT_CtW7YRzsYlhg2HSMa_yh7/s1600/above_chinaillon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB1rO-bdXj0E2BXxn2SuurHhvKsDlfhrl1ezHxoN7it_CPgLsfsNVzu2R9jweGBCdJlJvhPVhJkkMZ4Flwoh_NF_Pi-FRCP22rLgbcIgOSFe8W57YXKajFT_CtW7YRzsYlhg2HSMa_yh7/s320/above_chinaillon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501870508763028674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jodie with the Col de la Columbiere in her sights</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKUk6IRIOWo1MMcVz9oixwsaUiCqweARfCzgITfOx-WR8gpl2YGAg2lpEoXjzuCp5R5LQwTX8AujTz3M92T3HElRuwFBN4sr2-HpmYUQZ3UPZ0Fn5IpQIVBKnBohB21SE-NzilU7PtMOm/s1600/sam_descent.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKUk6IRIOWo1MMcVz9oixwsaUiCqweARfCzgITfOx-WR8gpl2YGAg2lpEoXjzuCp5R5LQwTX8AujTz3M92T3HElRuwFBN4sr2-HpmYUQZ3UPZ0Fn5IpQIVBKnBohB21SE-NzilU7PtMOm/s320/sam_descent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501872991311852258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Some of the better "green" sections above Chinaillon</span></span><br /></div><br />We reported to the tourist office, bought the VTT map, and set off up the gondola to tackle a green route. Don’t get me wrong, it was pleasant enough. Contouring round above <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chinaillon</span> and towards the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col de la Columbiere </span>and then back down towards the village again. However, I think we bikers have been spoilt with dedicated and even purpose built trails. We’re just not used to large portions of a green route taking in the tarmac road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJFD3A0ItQnzg0SROWth5WJRWyIA3oymsLYEiB_l3cODYgR-3c3NKJXAnS27ibAa_aUwqUzPtBB-tjxE9RC_IvWXLJozW7Itr6EqJ-AxBJWW9OfS7tBF_ONuCfUdCYpV7821UBDRP5fql/s1600/Sam_lachat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJFD3A0ItQnzg0SROWth5WJRWyIA3oymsLYEiB_l3cODYgR-3c3NKJXAnS27ibAa_aUwqUzPtBB-tjxE9RC_IvWXLJozW7Itr6EqJ-AxBJWW9OfS7tBF_ONuCfUdCYpV7821UBDRP5fql/s320/Sam_lachat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501872993157329762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55xenlRl4WCoHUgU3AZ9gFxkniIF70DVwhC6t1bpfCRqZUudhG3pRynH1J9qAiAxdNRsI_hzTeiptW-245EsGuRNkYFv34scwL-M0U4HJakmKh0q1fCXfJIF-6T2KYqcgPGLVwwsj2nGs/s1600/Jodie_lachat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55xenlRl4WCoHUgU3AZ9gFxkniIF70DVwhC6t1bpfCRqZUudhG3pRynH1J9qAiAxdNRsI_hzTeiptW-245EsGuRNkYFv34scwL-M0U4HJakmKh0q1fCXfJIF-6T2KYqcgPGLVwwsj2nGs/s320/Jodie_lachat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501871868758527378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sam & Jodie on the descent from Le Lachat</span></span><br /></div><br />Undeterred, we also had a go at a blue route. The first problem was that to get to the start of the blue we had to descend a red, from the top of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Le Lachat</span> chair lift. No flowing single track here. The red route follows the access track to the top of the piste, and is little more than a vehicle track covered in loose gravel. Fairly daunting for Sam and Jodie, but no fun for me either. Lovely views, though!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_znTsbNipeay8PT46TXrl6qllWKrZQHSugt4m4tjWpYHRLlUHzCvqPON-kLUAqBVsc9dWdNtKCKCPRc29MzBVxWTvdQkIsLzo61N_0z06L1Cjs_n2K8MTS1pmpVbBm2VD4wtzBFOsHor/s1600/sam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_znTsbNipeay8PT46TXrl6qllWKrZQHSugt4m4tjWpYHRLlUHzCvqPON-kLUAqBVsc9dWdNtKCKCPRc29MzBVxWTvdQkIsLzo61N_0z06L1Cjs_n2K8MTS1pmpVbBm2VD4wtzBFOsHor/s320/sam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501871879991904914" border="0" /></a>And the blue? With one very short exception, the blue route is a winding road which leads up from LGB through the hillside farms. I was expecting a little more in the way of singletrack, or at least some more ‘off road’.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DmGqcyvliZ6Gxq9TYsjA-d1ESq95peghBuXfjwV5LpyyiaUkKh3ius8r5cx8YXLckIYJGNrmmPDYuMLpTq8vC4m8NqwVHVYpzNyrxgjhFEnhhceygRxn7_-GUlidgMYUYWO_bqfJe2W6/s1600/jodie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DmGqcyvliZ6Gxq9TYsjA-d1ESq95peghBuXfjwV5LpyyiaUkKh3ius8r5cx8YXLckIYJGNrmmPDYuMLpTq8vC4m8NqwVHVYpzNyrxgjhFEnhhceygRxn7_-GUlidgMYUYWO_bqfJe2W6/s320/jodie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501870523556817042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKGNRf0Q7QYEv6r0I7Ju6SFuCTu2FppGS0CU3lfuNOUHeu1BR3qRA41h21vjuePx51o3nTmyoJYSY04UsOhs495ZXXRrpx9mLGe4uvHYf3M01r1bU3JiFKHR_KH2JCvAck8GCqAUsOJKa/s1600/caroline_sam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKGNRf0Q7QYEv6r0I7Ju6SFuCTu2FppGS0CU3lfuNOUHeu1BR3qRA41h21vjuePx51o3nTmyoJYSY04UsOhs495ZXXRrpx9mLGe4uvHYf3M01r1bU3JiFKHR_KH2JCvAck8GCqAUsOJKa/s320/caroline_sam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501870516582087922" border="0" /></a>So, not a high score for the quality of the mountain bike trails in LGB based on this experience. But this was a mere blip on an otherwise unblemished record. The camp site is very pleasant and conveniently close to the village. The pool is both indoor and outdoor, and a great spot to catch some rays at the end of the afternoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmdik6IMcqh7ddRj0doHhyphenhyphen_ZFQlzlT8uOBKI5ZuRb0wUNrEvZVCuGiv0mJASPG1UPQ4hirsebKbqyAL8FzoCh3igDff0YLDO4jpL4IrA4PSNSIHitRNVaM0xtZYJvxnNuW3mqwfx6KgZQ/s1600/Jodie_see_saw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmdik6IMcqh7ddRj0doHhyphenhyphen_ZFQlzlT8uOBKI5ZuRb0wUNrEvZVCuGiv0mJASPG1UPQ4hirsebKbqyAL8FzoCh3igDff0YLDO4jpL4IrA4PSNSIHitRNVaM0xtZYJvxnNuW3mqwfx6KgZQ/s320/Jodie_see_saw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501871873598873650" border="0" /></a>And the village itself is a lovely spot. Focussed around a very attractive square with plenty of useful shops – bakeries, bars and a Casino mini market. By the river you’ll find lots of leisure activities, from mini golf and beach volleyball to archery and a fitness trail. Close by at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Maison de Patrimonie</span> is a newly constructed bike skills area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hEhheA9_0R1g2TBDVwPPWBEKO9XUNW5F9RDHFHGUvH53f7aW9PMs_9CgbZmPOsQOiuYfFgookndx4gtMUfUpXk_QB-psgsGH8JN927flW-kggVgbD1R9szKHO_nNZCJypAgRCqKgw296/s1600/sam_roller.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hEhheA9_0R1g2TBDVwPPWBEKO9XUNW5F9RDHFHGUvH53f7aW9PMs_9CgbZmPOsQOiuYfFgookndx4gtMUfUpXk_QB-psgsGH8JN927flW-kggVgbD1R9szKHO_nNZCJypAgRCqKgw296/s320/sam_roller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501873000107128130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmMKayKSAiOhSi4B9YTwnZ5zt8MZciga-qn0NpBkIDxVie8qeJ3pNUsPxTu1JVks5icg0GFnaKgA9HyzmPN1kA5l1yoaDqqEOrvcHMVx6OIFGsJl4a4fo8qxHJqa0SR4jmOW3TSXBR49a/s1600/sam_berm.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmMKayKSAiOhSi4B9YTwnZ5zt8MZciga-qn0NpBkIDxVie8qeJ3pNUsPxTu1JVks5icg0GFnaKgA9HyzmPN1kA5l1yoaDqqEOrvcHMVx6OIFGsJl4a4fo8qxHJqa0SR4jmOW3TSXBR49a/s320/sam_berm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501872984321049346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9eujB5pQ9Gkp4rC-sDyvEYuaHNBdzs-5FamereAhcM_YrPP5FOLEQx4fmTI3oEGPwmQcpx8XsqpVWsB9zut3wzEyFgtW7rSzC0xurlJkNlgNhO-PVoYxZovWc9Rdhdn7FxWPOBQ5sr89/s1600/see_saw.