Les Houches

The shuttle to Les Houches went off without a snag despite us arriving one day later than our reservation. However when we got to our hotel (shown above) nobody was home. This led to Leah trying to call the owner and I tried to get help from the neighbor. After the owner was located we got inside and much to our surprise and happiness our room was ready early. We went in and took showers. Now a word on the shower. It had two handles. I figured hot and cold but I figured wrong.  Turns out one handle toggles between shower and bath. The other handle adjusts the temperature.  

Feeling much better we set off to explore the town. We found the information bureau, the grocery, many sports stores, etc. I got some money from the ATM so I was glad I had the CS card. The bank in town didn't even exchange currency. 

Interestingly many shops close from 12-2 here. Of course, that is when we got our act together and hit the road. 

The town has pretty buildings and it surrounded by towering,jagged mountains covered by glaciers. 

While walking around town it poured cats and dogs. I am hoping that most of the precipitation falls today and tonight leaving tomorrow dry for our first day on the trail.  We hope to do the high variant if we can get ahead of the afternoon showers. 

Leah had buckwheat crepes for dinner and I had a spinach omelette. Tonight we are replacing our packs AGAIN and hitting the sack early. There is much discussion about what is really necessary and what items are luxuries. We will see how it all works out.