Started off about 8.20am amidst rain showers so the poncho was on and off. Quite cool out and noticeably colder as we climbed. The little bit of road walk was fine and easy on the legs and feet.
Got to Refuge des Mottetts about 10 a.m. and stopped for hot chocolate and loo breaks. It was the only place en route today.
The hot chocolate was great, piping hot, large bowl. Refuge des Mottetts would have made a much nicer place to stay the night than the Nova (no flies for a start). Ok, admittedly they only had squat toilets, but the toilet block was very clean.
Had ½ hour break then headed up the 700m climb to the Col de la Seigne. Left the refuge with mid-layer and hat. Temperature was zero degrees C. It was a long climb, hard in places but we made it to the top in good time.
Was very cold and windy up there so we only stopped to take pictures and headed down to the old frontier post.
Still snow to both sides of the path.
Italy!
The frontier post is being renovated. Spoke to two (Italian) workmen who spoke very good French but with a lovely southern accent. It is being made into a museum with 2 rooms for park wardens. Asked if it was OK to sit on the benches on the veranda with fabulous views down the valley. Had lunch there: very good saucisson and fruit and nut mix. It made a very pleasant stop. Then headed off down small slope to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche.
Not too hard on the feet or knees. It warmed up although still over 2,000m. Came to the refuge much quicker than I expected (approx 2 p.m.) so dumped the bags in the dortior (6 persons - now sharing with two girls and two boys) and headed up a path leading up behind the hostel towards the glaciers.
Found a sunny spot to sit and contemplate the world. What a magnificent place! When it clouded over we went back down to the hostel which is still bathed in sunshine. I have mobile signal so sent message to all and sundry. Showers busy so poor Bruce is waiting for the blokes to finish. Females being much quicker. Have a token which gives us 20 litres of hot water each. Can turn the tap on and off so you can soap up then rinse.
Very picturesque spot for a hostel and pleased we decided to stop here.
This refuge has best view when eating but absolutely all time worst coffee in the whole of civilisation!
Got to Refuge des Mottetts about 10 a.m. and stopped for hot chocolate and loo breaks. It was the only place en route today.
The hot chocolate was great, piping hot, large bowl. Refuge des Mottetts would have made a much nicer place to stay the night than the Nova (no flies for a start). Ok, admittedly they only had squat toilets, but the toilet block was very clean.
Had ½ hour break then headed up the 700m climb to the Col de la Seigne. Left the refuge with mid-layer and hat. Temperature was zero degrees C. It was a long climb, hard in places but we made it to the top in good time.
Was very cold and windy up there so we only stopped to take pictures and headed down to the old frontier post.
Still snow to both sides of the path.
Italy!
The frontier post is being renovated. Spoke to two (Italian) workmen who spoke very good French but with a lovely southern accent. It is being made into a museum with 2 rooms for park wardens. Asked if it was OK to sit on the benches on the veranda with fabulous views down the valley. Had lunch there: very good saucisson and fruit and nut mix. It made a very pleasant stop. Then headed off down small slope to the Vallon de la Lée Blanche.
Not too hard on the feet or knees. It warmed up although still over 2,000m. Came to the refuge much quicker than I expected (approx 2 p.m.) so dumped the bags in the dortior (6 persons - now sharing with two girls and two boys) and headed up a path leading up behind the hostel towards the glaciers.
Found a sunny spot to sit and contemplate the world. What a magnificent place! When it clouded over we went back down to the hostel which is still bathed in sunshine. I have mobile signal so sent message to all and sundry. Showers busy so poor Bruce is waiting for the blokes to finish. Females being much quicker. Have a token which gives us 20 litres of hot water each. Can turn the tap on and off so you can soap up then rinse.
Very picturesque spot for a hostel and pleased we decided to stop here.
This refuge has best view when eating but absolutely all time worst coffee in the whole of civilisation!
Copyright © 2007-2009 F B Medhurst all rights reserved
About Us Donate Advertise Terms & Conditions Suppliers Gear Forum Index
Our 2007 TMB - Les Chapieux to Elisabetta