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9eujB5pQ9Gkp4rC-sDyvEYuaHNBdzs-5FamereAhcM_YrPP5FOLEQx4fmTI3oEGPwmQcpx8XsqpVWsB9zut3wzEyFgtW7rSzC0xurlJkNlgNhO-PVoYxZovWc9Rdhdn7FxWPOBQ5sr89/s320/see_saw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501873002823668018" border="0" /></a><br />And at the patinoire the kids were playing rollerblade hockey. – the day before they’d been shooting , in the style of the winter biathlon discipline. Unsurprising to hear that if the Winter Olympics bid by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Annecy</span> for <span style="font-weight: bold;">2018</span> is successful, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nordic Combined</span> events will be held in LGB.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-1rWWnmv7FZjwR4Pzg_gr1Eue69AzLWt7agnxqTmbGtbFiFnhHfTdvYhaZhyphenhyphenvEtu04eRReX8-xDbeHsMT6VV-cN-cyqhfV0lzGMS6DP0gsbOAOgdUYVhvkTh5DaUh5be4QAlIQv74YMy/s1600/spot_the_ball.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-1rWWnmv7FZjwR4Pzg_gr1Eue69AzLWt7agnxqTmbGtbFiFnhHfTdvYhaZhyphenhyphenvEtu04eRReX8-xDbeHsMT6VV-cN-cyqhfV0lzGMS6DP0gsbOAOgdUYVhvkTh5DaUh5be4QAlIQv74YMy/s320/spot_the_ball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501874735968508242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Spot the ball! (It's blue!)</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjobIzeWX3HCNYd_AFXA-0lfAfEto1QWBkdufzb0KJtqldwcmoRXMV2xhULYA96kV2UYWywZDag0Yekjn25yGR2h-__bmYujOXtGI9gGv_l1p9gOv0iCBccJ62Rqoke4wHf4ioC52boDR/s1600/ice_cream.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjobIzeWX3HCNYd_AFXA-0lfAfEto1QWBkdufzb0KJtqldwcmoRXMV2xhULYA96kV2UYWywZDag0Yekjn25yGR2h-__bmYujOXtGI9gGv_l1p9gOv0iCBccJ62Rqoke4wHf4ioC52boDR/s320/ice_cream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501870515260834690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Obligatory end of ride ice cream...</span><br /><br /></div>Chances are we’ll be back for another visit some time soon.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-91929307106688292512010-08-03T22:01:00.003+01:002010-08-03T22:08:24.991+01:00Back to Lake AnnecyIt wasn’t in the plan, but with a sudden drop in the temperatures the lure of lower altitudes had a certain appeal. I can’t say that I’ve ever been a fan of ‘hot’ temperatures, but I have kind of got used to seeing a big yellow thing in the sky and not having to carry a rucksack full of fleeces and Gore-Tex.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0gyKxd2-ATskvyOdSdHeimSSA1iiW8RQBgQsoiK05DGVUat3dPqqirCDT5Iim4YTlsyLYgh5RPUtg1sG_nkVgFmn-lvdJkZwwES9E_OV3NFMvMSMVEmetKadPsbkQPic6caYZk_oW28V/s1600/annecy_biketrack.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0gyKxd2-ATskvyOdSdHeimSSA1iiW8RQBgQsoiK05DGVUat3dPqqirCDT5Iim4YTlsyLYgh5RPUtg1sG_nkVgFmn-lvdJkZwwES9E_OV3NFMvMSMVEmetKadPsbkQPic6caYZk_oW28V/s320/annecy_biketrack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292265700035922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Annecy - Albertville bike track. The M1 of bike tracks!</span></span><br /></div><br /><br />So, a return to our favourite camp site at <a href="http://www.camping-la-ravoire.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">De La Ravoire</span></a> on the shores of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lake Annecy</span> was the call on the day. Fortunately, they had a pitch for 3 nights and our luck was in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoq9lL9AT7ywB5GvmEgKTAGIHZXV4pvy_IU0MYTGBZTeUtKtL1j4pLuYCR6Cqjcpmly3g6IsCFwWvsR68Sl_vcMl-PjlwL-4lJhJAqlK19Da3OdZhW187u1rtbJqP1ZJ14sOum375eWEmb/s1600/la_ravoire.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoq9lL9AT7ywB5GvmEgKTAGIHZXV4pvy_IU0MYTGBZTeUtKtL1j4pLuYCR6Cqjcpmly3g6IsCFwWvsR68Sl_vcMl-PjlwL-4lJhJAqlK19Da3OdZhW187u1rtbJqP1ZJ14sOum375eWEmb/s320/la_ravoire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292296340046354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ7FWKEu4w6CfBYf4y6UuvrW95J8NBuUGSVUHgvAGycUM2kvePajF3ksHCMug9uXpvbcQgZCPNMDmLJdYxvN45gmIxNxR524a1fOTIen4uTRBEUHsiQi7a9hbeG9EyU0SVksHigD4fVai/s1600/pool.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ7FWKEu4w6CfBYf4y6UuvrW95J8NBuUGSVUHgvAGycUM2kvePajF3ksHCMug9uXpvbcQgZCPNMDmLJdYxvN45gmIxNxR524a1fOTIen4uTRBEUHsiQi7a9hbeG9EyU0SVksHigD4fVai/s320/pool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292301188955618" border="0" /></a><br />It’s a top spot. Great facilities, good atmosphere, plenty of friendly people and very welcoming owners. Sam & Jodie would have been happy just riding their bikes round the site, swimming and sliding down the waterslide (Sam’s still not old enough to use ride solo in Fort William, but has free reign on this one – a happy little chappy!) and playing footie and badminton with the rest of the children. Dragging them away to go and see the sights wasn’t too easy and we didn’t try too hard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoGOxeyYQlDwK7ZLRYz9xz3fftD7zGAs7qDf655kxbf1C7o179CikbslycGrNcqAHhvX0AnwLo_I71Rbyta7Ys9kG_Z8NfVGC4Sj5ziH9lDAx8uGlypCWk-1-9-AoK_MgV1XNVThDFknM/s1600/cowboy_sam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoGOxeyYQlDwK7ZLRYz9xz3fftD7zGAs7qDf655kxbf1C7o179CikbslycGrNcqAHhvX0AnwLo_I71Rbyta7Ys9kG_Z8NfVGC4Sj5ziH9lDAx8uGlypCWk-1-9-AoK_MgV1XNVThDFknM/s320/cowboy_sam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292272865202130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89R51RuSqJfHWWdNbbz-G7AOkvG2SCmV0U1iW5n_dcn8xshcCYLPu3RABsvJY0N8JdbUr3xss7iJp2ScMOLUTRFhhv-FOuzqTYR3LtGh59C9TlZnuxzRn8AmLchncNHgXTVecj4YBca04/s1600/goat4dinner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89R51RuSqJfHWWdNbbz-G7AOkvG2SCmV0U1iW5n_dcn8xshcCYLPu3RABsvJY0N8JdbUr3xss7iJp2ScMOLUTRFhhv-FOuzqTYR3LtGh59C9TlZnuxzRn8AmLchncNHgXTVecj4YBca04/s320/goat4dinner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501292280606777330" border="0" /></a>Three nights away from the vertical world of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chamonix valley</span> well spentEd Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-35801199975792128162010-07-22T21:43:00.005+01:002010-07-22T21:57:58.682+01:00A day on the bikeA cracking day on the mountain bikes today. All the more satisfying for finding something that Jodie and Sam could really get stuck into and enjoy. With so much “gradient” in the Chamonix valley, it’s easy to satisfy body armour clad, long travel gravity junkies but slightly harder to find something that even the littlest braking fingers can cope with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrckJy5_9PqaRcWJZiRcUW0CArOs-nSAow4USqMP8mxsod7fYIQVQyXrNHomD7sXchtU2pMNpOfpPYQUCVPshWBF7tAgu_Db2W_StYAdr8xUqQQ2Ebq9bR-vRpmAXuDcVe8Xe0erOYPqvo/s1600/Jodie_balme.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrckJy5_9PqaRcWJZiRcUW0CArOs-nSAow4USqMP8mxsod7fYIQVQyXrNHomD7sXchtU2pMNpOfpPYQUCVPshWBF7tAgu_Db2W_StYAdr8xUqQQ2Ebq9bR-vRpmAXuDcVe8Xe0erOYPqvo/s320/Jodie_balme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834601681951602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jodie with Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley beyond.