Hi,
Thank goodness we have a rest day tomorrow as I am tired after 4 days of walking.
500 m ascent I think but 1000m
downhill to a nice Italian ski resort town Cormayeur.
Most of the group are going up a Mt nearby by cable car to do what I did the other day in reverse.
I will loaf about seeing the museum and church and shops.
The hotel did our washing for free tonight!
Only the 2 nd time in 5 months my clothes hit a machine instead of being handwashed!!!
Might find more tmw!!
It was bitterly cold leaving the Mt hut today, I actually had my fleece on and my gloves.It looked like it was going to rain later but turned into a lovely warm
sunny day. As everyone is from the UK they are busy using sun block to protect them selves. But don't wear hats!

Later!
Now finished the 9th day of 11 walking days!
I got the very sad news this AM that my Father has finally passed away after a long illness. Despite knowing it was coming I am very upset as had hoped to see him again at the end of my holidays.
I am not going back for the funeral, I would have had to be back in Paris tonight for the plane to get back in time.
Both my girls are going thank goodness.
Mum is being very strong as she has seen how sick Dad was.

I have continued climbing 1000 m ascents and descents each day, great views but not interested now, just want it over, and the UK walk ( 13 days walking across England via Lake District and Peak District) and to go home.
Tomorrow is a particularly hard day so not looking forward to it at all.
Have had a few moments when the track has been narrow and sloping into space!!
It rained one night which meant we took a lower route for safety on the paths,otherwise the weather is great.

17/9
Ok I have finished now, the last 2 days were especially hard, all uphill one day then nearly 17 kms of downhill the last day along stony paths. There were more narrow paths sloping off into space ! I was recovering at one stage from being scared stiff and a snake came!! I am possibly even more scared of them! Then we lost one of the group so all very traumatic!
Plus talking to Mum re the funeral which sounded like a lovely celebration of my Dad's life.
I flew to Manchester yesterday to start walking across England tmw (13 walking days) and had a lovely surprise when a couple from the Balkans trip came to meet me and take me out to dinner before dropping me at the hotel.
It is cold here and rain expected for the week!!!
Carol