Forclaz to Argentiere
The skies cleared this morning and we left our tiny town in Switzerland, ready to cross back into France. Today's hike was up for the first half of the day. We started out in the forest above Forclaz and continued on a path that was sure to bring spectacular views. This first picture, looking back where we started that morning, shows another range of mountains in the distances across the valley in Switzerland, the grassy spot in the foreground is Col de Forclaz (Forclaz Pass).
We asked our guides about these crosses that we have been seeing along the way. Super high in the mountains, usually near a refuge (mountain hut) we will see a huge cross. They guides said that when people are so far from a town, they don't go to church very often, so the priest will travel to a refuge a few times during the summer to hold mass.
More uphill climbing brought us the to the Swiss/French border and stunning scenery. The camera just doesn't do it justice, but I'll insert a pic here just because I have to try!
John is such an excellent hiking partner. He is so strong and confident, there is no question that he will make it to the top of every pass. He helps me get my pack ready, remembers my poles for me, always keeps an eye out to make sure I am in the group... He is as steady and strong as the mountains we are climbing.
You can imagine there is lots of time to think along the trails each day. (We haven't had a day with less than 25,000 steps). It is quite meditative. When the trail is hard, and I am breathing really hard, and we are high in the mountains, I know that giving up is not an option (though we have all wished that we had bat suits or paragliders to get us down the mountain sometimes. Being present in the awesomeness of the French/Italian/Swiss Alps is humbling and inspiring. Your mind really can't be anywhere but on the trail. The steps are technical, usually requiring all of your concentration. When you stop to look up, you are surrounded by history and beauty and realize that you will most likely never be here again. What a gift!
We hope you are all well. Tomorrow's hike brings us full circle, back to Chamonix!
Oceans of love,
Katie & John
We asked our guides about these crosses that we have been seeing along the way. Super high in the mountains, usually near a refuge (mountain hut) we will see a huge cross. They guides said that when people are so far from a town, they don't go to church very often, so the priest will travel to a refuge a few times during the summer to hold mass.
More uphill climbing brought us the to the Swiss/French border and stunning scenery. The camera just doesn't do it justice, but I'll insert a pic here just because I have to try!
John is such an excellent hiking partner. He is so strong and confident, there is no question that he will make it to the top of every pass. He helps me get my pack ready, remembers my poles for me, always keeps an eye out to make sure I am in the group... He is as steady and strong as the mountains we are climbing.
You can imagine there is lots of time to think along the trails each day. (We haven't had a day with less than 25,000 steps). It is quite meditative. When the trail is hard, and I am breathing really hard, and we are high in the mountains, I know that giving up is not an option (though we have all wished that we had bat suits or paragliders to get us down the mountain sometimes. Being present in the awesomeness of the French/Italian/Swiss Alps is humbling and inspiring. Your mind really can't be anywhere but on the trail. The steps are technical, usually requiring all of your concentration. When you stop to look up, you are surrounded by history and beauty and realize that you will most likely never be here again. What a gift!
We hope you are all well. Tomorrow's hike brings us full circle, back to Chamonix!
Oceans of love,
Katie & John
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