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2sWymycoclHS4KD4L4Lho4yeE3log-sl5BIGoMk_nii8jsqhAgj_3lZK1ONLjxay8C5si__62rqbw06hMxzo_UDl5-hW4fjZKkdmSFMFfZTrUpi-7o1fuMRt31plyXf1yJf23HE5rWYD/s1600/Sam_suisse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2sWymycoclHS4KD4L4Lho4yeE3log-sl5BIGoMk_nii8jsqhAgj_3lZK1ONLjxay8C5si__62rqbw06hMxzo_UDl5-hW4fjZKkdmSFMFfZTrUpi-7o1fuMRt31plyXf1yJf23HE5rWYD/s320/Sam_suisse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834630678393570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Sam on the French/Swiss border, ready for the 1000m back to Argentiere.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADckCIR-wvN2IFYrOWytA1z7auxlXBLw-F23kEJjtOUEiMssj8a8lyQ4hrLbEaryaDLMYqIT72v13TRjPqlO_9dPssE4KBrPKJGrReBe3GeJkDhqRhtJwxf1Cj39WFr0YmZxX5c9K9PcH/s1600/sam_lunch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADckCIR-wvN2IFYrOWytA1z7auxlXBLw-F23kEJjtOUEiMssj8a8lyQ4hrLbEaryaDLMYqIT72v13TRjPqlO_9dPssE4KBrPKJGrReBe3GeJkDhqRhtJwxf1Cj39WFr0YmZxX5c9K9PcH/s320/sam_lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834931558907170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >But not before a spot of lunch - and a twister</span>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWVWYvcNRVlzedYXhkv0Jq_H_ctWIsTcmcWoPL31GO8GGlgzFbptT2ACjAb6qQ6tsbe9wlH1_GmX0NFQAxAYTiTYMabubn-yoGUEd9_-rh1mRd0QXASdeTMpLAtzylijYzCH2HxA2THSt/s1600/jodie_lunch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWVWYvcNRVlzedYXhkv0Jq_H_ctWIsTcmcWoPL31GO8GGlgzFbptT2ACjAb6qQ6tsbe9wlH1_GmX0NFQAxAYTiTYMabubn-yoGUEd9_-rh1mRd0QXASdeTMpLAtzylijYzCH2HxA2THSt/s320/jodie_lunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834618571833026" border="0" /></a><br />Leaving the van on the Col des Montets, we took the <span style="font-weight: bold;">VTT </span>trail down to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Le Buet </span>and on to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vallorcine</span>. This section is just great, Excellent trail, brilliant scenery and a gradual gradient. Once at Vallorcine we jumped aboard the gondola for a bit of uplift. The top of the uplift isn’t quite the top of the hill, and there’s a short (and unpopular) ride to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col Des Possettes</span>. And then a sweeping downhill on a broad but still quite challenging track to the top of the gondola from Le Tour and the 4 man chairlift to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col De Balme</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3JRIXtv5KuSEcEdJSgnhUqyPPkXBpt38EE3bmrA75duh9OCSsQrl1MwBGtbnwIrV-_LT_aQCfEPuLdq0Gz4EQsfChTTBCVL3upQ7kRgvNxTuwi_97kbrJ5oWRqY1DpeiIxHFNrghSGaz/s1600/Jodie_high.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3JRIXtv5KuSEcEdJSgnhUqyPPkXBpt38EE3bmrA75duh9OCSsQrl1MwBGtbnwIrV-_LT_aQCfEPuLdq0Gz4EQsfChTTBCVL3upQ7kRgvNxTuwi_97kbrJ5oWRqY1DpeiIxHFNrghSGaz/s320/Jodie_high.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834615157865106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jodie at the start of the long descent.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Leaving the top of the chairlift, it’s a short and relatively flat ride to the refuge on the col – the perfect spot for a bit of lunch, with your toes dangling over the Swiss border. After lunch it was downhill all the way. First back to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col des Possettes </span>and then the Le Tour Gondola again. Kids whooping with delight!By now little braking fingers were in need of a rest, so we hopped into the gondola for the descent to Le Tour. Fingers rested, we then the off road again. Down by the river to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Le Moulin</span> and then taking the back way into <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span>. And ice creams at the Rencard.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicASq6vx4TvwqC_6LhJACzytWu8IjX0HAWeWR8oKasku5P9qRa_8FcJQ2VKfyoEKsLp1FRSI-QXMBsf1e74pzqRpUQzXNjO5IzhethW6iGcoyn8K_gUUwgYsp1TWaHx-jxDQmWB95sCVBQ/s1600/Sam_trees.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicASq6vx4TvwqC_6LhJACzytWu8IjX0HAWeWR8oKasku5P9qRa_8FcJQ2VKfyoEKsLp1FRSI-QXMBsf1e74pzqRpUQzXNjO5IzhethW6iGcoyn8K_gUUwgYsp1TWaHx-jxDQmWB95sCVBQ/s320/Sam_trees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834929855102290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Nearly there - approaching Le Moulin</span></span><br /></div><br />There was still the small question of getting the van back from the col, and I came up with the perfect route to go an tackle while the kids hit the pool. Road ride back to Le Tour. Gondola and chairlift back to the Col de Balme. Over to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Catogne</span> descent on the narrowest of trails and on to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trient</span> – all 1014m of it! Oh, yes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBmknCksIU94zL-i3Lf-90ZXauKY_gWDtfclL-gC9afF1CgBps95nMpB-Kg8gzmjfMXd5UToYSu9RUZsz1A1-RAUWef5lAF_L0lxs2uoR1o_-wwmyWZR84WxaHHM9PgX6UIL73XE9dbSn/s1600/caroline_le_tour.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBmknCksIU94zL-i3Lf-90ZXauKY_gWDtfclL-gC9afF1CgBps95nMpB-Kg8gzmjfMXd5UToYSu9RUZsz1A1-RAUWef5lAF_L0lxs2uoR1o_-wwmyWZR84WxaHHM9PgX6UIL73XE9dbSn/s320/caroline_le_tour.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496834599380879394" border="0" /></a><br />By the time I hit the road climb back from Switzerland to the top of the col, through Chaletard, Vallorcine and Le Buet, my ass was getting a bit sore and my legs a little tired. But that’s what I call a day of mountain biking!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-62084511867903516032010-07-18T20:00:00.003+01:002010-07-18T20:21:50.449+01:00Every day is like Sunday...I'm not one for lists of favourites, but if I did then "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Every day is like Sunday</span>" by <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Smiths</span> would be high on my favourite songs list. And today I've been thinking wouldn't it be good if indeed every day was like Sunday. In particular, this Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKUESwGMXfp-tlFMzjchKoENcaKUsb6y9pOlR4DNfb_m9LbqlmaFoDLoskwJTh_nw_jym0PJOGzCefD_KyKdzQMG2V2ynRDvTUORUCMj4mN6fpW8tF8jxbfEYWO0cEZhbLb-z9iW_ZRny/s1600/flegere-path.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKUESwGMXfp-tlFMzjchKoENcaKUsb6y9pOlR4DNfb_m9LbqlmaFoDLoskwJTh_nw_jym0PJOGzCefD_KyKdzQMG2V2ynRDvTUORUCMj4mN6fpW8tF8jxbfEYWO0cEZhbLb-z9iW_ZRny/s320/flegere-path.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495327056558739170" border="0" /></a><br />Today I have mostly been...<br /><br />Rising at a leisurely hour and taking a short stroll to my favourite boulangerie for some viennoiserie and a crusty baguette.