Just a little over a week ago, I returned home triumphant after a vastly improved second week of vacation. As you might remember, the first half (Lourdes) wasn't one of the finer points of my time abroad. This time however, I had company and good weather! Oh and the Alps!
After a few days of downtime in Beziers, I hopped on a train at 5:30 am and chuga chuga choo chooed my way to Sayoie (the region of the Alps I was in). Sam's family has a little efficiency apt in a small resort village there. After a very curvy drive up the mountainside in a shuttle van, I made it to the apt and a nap. Very important those are! The view from the small balcony was magnificent. Clear blue skies, bright sun, and snow capped mountains. Just breathe that fresh fresh air!
The next day, we explored some of the nearby resort villages, walked along the ski trail, traversed differences in elevation - as much as 200 meters, and stopped for a crepe and hot cocoa in view of Mount Blanc. Not bad eh?
Friday was our big hiking day, and since lots of snow at the lower altitudes had since melted, the trails were mostly clear, albeit a bit muddy. We went down the mountain a bit in one of the people lifts that Sam called the yogurt pots. Then, we walked along the road a bit before finding a trail to the 'Site Nordique,' the area for dog sledding, and cross country skiers. The view of the mountains from there was really spectacular. From there, we found a sign advertising a 45 minutes trail walk from where we were back to the apt. We were a bit dubious looking at the ascent that loomed before us, but we bravely set out. The trail was a bit steep of course (this is the Alps after all!) but it was surprisingly dry and reminded me of childhood hikes with the fam. We got back to the apt a bit sweaty, but otherwise feeling fit and refreshed.
Saturday was the big day. I finally let Sam strap me into the ski boots and heel-toe it over to the lift.
Step 1: Get on the chair lift. check
Step 2: Make it up the hill. Would have been check, but the lift broke down while we were 2/3s of the way up. So we dangled in the air for several minutes.
Step 3: Get off the chair lift. Fail. Someone slipped and fell.
After that, I was embarrassed and disgruntled, and soon after had a minor hissy fit (Sam's words), so we took a break and warmed up with hot cocoa. I put my big girl panties back on after that and took a few runs down the bunny hill. About an hour later when I finally had the hang of it, we tried out the long (still flatish) trail through the woods. It was lovely! and I didn't fall again! When we got back my calf muscles were aching from the stiff boots and the snow plowing, so I relaxed in a nice bubble bath. Hmmmm, life is rough.
The next day we had to head back to southern France, but now my interest in the Alps is sparked! But maybe I'll stick to hiking.
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