A cunning plan to get the bus outside Hotel Couronne back up the valley to the first bar yesterday saving us a couple of hundred metres of ascent. Then it’s up through the woods and out on to the balcon above Chamonix valley before ascending the ladders that may have been the reason our group is depleted today and only six battle with the very polite walker’s up the ladders. Most impressive were the Dutch family with two children 6and 9years coping better than some in our group. Eventually we reach Lac Blanc where the refuge charges 4euros for a small plastic bottle of water and claims the lake is non potable. Tim filtered and drank it and is not dead yet. After lunch we proceed MOSTLY down hill to the telecabine and rapidly descend a 1000m or so to our lodging for the night Les Launchers in Chamonix Les Praz
Paul’s partner Ann has invited us for a meal this evening and Paul has been dispatched to buy wine and maybe beer for Andy.
Paul is reorganising the bus services to suit our needs.