<br /><br />Catching the train to <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Flegere</span> (no worrying about taking the car and its free with your resident card or card d'hote) and then the telepherique. Walking with the kids on previously unexplored trails with stunning backdrops and cool shade back to Argentiere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kejlmi7bX1qhrUNJQlW6EDB2EgE0bOdQs2bnLrZeMl-3X6S_XrzBAOUdVzUwmqqBEmM9B8A8iLrcvcrqRs7puD5_np-xtDrLeoaO9ZtK0Q5TEAadZ29rZFbfovk2MHRuyz0yg6o4GdX/s1600/jodie_view.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_kejlmi7bX1qhrUNJQlW6EDB2EgE0bOdQs2bnLrZeMl-3X6S_XrzBAOUdVzUwmqqBEmM9B8A8iLrcvcrqRs7puD5_np-xtDrLeoaO9ZtK0Q5TEAadZ29rZFbfovk2MHRuyz0yg6o4GdX/s320/jodie_view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495327072445476034" border="0" /></a><br />Picnicing in the sun while taking in the views. Foraging for a feast of blueberrries and wild strawberries by the trail side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafhbjHwKvh5YUMklE_JyE3P5cP2yw90pq9kHQ6pYksYSZ1NT6kCLn8iCxgZVao0wVDRLGyCn3hifSuJ7mjlqyCiNcAj-afNXNe6AFWIIqYP9Q0zAEe0_iI55AvKCcZJfX-p_oA3QpSsO-/s1600/ladder.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafhbjHwKvh5YUMklE_JyE3P5cP2yw90pq9kHQ6pYksYSZ1NT6kCLn8iCxgZVao0wVDRLGyCn3hifSuJ7mjlqyCiNcAj-afNXNe6AFWIIqYP9Q0zAEe0_iI55AvKCcZJfX-p_oA3QpSsO-/s320/ladder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495327060291962962" border="0" /></a><br />Enjoying Cafe Gourmand (you've got to try one to know!) at the Dahu.<br /><br />Leaving the kids to play in the pool while taking the bike up to Lognan on the last telepherique of the day and ripping up the Lavancher descent. Getting back to the pool within the hour and jumping in!<br /><br />Filling the corridor full of curry fumes and Brit Pop classics as my French neighbours arrive. Entente cordiale and all that!<br /><br />And finally popping a cork on a wonderfully cheap bottle of plonk and watching the sun set over Mont Blanc.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgaYxM3S5jWFTfrUCbeWfdi_DkDgewEMGfbTltA2oq_LqmPnweRl6ARbpPwqt45PdZO3XCVWgOB3nWQ6BrfL6D_WbY7mrvgDRNj5AihBi_9qB_kdX68wizvzL6OPJ5hI0mpvew4i2bvP6/s1600/evening.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgaYxM3S5jWFTfrUCbeWfdi_DkDgewEMGfbTltA2oq_LqmPnweRl6ARbpPwqt45PdZO3XCVWgOB3nWQ6BrfL6D_WbY7mrvgDRNj5AihBi_9qB_kdX68wizvzL6OPJ5hI0mpvew4i2bvP6/s320/evening.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495327070609469394" border="0" /></a><br />Bring on tomorrow...Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-44134444627552120412010-07-15T21:14:00.007+01:002010-07-15T22:03:28.311+01:00Fun in the sunWell, the whole point of the blog was to try and keep a record of some of the many things we get up to whilst in residence in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chamonix Valley</span>. That, and to perhaps inspire you to do the same, and maybe even book a week in the <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">apartment</span></a> so that you can. But as we seem to be so busy each time we visit, there never seems to be much time left in the day for writing about our exploits.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfzSf4Lipvftg6mE0HRAlb-BnDL6YAU2xoO55CCVi5s-8de7JcoDgs4j_S8j2_W2FnXY7C3oy0xO-4FKDVr2IFJqiTxkV6I1ilAzh0mGY2Dv0-aMqeG2IkG4f-FGiMjTszDgM64OPMuj6/s1600/family.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfzSf4Lipvftg6mE0HRAlb-BnDL6YAU2xoO55CCVi5s-8de7JcoDgs4j_S8j2_W2FnXY7C3oy0xO-4FKDVr2IFJqiTxkV6I1ilAzh0mGY2Dv0-aMqeG2IkG4f-FGiMjTszDgM64OPMuj6/s320/family.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233617750295058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Family portrait at the Grand Montets</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Take this last week for example. The temperatures have been creeping into the 30's every day, and the pool has seen much action. But every day we've been out and about doing something. The list includes gondola accessed downhill mountain biking out of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vallorcine</span>, biking on more relaxed gradients down past <span style="font-weight: bold;">Le Buet</span>, walking in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Montets</span>, both uphill to see the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere Glacier</span> and downhill to our favourite at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cafe Lavancher</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl4AAWkjYJKmh0dUcP45RyPhk8ApvXtH7H6wVNWnUTQ7TmVVVSuoM_5t-sNYl4QeUipcJrjobUimOG_hBqAVz_vnPOK_j4l_gg7XZ1wyHTH9xo42LO1q-ItyaOuQVPOjG3ikX8tLNFym2/s1600/Sam+-+vallorcine+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRl4AAWkjYJKmh0dUcP45RyPhk8ApvXtH7H6wVNWnUTQ7TmVVVSuoM_5t-sNYl4QeUipcJrjobUimOG_hBqAVz_vnPOK_j4l_gg7XZ1wyHTH9xo42LO1q-ItyaOuQVPOjG3ikX8tLNFym2/s320/Sam+-+vallorcine+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494238277707092706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sam, not far from the final descent to Vallorcine</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM2_Hq_INcv-8tLE2xj2BBnG_MqfnOjVk1bSrY4cb0hiDjCwfakr1YIt5vQGnKag8RhV_WCKx8IabQpQLNQ4-fjuVC_wobjM9TMntfFPACVTuGzjUa_gxYlO4ypSMw_7qhMrXF3SqNC3N/s1600/Jodie+-+chemin+des+diligences.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKM2_Hq_INcv-8tLE2xj2BBnG_MqfnOjVk1bSrY4cb0hiDjCwfakr1YIt5vQGnKag8RhV_WCKx8IabQpQLNQ4-fjuVC_wobjM9TMntfFPACVTuGzjUa_gxYlO4ypSMw_7qhMrXF3SqNC3N/s320/Jodie+-+chemin+des+diligences.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494238267500607106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Jodie, finding her stride in the woods below the Col Des Montets<br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgQ7K1xoVZOUwxIUkJOyjd9VlMtA6-IePXdPSbj2e0o3ckYSqlSRKgtAvT6U1urX6RkpPv3DGXrcVl7gXGBO3W9B2khoCuWkrCp9MNzhlprf6al1NczON7CMtKcXmcQo6ti6VYbgwlaUV/s1600/final+descent+vallorcine.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgQ7K1xoVZOUwxIUkJOyjd9VlMtA6-IePXdPSbj2e0o3ckYSqlSRKgtAvT6U1urX6RkpPv3DGXrcVl7gXGBO3W9B2khoCuWkrCp9MNzhlprf6al1NczON7CMtKcXmcQo6ti6VYbgwlaUV/s320/final+descent+vallorcine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494237237255264642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Get used to it! Playing catch up.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLouHY8ldmmmnLrTr83OA23m3qYJBUQXsa8QS1Ti8InbyrdBIGn6jUxkivOhMkis66lFiBPWi6KmzX3ZzIjVreFPzsLSOiWvcDVC6W1-qf2PFXXg12XRKWGAGn4VWwt2-XNGyYbVnidvKc/s1600/Sam+-+vallorcine.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLouHY8ldmmmnLrTr83OA23m3qYJBUQXsa8QS1Ti8InbyrdBIGn6jUxkivOhMkis66lFiBPWi6KmzX3ZzIjVreFPzsLSOiWvcDVC6W1-qf2PFXXg12XRKWGAGn4VWwt2-XNGyYbVnidvKc/s320/Sam+-+vallorcine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494237240105720562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sam. Le Buet in the background.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWKBTbvxZD41YNRuR63vS9dCLb6yoPStAGUlMshzlVy6N5BryLuwMxvEDbmPQ-TLf-E31vVCbKK2zuDCJG1c6yS0XvrrSWVB_GZhdzObMocUWsW1j5LGrlK-5hto6BNc9FlkgwxeM_kch/s1600/Le+Buet+SNCF.