We started our day with some descent and a 1000 meter climb to Refugio Elena.
That refuge is placed right below a glacier and has these benches that overlook the glacier and the valley. We sat and enjoyed the scenery sipping our favorite drinks (diet coke and sparkling mineral water). The photo below is of the refuge with the glacier towering overhead.
From there we did a 1800 ft climb up to Col Grand Ferret. It was one of those climbs where you take a photo and then two switchbacks later the view improves and you take another all the way to the top. It was really nice and took my mind off my huffing and puffing. At the top we took another break to enjoy the view and get some photos.
We reluctantly left the pass and wandered down. We came across a flock of sheep, a shepard and his dog. It was interesting watching them move over hill and dale.
Afterwards we descended to a cheese factory called La Puele. I had hoped for some type of tour opportunity but there only seemed an opportunity for very expensive food. This probably should have been a hint as to what to expect in Switzerland. There were some interesting decorations there. See below.
I made a navigational mistake leaving here and we took the bad weather variant. It was a bit of road walking so we were happy to rejoin the trail after the tiny town of Ferret.
We then walked along the river through the forest. It was quite pretty. I am still holding out hope to see an ibex and there were signs with pictures of them. So maybe in the next day??
We got to town and checked in at our hotel. Prices here are one third to two times what we have seen. Apparently the Seiss Franc has seen some increase in value against the Euro and that is what has caused the increase. I am not sure if that is linked to the Greek Crisis. Anyway in an effort not to go broke on this trip I opted for the dorm. I am hoping that goes okay. The group in the next dorm room seem pretty loud and rowdy.
We then went to lunch. Apparently the cook had gone to take a siesta so there was nothing but salad and desert available. Well I had dessert and Leah had salad. When I asked about what time they would reopen, I got an even more unusual answer. They are open from 6-6:30 and then after 8. Now there is a reason for this. They are a place with rims and dorms. It is common practice for people to book their room plus half board which means dinner and breakfast. This is what is being served in the middle time. Leah and I didn't books our accommodation this way because they don't cater to vegetarians and especially picky eaters like myself.
We returned to the hotel and showered and hand washes out clothes. We did a little Internet stuff and returned promptly at 6 for dinner. Then tragedy struck. We were told that they would not feed us. A party of 25 had booked in. The group wasn't there and we explained that we were there this afternoon and had been told to come back at six when they opened for dinner. Sorry we were told. We said that we only wanted two omelettes. Sadly we were turned away.
If you are looking for customer service stay away from the place below.
Luckily the supermarket was open and we has cheese and bread for dinner at a picnic table.
It is hard to believe that we only have four more nights on the trail.
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