Blogging From A Broad: First Stop Chamonix

13 Sep Blogging From A Broad: First Stop Chamonix

I celebrated my 50th birthday in Chicago with friends and family before heading on a two week trek in France and Switzerland.  I have been saving for this trip since 2002 and I can't believe I am really here in Chamonix staring at Mont Blanc.  Yesterday I took the Aiguille Du Midi tram from the charming town of Chamonix up to the Central Tower where I had 360 degree views of the entire area.  Words cannot describe the magnificence of this mountain range.  After watching numerous paragliders launch and countless hikers take off for their hike to the summit of Mont Blanc we took the tram to the mid station and hiked a trail that traversed across the mountain to the Mer De Glace.  The trail is Chamonix's version of our Jud Wiebe and I realized that wherever you go….there you are!  After walking around the hundreds of cairns that hikers have erected, resembling an ancient burial ground, giving homage to the melting Mer De Glace, I took the Montenvers rail car back to Chamonix.  This town is so similar to Telluride that I immediately felt at home.  Today I am taking the train to Leukerbad.  I will send pictures next time.  Au revoir!