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWKBTbvxZD41YNRuR63vS9dCLb6yoPStAGUlMshzlVy6N5BryLuwMxvEDbmPQ-TLf-E31vVCbKK2zuDCJG1c6yS0XvrrSWVB_GZhdzObMocUWsW1j5LGrlK-5hto6BNc9FlkgwxeM_kch/s320/Le+Buet+SNCF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494237223951519746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The bike friendly train - and it's free with your Carte D'Hote!</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbMdmEEfSUQmxRLHMxyAAYer86AcW7Q4n-SKxu_OD2HRWmrDhLjFObq4QvkLR1bxg4BqGF9sdjvDOdDZ2cIYrn5N0O3cN89j12PIIoqxdYK0FwmqyvPrd4NXviVdiknqyy4kwvmrZw5ZP/s1600/sam+-+col+des+montets.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbMdmEEfSUQmxRLHMxyAAYer86AcW7Q4n-SKxu_OD2HRWmrDhLjFObq4QvkLR1bxg4BqGF9sdjvDOdDZ2cIYrn5N0O3cN89j12PIIoqxdYK0FwmqyvPrd4NXviVdiknqyy4kwvmrZw5ZP/s320/sam+-+col+des+montets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494237222451745554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgONOEMYRaRspHN1zvycnrgIMLQpKpRJTRIHWIwAeiagNyFp0nQEMqrPh1Obb3le3Ti21V0t13lo9Zs6Hv3PsOchh-DjJdE37IcyU983FcMP_TpoFwI7c2om7v_nXXqoVH38X9e2UjJtZ9/s1600/shredder.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgONOEMYRaRspHN1zvycnrgIMLQpKpRJTRIHWIwAeiagNyFp0nQEMqrPh1Obb3le3Ti21V0t13lo9Zs6Hv3PsOchh-DjJdE37IcyU983FcMP_TpoFwI7c2om7v_nXXqoVH38X9e2UjJtZ9/s320/shredder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494238282871691954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sam. Below the Col des Montets and ripping it up on the Foret Verte</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF_JYkyddCaQTIOPhac51lur-ke4h-lfluuWSOz9UHAp_m6VMZo17dpsrriy7P49mz_WOcqwQLbZd2AsxUmkcOoL_zbrTbooTDiYgkp6-ayDnXL5OU_9fC1FeuTXdVD-PvUZoiTARFoVB/s1600/approaching+chairlift.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF_JYkyddCaQTIOPhac51lur-ke4h-lfluuWSOz9UHAp_m6VMZo17dpsrriy7P49mz_WOcqwQLbZd2AsxUmkcOoL_zbrTbooTDiYgkp6-ayDnXL5OU_9fC1FeuTXdVD-PvUZoiTARFoVB/s320/approaching+chairlift.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494237234058363906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Near the Col de Dalme chairlift - entering the Foret Verte</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMVPg_fEtxP5yzM4X56jzGksCXYMYgQw_l8WJcYh_-oBTP3gceYBRHyT6dJ6Le5bvTkucnZW2koQAIM-imW1QLNYRA8BZ_SdcoVflKujBopUpXupd-fM29TuzKMSs3idocro-2Ms1XHfz/s1600/glacier_argentiere.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMVPg_fEtxP5yzM4X56jzGksCXYMYgQw_l8WJcYh_-oBTP3gceYBRHyT6dJ6Le5bvTkucnZW2koQAIM-imW1QLNYRA8BZ_SdcoVflKujBopUpXupd-fM29TuzKMSs3idocro-2Ms1XHfz/s320/glacier_argentiere.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233624924616178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Taking in the view at the Argentiere Glacier.</span></span><br /></div><br />Then there was the trip to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Emosson Dam</span> on the worlds' steepest funicular. at 87% it was steep. And long. But while the nerves held out, the views were stunning, though it is a bizarre place to be riding on a narrow gauge train. And I did think that having paid the not insubstantial fee to ride up there, it would be some time before I would be there again. But funnily enough, the road bikes came out at the crack of dawn this morning and we climbed just shy of <span style="font-weight: bold;">1000m</span> to the dam - before breakfast!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho56tNCqTj0j1ecLTaB_Pv8lFS034FOyeL23NqbY0dHVXOkidKbGpq4jX2khdq3Vnr3P-ZWmFHSca-0sYmCVYJNyqu4gK95uOkGQoQYNzYW0_YIPx2Xvo5jEX3qRHJ8rd4td7WNBS9etOm/s1600/emosson_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho56tNCqTj0j1ecLTaB_Pv8lFS034FOyeL23NqbY0dHVXOkidKbGpq4jX2khdq3Vnr3P-ZWmFHSca-0sYmCVYJNyqu4gK95uOkGQoQYNzYW0_YIPx2Xvo5jEX3qRHJ8rd4td7WNBS9etOm/s320/emosson_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233042484770930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >The first of 3 stages - up from the frontier village of Chattelard</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDWXI8PNPB6zyDsE_hBWhkl1GeYIWWOmLgKsXQCGrPhlnzZBtErkabVTTyJxZqOZKTjZr1aQjVwpSNK_TCGekfVvy5irGwROXVVqEGo8S6UAN6ajcSPXCPJ6J5KbfBzOIidIgfAZwz0hM/s1600/emosson+train.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDWXI8PNPB6zyDsE_hBWhkl1GeYIWWOmLgKsXQCGrPhlnzZBtErkabVTTyJxZqOZKTjZr1aQjVwpSNK_TCGekfVvy5irGwROXVVqEGo8S6UAN6ajcSPXCPJ6J5KbfBzOIidIgfAZwz0hM/s320/emosson+train.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233033580994786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Next it's round the cliffs of the precipice hugging steam train.</span> </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtTQiVi5-mhy-bMKqFe8j3EgdhZwSCKHASBgVZnZGjg4tEk-J_mFZu1lQ4PIykRUYJm740F_TH59Sqb-dnWr3081whmzGWrM_el5Fw-nkYExRvAvq5H77oECNK-CwVkLWXlzR7-N2RVKg/s1600/emosson_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtTQiVi5-mhy-bMKqFe8j3EgdhZwSCKHASBgVZnZGjg4tEk-J_mFZu1lQ4PIykRUYJm740F_TH59Sqb-dnWr3081whmzGWrM_el5Fw-nkYExRvAvq5H77oECNK-CwVkLWXlzR7-N2RVKg/s320/emosson_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233035922119282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Another rather steep ride to the top!</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWkJQqx6M5_n-Yyb8xGn4z6lk2h6nPgNvab0GT_qbsHkB3FXjyD2BdjrVCcFY_TCcOZEjEfp3cVHp4SInBMf26nzy1rhW0IRPf2A2mMX3mUbHYVZ8E1vX-a6VpfwTDLsqVgV0d7h65w4j/s1600/emosson_dam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWkJQqx6M5_n-Yyb8xGn4z6lk2h6nPgNvab0GT_qbsHkB3FXjyD2BdjrVCcFY_TCcOZEjEfp3cVHp4SInBMf26nzy1rhW0IRPf2A2mMX3mUbHYVZ8E1vX-a6VpfwTDLsqVgV0d7h65w4j/s320/emosson_dam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494233046269834898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And finally, the Emosson Dam.</span></span><br /></div><br />And speaking of silly bike rides at the crack of dawn, there was also that first train to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Martigny</span> and the ride back over the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col de Forclaz</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Col Des Montets</span>. Another 1000m straight up - but more before lunch rather than breakfast, as it did take quite a while to get both there and back.<br /><br />So, busy, busy... With so much to see and do you'll excuse the lack of posts!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-38202701987138750802010-06-04T10:58:00.004+01:002010-06-04T11:22:06.925+01:00Summer is coming - hit the pool!The summer season is pretty much here in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chamonix valley</span>, and some great news for fans of outdoor swimming pools. After a complete makeover and a prolonged period of closure, the open air pool in Chamonix is due to re-open in a couple of weeks time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxba7xU0PU94TumBbKGW3Bv2o7hvbxvbweZ0lbhdn4MPhPuUJgkATvjtq6kF0PM-FZ6rl-GGaI2OgkYxGmzFzzAg9bLZroazKn2BpTwoZV2gvZHDS6zPoT7K84XV8a_RWb7Di31jGicnUc/s1600/pool_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxba7xU0PU94TumBbKGW3Bv2o7hvbxvbweZ0lbhdn4MPhPuUJgkATvjtq6kF0PM-FZ6rl-GGaI2OgkYxGmzFzzAg9bLZroazKn2BpTwoZV2gvZHDS6zPoT7K84XV8a_RWb7Di31jGicnUc/s320/pool_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478856647495477570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Chamonix pool? Who needs it when you've got your own!