Trains , Hikes and Telécabines
We have a multi transport treat in store for us today. We need to get under the massif to access our entry point into Chamonix – and handily enough we have a plan as rail tickets are shared out at breakfast .
Day 10 and our 4 country circle is almost complete
First Train – if this is your daily ride – a pretty idyllic trip into work.
We attract quiet Bonjours and the odd quizzical smile. I guess it’s our demographic. Ages 22 to 75 with 2 Thai , 2 Burgundians , 3 English , 4 Quebecois , 1 Aussie – all familiar and relaxed in each others company.
Not here do bleary eyed commuters eye us with a world weary condescension saved for tourists. They’ve probably done all or part of this themselves- Understanding the value of our experience and it’s value to their economy and know we have a joint appreciation of their titanic backyard .
Our final route guidance chat from Sebastiân – I’ll miss these – looks like this :-
The aim is to walk to Chamonix, and on to Les Houches, trip concludes (5-6hrs on a good day – but who’s in a rush ? ) – Simple enough but we need Train , Cable Car , Bus and an all descent hike to do this.
In order to reach the Chamonix valley, we take the ‘Balcon’ path, which looks out onto Mont Blanc. Prepare to come across many different nationalities here… the linguists amongst you will definitely appreciate it!
We will encounter day walkers from Chamonix who have ascended to the path from the Brévent cablecar. The views continue to be inspiring and we will encounter many downhill ski runs as we descend into the valley.
We plan to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon at approximately 2pm.
If anyone is rushing off ( no one is – all are staying at least one night to savour the successful completion of the full TMB trek). If you have to go – luggage will await your return at the station in Chamonix and you can depart the trip on its collection. If you have stayed in Les Houches before the trip, take the train or free local bus back to Les Houches, where the trip concludes around 3:00pm. approx 15km, 1306m/4285ft descent
We three and several others are staying in Chamonix – no need to chase luggage transfers when you carry all you have on back. Cheaper air tickets too .
And so we wait in good spirits for our little Red Mountain Train to take us through the long tunnel .
After a novel commute a short walk to the early Telécabine – THIS is such a cool start.
Not many people about – straight on and up – the views are still able to delight
Conversation rapid and enthusiastic – c’est normàle – it’s a good group x
Re group at the top some great family photos that again will stay with me for ever –
Thanks to Kakai , Maria and Lara for sending me these and many other photos on this adventure.
Of course you can’t resist a panoramic 
and we head laterally along the high ridges , the famed “Balcony” of Chamonix.
The clarity of the sunlight through the trees makes every scene worth a second look.
And to think that all this is within 30 minutes reach for a day hike if you are based in Chamonix, it’s a “a lot of bang for your buck“
There’s a ton of descent here and it’s getting hot especially in the forest
so it’s handy that this trail of all trails caters for day hikers with some Uber-Picturesque cafes
We catch Chalet Floria At a time when there are only a few people, many locals, having a coffee, or taking time to read a book at this beautiful spot.
I would do this hike daily just for coffee here ….
We keep the tradition up of buying Sebastiân a drink at our stops as Luke and Maria keep up the great chats they’ve had all trip.
We take the left route to Petit Balcon and Chamonix
As the Adrenaline take-out experience floats above us – we float to the valley floor for our final time .
It’s Time for a proper team photo with everyone on here, which is rare as usually someone is behind the camera.
Here we are – everyone finishing together, despite aches, pains , blisters, medevac, brief hospitalization , cold showers , NO showers , sleeping on planks , washing in glacial streams 
, frozen outside Loos , Gales , Fog , 80 degrees , -3 degrees , …….. trains , planes , a Mule ! and telécabinês .
Even before you start to balance that list with the best company, finest views, great bars, high altitude beers , deep conversation, supportive, friends, and invaluable family time – it’s been a great trip . 
There’s tonight and tomorrow in Chamonix to experience yet before we head to Geneva and home . So one more blog . But this is a good place to end today’s Adventure diary.
I’d do it all again in a heartbeat .
Xxxxx
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