So right after we bailed on the route, we found a booked a room in a very charming inn, in Argentière. We checked in, put our stuff outside to dry, got a hold of Abbie, and bused to Chamonix to meet up with her for dinner.

She had to jump through a buncha hoops to see a doctor, but was able to make it happen, and they confirmed she had strep throat. They gave her antibiotics and needed another rest day.

We hung out a bit afterwards and then went we went back to our spot to call it a night. It started to pour rain while we were out, so the stuff we had left out was drenched, and became habitats for local wildlife…

The next day we made some back-up plans, and decided to hike up to the Lac Blanc. I did this hike before, by taking a lift partway up, and hiking to the lake. This time, the innkeeper told us about a trailhead right from town, so we went.

It was humid and a bit of a slog for me, but we eventually made it above the treeline. The views were great, and this caterpillar was WILD.

cute backpack.

How far the glaciers have retreated

I think she farted?

We eventually made it up to the lake!

The tarn was apparently nicer to look at.

The lake hut’s tarte aux mirtilles!!!

Ibex!

A baby ibex!

Stinky butt!

The inn only had vacancy for one night so we moved down the street to the Yeti Lodge. I would stay at either spot again… France seems to do lodging really well.

We shared a floor with some Hamburgers, got pizzas for dinner, and made a salad. They were lovely and shared their cheese with us. Oh, and this was the view from the balcony!