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 &...

Saturday 19 April, Chambery Finally finding time to blog!  What a wonderful welcome we received at Jacqueline’s and we were all  thoroughly spoiled - being fed like kings for 5 days and spending our time pottering about the local villages.  The vicinity is known for its volcanic plugs or “sucs” which make it very picturesque – many hills and hidden valleys, little streams, green farmland and remote hamlets.  Just 10 minutes away up the hill is the l...

It is now 2 weeks since we arrived in Europe and the weather remains perfect; have no idea why we brought so many warm clothes! We have been able to eat outdoors at Brigitte's every day and enjoy her magnificent view over the Valley de la Loire. Nothing is more pleasant than walking in the nearby woods which we remember with affection from the first time in Autumn when we gathered a colourful assortment of mushrooms. This time we did not see any mushrooms or ...

Monday 7 April Our walk in the high country started from La Godivelle (“un bled perdu” – or complete backwoods in other words).  Even this little hamlet has an old Roman church and beside it a substantial fountain for watering the cattle – 25 at a time according to the sign.  Michele told us the school here was the dreaded destination of all teachers because it was snowed in from the end of October to Easter.  There were indeed very few habitations ...

Saturday 5 April Our 4am start for the airport was pretty taxing but we were in better condition than some of the youth of Vienna who were making their way home after a night out on the town - some still drinking on the public transport! But in no way loud or offensive - just talking among themselves and looking after those who were having trouble walking. The plane was small - with visible propellers - and only 2 seats either side of a middle aisle but our tr...