</span><br /></div><br />The new facility includes a <span style="font-weight: bold;">50m pool</span>, a second smaller pool with massage water jets and toboggans and a paddling pool with water games for the kids. Look out for the official opening on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">11th July</span>. With the indoor pools as well, it's going to be a superb facility whatever the weather and I'm sure will see a few mid afternoon visits from us on the way back from an energetic walk or bike ride.<br /><br />Of course, when you've got your own <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/p/v/summer-activities/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pool in the garden</span></a> it does kind of spoil you!<br /><br />For details of more summer news including the latest on the development of more <span style="font-weight: bold;">mountain bike routes</span> in the Chamonix Valley and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nissan Outdoor Games</span> click this link for the Chamonix <a href="http://world.chamonix.com/NEWSLETTER/newsletterNewforsummer2010.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summer Newsletter</span></a>.Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-64286180186609227352010-03-23T21:04:00.003+00:002010-03-23T21:17:16.559+00:00Hotel Du GlacierUnfortunately, I've idea what year this photo was taken. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">2CV</span> was the car of choice, but there again it was when I bought my first car in 1991 (it was a 'prunes and custard' one!), so that doesn't really help pin it down.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aLGDcr8l60Xb87qhhacD0XbZ_Bn-q8GpaRUJWKG0_DlKXEED4w21YwicigZx-gEJHaUE9hVuuN5ovXg82Ztpu_xiopJJZ8k6U7HCS9vy7o1cndzJE_rHhJBMDogZh3tucodAp1nBLjPO/s1600-h/Postcard_Hotel_Glacier.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aLGDcr8l60Xb87qhhacD0XbZ_Bn-q8GpaRUJWKG0_DlKXEED4w21YwicigZx-gEJHaUE9hVuuN5ovXg82Ztpu_xiopJJZ8k6U7HCS9vy7o1cndzJE_rHhJBMDogZh3tucodAp1nBLjPO/s320/Postcard_Hotel_Glacier.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451940261106280690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The main drag in Argentiere - but can you name the year?</span></span><br /></div><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Savoy Bar</span> is there. But that place seems a bit timeless and will probably look the same in 100 years time. And <span style="font-weight: bold;">UCPA</span> have yet to take over the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel Du Glacier</span>, filling it with 'youths' who inevitably take all the tables in the pack lunch rooms up on the mountain and then scowl at you when you ask if you can have that chair that they're obviously not using because it's hidden under 3 rucksacks.<br /><br />The railway station car park looks like it has yet to fill with cars, but that 2CV in front of those gates looks like an early commuter letting the train take the strain.<br /><br />Anyway, nice pic of Argentiere. Enjoy!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-26199375271633063562010-02-16T21:48:00.007+00:002010-02-16T22:09:54.575+00:00Move Over Old ManAnother fantastic week of skiing in the Chamonix Valley, based at our <a href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">apartment in Argentiere</span></a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaaPFcm4vUbZvvSHu3d7_J2eSnCYDDNqgtSuPoRfER37uTB31Y7B_ztNJReDAyeEOBLbtZJh7AqGyJyjs-iNBL45s85K_PeUVcf5tUukV2kokiDUQE1TsllqR2SfEQvh62VCQdqnjPD9g/s1600-h/Above+the+clouds.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaaPFcm4vUbZvvSHu3d7_J2eSnCYDDNqgtSuPoRfER37uTB31Y7B_ztNJReDAyeEOBLbtZJh7AqGyJyjs-iNBL45s85K_PeUVcf5tUukV2kokiDUQE1TsllqR2SfEQvh62VCQdqnjPD9g/s320/Above+the+clouds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438961779200705106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >A miserable cold day in Chamonix town?!</span><br /></div><br />Some very cold temperatures, reminiscent of skiing at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aspen Highlands</span> in the mid 1990's when we were out in -16 degrees and the sudden launch on the high speed chair delivered the mother of all ice cream headaches. However, the only whinging came from the adults, though that was possibly because faces were so frozen that forming words was nigh on impossible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehwsaj-69XA9d0sNnog5qrImtO3lPvY6eP2uoQkX_Sv6z5ncf-gAuxANCZiwFRyMpX6DNLMMccrpUUShRSwHrOKUYQVTTqLRY-ToqHTMrvwOWBI0wx_HMi8q-oyTiB0nNY5JYyhR4UgVE/s1600-h/canyon_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehwsaj-69XA9d0sNnog5qrImtO3lPvY6eP2uoQkX_Sv6z5ncf-gAuxANCZiwFRyMpX6DNLMMccrpUUShRSwHrOKUYQVTTqLRY-ToqHTMrvwOWBI0wx_HMi8q-oyTiB0nNY5JYyhR4UgVE/s320/canyon_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438962392112764818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBdFnxfpQ4JP_VDGSAT4iy55_8pXW33Y4X-rUJKrCBpe9gJdPMPKFu5WaUpZ3UiaY_N7gfV6xCLcd0YuLekjKZXQhoQwr5M5YRjbfmFzYbhMrVc37i1PGkkL857w2uQtA7PzDUZ6YR66e/s1600-h/canyon_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBdFnxfpQ4JP_VDGSAT4iy55_8pXW33Y4X-rUJKrCBpe9gJdPMPKFu5WaUpZ3UiaY_N7gfV6xCLcd0YuLekjKZXQhoQwr5M5YRjbfmFzYbhMrVc37i1PGkkL857w2uQtA7PzDUZ6YR66e/s320/canyon_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438962383885195602" border="0" /></a><br />Snow conditions were excellent. The new snow that fell for 36 hours was very, very cold and therefore as close as I've seen to the legendary champagne powder as I've seen since those trips same trips to Apsen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKXpQ2ER6acTa6hrjt4xgNzJhTQcDLQ8J5XkmZcIU31ikQcdmS3zm4N4VdlRl25tk5kOqedvrLH2lB4agq0wFugfO9vZyzsYEasv7WtdaUtcdgTuPY4fhAuQLiqLn-HRz4VXD6Vre6Aqc/s1600-h/In+the+bumps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKXpQ2ER6acTa6hrjt4xgNzJhTQcDLQ8J5XkmZcIU31ikQcdmS3zm4N4VdlRl25tk5kOqedvrLH2lB4agq0wFugfO9vZyzsYEasv7WtdaUtcdgTuPY4fhAuQLiqLn-HRz4VXD6Vre6Aqc/s320/In+the+bumps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438963952978964210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >In the bumps in the Lavancher bowl</span><br /></div><br />However, for all that, there's still one thing that's bothering me. It's the way that when I turn around around blasting down a cruisey blue run they're right behind me. It's the way that when I drop into the bumps off the safety of the traverse track above. It's the ease and enthusiasm with whichtey launch off the jumps. And the way that I have to shout TURN! when heading down the final stretches of Pierre a Ric as they look like they're about to reach warp speed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMm5jX9fLdyUZGgrHDbeOn_ZvEjxb9f3i7K-FbXu7JOFlcNst2Nu8qP5uY3P7AcGSiq1U1NIXONYY13Kf477f9JHxOmQPamaFql93-l7Dj-5RtJ1PDLEx34vANW8bEW1c1L9YAhFfY9ng/s1600-h/Sam_Jump.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMm5jX9fLdyUZGgrHDbeOn_ZvEjxb9f3i7K-FbXu7JOFlcNst2Nu8qP5uY3P7AcGSiq1U1NIXONYY13Kf477f9JHxOmQPamaFql93-l7Dj-5RtJ1PDLEx34vANW8bEW1c1L9YAhFfY9ng/s320/Sam_Jump.