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Now 3 weeks into our trip and we drove through out first rain yesterday on the way back from the French Alps. What luck we had the day we went up 3842m to the Aiguille du Midi right next to Mont Blanc – surrounded on all sides by craggy mountain ranges, clear blue skies, white snow, pale blue glaciers and stunning views over the immense ancient glacial valleys beow. The ride up and down 2 separate telepheriques is somewhat daunting but worth the pins & needles of fear! The grandkids took it all in their stride – just the adults were hyperventilating. There was plenty to see and do up there including breath-taking videos of people climbing, paragliding, space jumping, tight-rope walking and skiing in extreme conditions. We stayed too long and succumbed to altitude sickness – just a queasy tummy and splitting headache which reminded us how fit and prepared are the people who tackle the mountain in their chosen sport.
On our second day we explored the valley which leads to the tunnel which now takes you through to Italy. Further on there is an imposing redoute and fortress guarding each side of the mountain pass which was previously the only way through. Luke was very impressed with this as well as the extensive adventure ropes course which includes a flying fox across the gorge! Closed for winter at the moment luckily. We then continued up the valley to its end where there is an isolated stone village called Bonneval-sur-Arc now sadly developing into a ski resort and losing some of the charm which captivated us 10 years ago. We enjoyed crepes and hot chocolate in a little cafe while Ray being more adventurous tried the Soupe aux Fruits Rouges – soup made with red fruits and wine. It was very good in fact.
We got back in time to visit Andre for a Fondue Savoyard, a speciality of his brother-in-law, Henri which is made with several different cheeses and white wine and must be stirred “doucement” (gently) until ready and eaten immediately standing up with lots of French bread. Much fun, laughter and discussion followed. Ray managed to open a bottle of champagne Andre-style after some coaching from Andre. This involves knocking off the end of the bottle with the back of a knife! It takes quite a bit of nerve and is not something I want him to repeat inside our house – the champagne goes everywhere!
Carmen & family have gone on their way to Belgium & England and will meet us in Ireland in a couple of weeks while we are now back at Brigitte’s overnight ready to start the next stage of our trip – a week in Corsica... hope the mafia stay out of sight.
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