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438963555147751762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i0skSg6OP54a4ycEHTJwuTz3_cFkgxQnrUcTkPRiLCVP4NgxsHlyb08rMtiVcGFJig3LTIWxI_JaLi3T6J6N31EI1Cy6bcBtEjEWQW75j4XWV23P6OJI5jg2E2B9h43SWphbgBZAOs6-/s1600-h/Jodie_Jump.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i0skSg6OP54a4ycEHTJwuTz3_cFkgxQnrUcTkPRiLCVP4NgxsHlyb08rMtiVcGFJig3LTIWxI_JaLi3T6J6N31EI1Cy6bcBtEjEWQW75j4XWV23P6OJI5jg2E2B9h43SWphbgBZAOs6-/s320/Jodie_Jump.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438963561704184738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Hitting the 'jump park' at the Grand Montets</span><br /><br /></div>I thought with a 5 year old and a 7 year old I was safe for a few more years yet. But based on the experiences of the last week I'm beginning to think otherwise. How long I wonder, before I hear the shout of "Move over old man! Make way for the 5 year old Olympic hopeful!"Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-57565087504808901012010-01-29T12:10:00.005+00:002010-01-29T12:15:25.820+00:00Hole in One?You just couldn't do this if you tried. I mean, its one thing to take a massive tumble, its another to fall through the tiniest hole on a hillside into a crevasse, but to link them together is either sheer genius or just all your bad luck arriving on the same day...<br /><br /><object id="mporaplayer_yjD4QOaGI" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="450" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://video.mpora.com/ep/yjD4QOaGI/"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://video.mpora.com/ep/yjD4QOaGI/" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="450" height="315"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">More <a href="http://mpora.com/skiing">Ski</a> >><br /><br /><br /></span>There's advert to begin with and the good stuff starts about 1m 15 s in.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-883026170245206662010-01-12T10:57:00.005+00:002010-01-12T11:14:43.725+00:00Snow, snow and more snow.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Our first visit to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span> in January for quite some time, but thanks to some quirky timing of the Scottish school hols, we were able to make a brief visit to the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.stayinchamonix.com/">apartment</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>immediately following New Year. My lasting memory of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere </span>at this time of year is the cold. And cold it was. Plenty of snow too, with feet rather than inches being a good unit of measure for the Monday snowfall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPW3_KKesbLdbV641LmN8AwjMxncjGoNMN0bmbNPycI_oOkfLkaDGMRk6Ysfne7jsZOpC0ezvZynMVACfoPISVUzeDL97yCarDX1ZXC3zH_wNl5jSP5kKgQL_6DyfeZyFp8-iTWK8lrqi/s1600-h/Grand+Montet+from+town.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPW3_KKesbLdbV641LmN8AwjMxncjGoNMN0bmbNPycI_oOkfLkaDGMRk6Ysfne7jsZOpC0ezvZynMVACfoPISVUzeDL97yCarDX1ZXC3zH_wNl5jSP5kKgQL_6DyfeZyFp8-iTWK8lrqi/s320/Grand+Montet+from+town.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425806551134715826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">View to the Grand Montets in Argentiere</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">By far the most arduous and tiring part of the weeks skiing was the flights. About 4 hours delay each way. Aviation fuel pouring from a leaky engine on the way out (not good!) and 10cm of snow on the tarmac at Geneva on the way back (also not good if you're wanting to land a plane). Allegedly the worse snowfall at GVA since 1985. I know why I never look forward to the commute.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSwhUCK5mGw52QzkKQyE-sXtZJa-X1f5SAnH4v7o9bjM7UmxtKGefAYpUsqzGi8u65bhHHyE4qzWYaMkZ68uNFd7uXoVvwpWBBqspk_Azvj5CuBU1CkwYib_wbUEB_axFD2nXFN25Nlho/s1600-h/Androsace+Christmas.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSwhUCK5mGw52QzkKQyE-sXtZJa-X1f5SAnH4v7o9bjM7UmxtKGefAYpUsqzGi8u65bhHHyE4qzWYaMkZ68uNFd7uXoVvwpWBBqspk_Azvj5CuBU1CkwYib_wbUEB_axFD2nXFN25Nlho/s320/Androsace+Christmas.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425806558361885074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >A Christmas Welcome at L'Androsace apartments</span><br /></div><br />But despite the flight delays, it's always well worth the effort. Seeing <span style="font-weight: bold;">Argentiere</span> in the snow is as exciting now as it was when I first saw it nearly 20 years ago. I want to go and play! And the apartment was looking good too, with the Christmas decorations still on display. Even the lobby had a fine <span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Welcome</span> waiting for us.<br /><br />Can't wait till we're back again in just a few weeks time!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-89486181986357919272009-11-11T20:48:00.002+00:002009-11-11T20:55:23.542+00:00A Promising StartEarly November and there's already a hope that the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Grand M</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ontets</span> will be open for skiing very soon. As the image from the<a href="http://www.compagniedumontblanc.fr/webcams.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> lifts web cam</span></a> clearly shows there's been a fair bit of fresh snow, and the snow canons have been running to add to it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cG7aA7SUliVBMCR5J_FbPpA6mj7JwfimcNVRoUACOCkWGo5phFpv8c2IdMAXzcpgR4Z_pJdVmlmKr3nN4jBvKCOVlwlPjkS_KYSmZSveSmLZOC1KYJsbUHeCBB9P4zQmbAOkYFzNka3V/s1600-h/Grandsmontets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cG7aA7SUliVBMCR5J_FbPpA6mj7JwfimcNVRoUACOCkWGo5phFpv8c2IdMAXzcpgR4Z_pJdVmlmKr3nN4jBvKCOVlwlPjkS_KYSmZSveSmLZOC1KYJsbUHeCBB9P4zQmbAOkYFzNka3V/s320/Grandsmontets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402951055509294514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Web cam image at Lognan, Grand Montets</span></span><br /></div><br />Not quite there yet as the decision appears to have been taken that the lifts won't be opening this weekend. But fingers crossed the season will get under way from Mid November. Can't wait!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-40127121420831137752009-10-23T09:46:00.003+01:002009-10-23T09:51:14.871+01:00Hot rockNearly time to head back to the <a href="http://www.glencoescotland.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">West Highlands</span></a>. But not because we want to you understand. I mean, why would we. The weather has been has been excellent if a little colder than expected, Its even warmed up these last few days. And every day we’ve been out and about doing something or other active.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGpNXxB99hF-WcOOZC7w7KodfvbHFJvMFjbvf6pPRhWEa4OIHtMTgXWCYtLkrviV0Drv0im56cz2CSgw7tiAv3rRYqgoz7-ZJX2xfrwnhyFwpnDb4hnaWHsLNsdkThNlrWlh0p3-6TaoA/s1600-h/Jodie+Les+Houches+Escalade.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGpNXxB99hF-WcOOZC7w7KodfvbHFJvMFjbvf6pPRhWEa4OIHtMTgXWCYtLkrviV0Drv0im56cz2CSgw7tiAv3rRYqgoz7-ZJX2xfrwnhyFwpnDb4hnaWHsLNsdkThNlrWlh0p3-6TaoA/s320/Jodie+Les+Houches+Escalade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395715076445735474" border="0" /></a><br />We’ve sneaked in a few climbing sessions. Though Jodie is a regular visitor to the <a href="http://www.ice-factor.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ice Factor</span></a> in Kinlochleven, she’s had virtually no experience of climbing on real rock. No better place to start than on the bolted routes at Les Gaillands just outside Chamonix.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nvXSHluKHY30919D1-8bYoIowIp31jhsi8L4GTK8zHBQei8nNPzlyL3eMhPjTcqjEW8d5WE8K6-NTOKxrMeD2-nIMG8EMpBWNQMGSRMigM5w-F-J34SonG4_XuCde2lxnz3n2HvP3Ogx/s1600-h/Sam+Les+Houches.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nvXSHluKHY30919D1-8bYoIowIp31jhsi8L4GTK8zHBQei8nNPzlyL3eMhPjTcqjEW8d5WE8K6-NTOKxrMeD2-nIMG8EMpBWNQMGSRMigM5w-F-J34SonG4_XuCde2lxnz3n2HvP3Ogx/s320/Sam+Les+Houches.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395714533327821698" border="0" /></a>Sam too has shown that he’s not shy when it comes to <span style="font-weight: bold;">rock climbing</span>. Yesterday afternoon we paid a visit to the climbing area by the lake at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Les Houches</span>. Despite being a bit higher and steeper than our previous attempts, both Sam and Jodie reached the top without much trouble.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7mbpP-L_2sVTBg5Yo2FAaLnR9_13NPeyzE-srSv9OIAYVgy6mAdt4fZXCWpf1qZ6n-7kHMEWc25pFUbbE1uMEO9wcXWnJnKiGX-Q3HpqaJmpoZpLGGYFQMCtU-OVgcVuze8RyecDLENq/s1600-h/Jodie+high+up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7mbpP-L_2sVTBg5Yo2FAaLnR9_13NPeyzE-srSv9OIAYVgy6mAdt4fZXCWpf1qZ6n-7kHMEWc25pFUbbE1uMEO9wcXWnJnKiGX-Q3HpqaJmpoZpLGGYFQMCtU-OVgcVuze8RyecDLENq/s320/Jodie+high+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395714527986585874" border="0" /></a><br />And so we’re now in the routine of plenty of fresh air and outdoor fun. Not looking forward to the clocks going back and the short dark days of a Scottish winter!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-74334873755147496162009-10-21T21:03:00.004+01:002009-10-21T21:06:00.971+01:00Slap ShotChamonix 4 St Gervais 1. Go Les chamois!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wGDSaLLEKHDMT4t4yt8Y-e3GbO6wlKYnptKCTAhWZ0vdNCFiVtubJFeF8HSTo87C-f8C-zzwD3Sq5B94HY1jdvNsYP-M7XcZ94shwzErRRgWkF54UYzdhyphenhyphenURetIcsY2IMxh9CCQw3ja8/s1600-h/ice_hockey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wGDSaLLEKHDMT4t4yt8Y-e3GbO6wlKYnptKCTAhWZ0vdNCFiVtubJFeF8HSTo87C-f8C-zzwD3Sq5B94HY1jdvNsYP-M7XcZ94shwzErRRgWkF54UYzdhyphenhyphenURetIcsY2IMxh9CCQw3ja8/s320/ice_hockey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395146702246880914" border="0" /></a>Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427264147091560315.post-31823044081951413232009-10-19T20:38:00.002+01:002009-10-19T20:44:44.092+01:00Le Lac VertWith temperatures still struggling to get much above freezing unless in the direct sun and with a forecast for totally cloudless skies it made sense to seek out the sun today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9aTruWsBNGpTtDkkq_hlxsjkK8or9w0LpdY8njS0Z8ug5Gtl6XJX3A19J_LO4r-NbOze1Ezytr2wwMWWIfGpHwwb7LRY1EHAcqROeinFDKWSb0cOkl8mhnvVAoVgSpiG8S536Gske9b5/s1600-h/Lac+Vert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9aTruWsBNGpTtDkkq_hlxsjkK8or9w0LpdY8njS0Z8ug5Gtl6XJX3A19J_LO4r-NbOze1Ezytr2wwMWWIfGpHwwb7LRY1EHAcqROeinFDKWSb0cOkl8mhnvVAoVgSpiG8S536Gske9b5/s320/Lac+Vert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398361233322066" border="0" /></a>The walk up to the Lac Vert, high above the sunny village of Servoz gets a good write up. Walking from the village itself looked like a bit more of a challenge for little legs and so we drove up through Le Mont and La Côte, finding a surprisingly large and flat parking area at the end of the road, on an otherwise vertiginous hillside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28FVbrp96ldaZMI1agLp9YUoOU1Vgi6rKX1iypEWyTMFMMt7t4JR1V-UBMYE-mYdqpzu29BmjSsskO5-88E2wPPR3UsOXkAXrFH-yS7CRYDW_oWsVAC6BC7Joiroz9h5empxBHn0S5Kru/s1600-h/Walking+up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28FVbrp96ldaZMI1agLp9YUoOU1Vgi6rKX1iypEWyTMFMMt7t4JR1V-UBMYE-mYdqpzu29BmjSsskO5-88E2wPPR3UsOXkAXrFH-yS7CRYDW_oWsVAC6BC7Joiroz9h5empxBHn0S5Kru/s320/Walking+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398373719824546" border="0" /></a>Through the trees the air was still very chill but there were enough glimpses of the sun to keep it fairly pleasant. The climb up the wide track was fairly steep but not too long. High above the craggy peaks of Rochers des Fiz looked magnificent in the early afternoon sun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FjrPIBX_eijv4ho5ERbrhfzqETvaQSkEEXaBcX_AjaaoOIa9Fx2MQAH7-EsN_c0mxjh6HNXh9nitD8LLvnPKg6DJ1UM8pJrS9e5rxF6OnVu_k5tetVAVJE_BSqsMz_UgZegBKhLH4efA/s1600-h/Jodie+Lac+Vert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FjrPIBX_eijv4ho5ERbrhfzqETvaQSkEEXaBcX_AjaaoOIa9Fx2MQAH7-EsN_c0mxjh6HNXh9nitD8LLvnPKg6DJ1UM8pJrS9e5rxF6OnVu_k5tetVAVJE_BSqsMz_UgZegBKhLH4efA/s320/Jodie+Lac+Vert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398354247956802" border="0" /></a><br />I’m guessing that judging by the size of the adjacent car park and restaurant, you don’t often get the Lac Vert to yourself. But today we lucked out and had exactly that. Finding a sunny spot on the far bank we broke out the picnic for a very leisurely lunch while soaking up a few rays and taking in the views across the lake and above the trees to the summit of Mont Blanc.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-WdGEW0xAit9SAR3ohqcOVVh5sae4oqx9zefnY0X__JmCKS7LexBTiIB0viRMzmT5NEFvjPnM1Uz0e5l9nPJQ0Rp8CYnAot7hfqwklD1PJky9US9tUtombdJJARznIsuPs0XtqUGKotK/s1600-h/Foss_Jodie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-WdGEW0xAit9SAR3ohqcOVVh5sae4oqx9zefnY0X__JmCKS7LexBTiIB0viRMzmT5NEFvjPnM1Uz0e5l9nPJQ0Rp8CYnAot7hfqwklD1PJky9US9tUtombdJJARznIsuPs0XtqUGKotK/s320/Foss_Jodie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398342419545842" border="0" /></a><br />There’s another path that circumnavigates the lake, just slightly higher up, from which the views are once more quite something. With a full vista from the Aiguillette des Houches with the Aiguille du Midi behind, across the various high summits of Mont Blanc to the Bionnassay Glacier and then over to Mont Joly its quite a spot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOgt0QJ1qhJlL1zNtqUE2L3NsuuJPiz1SHOj_bVrwAiNSQ1Q43tyiwJkBFrDSUCE_BLrdU6XnL5JhaiXkyNeZwGVXsFX2LDrrx00c2PBwTyaMJjSr_V51iW2EL-2zgfaFUAcgbqnpYtEa/s1600-h/Mont+Blanc+Lac+Vert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOgt0QJ1qhJlL1zNtqUE2L3NsuuJPiz1SHOj_bVrwAiNSQ1Q43tyiwJkBFrDSUCE_BLrdU6XnL5JhaiXkyNeZwGVXsFX2LDrrx00c2PBwTyaMJjSr_V51iW2EL-2zgfaFUAcgbqnpYtEa/s320/Mont+Blanc+Lac+Vert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394398366040457858" border="0" /></a>Another cracking day out in the Chamonix valley!Ed Dayneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00911540680645896194noreply@blogger.com0