A 2 Rifugio , 1 Helicopter , 2 Country type of day.
Sept 5th 2022
No decision yet – the Quebecois group say Marie France is recovering and will give it another go. We set of with lots of support and encouragement for her.
Today we head to La Fouly (5-6hrs, 550m/1805ft ascent)
The sight of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), is with us all the way as we make our way to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), and the whole atmosphere is out of this world, and despite the climb is a very rewarding section of the walk.
The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The descent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and eventually the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight Hotel with shower.
13km, 550m/1805ft, 900m/2955ft
A short break after initial ascent for all of us including Una
It’s decided that we should head to Rifugio Bonatti – not to stay over – Lunch stop with a view – ( plus Sebastian is concerned for Marie France ) – it’s only 2 hours away.
It’s a great place ……. and one of those moments / decisions that stays with you.
The smiling barman called Anil sees my T shirt and points saying “I’m from Nepal !” . It’s the first time I’ve dared wear it today as it’s main theme is NIMSDAI “Giving Up is not an Option” – a bold possibly rash 
statement in the earlier stages of the TMB.
It’s also from Nirmal Purjas’ shop – known as Nims he’s the ex Gurkha who conquered all 14 of the worlds highest peaks over 8,000m and you can’t , in conscience, wear his gear to watch TV 
https://www.nimsdai.com/14-peaks-film
Anil adds – “He was in here 2 weeks ago – NIMS ! What really ! – yes guiding a Mont Blanc ascent for his company Elite Exped”….. wow!”
Lunch outside is as welcome and noisy as they all have been . We each carry part of the food and drink for the day and spread it all out on the table where we stop .
From the end of the table you can see that immense chasm of a valley ….. in the distance we hear ……..
It’s interesting to see how professional rescue services go about their work. Mountain Medevac especially by helicopter is not something i’d witnessed first hand.
In the grey top / black shorts being led on board is Marie-France.
Intermittent painful abdominal spasms were now affecting Marie-France for the third day. And she’s TOUGH remember – delivers outback post via 4 wheel drive in Canada 
It may be simply resolved but when it’s this remote you don’t take a chance. Her sister and their husbands who were all part of the Quebec contingent asked Sebastian to arrange a Tele / Vid consultation and this is what came next as we waited together.
It all ended well however when after being on I.V. Fluids , other clever stuff and 2 nights hospitalization – she later rejoined the group.
…. and we’re off
Excitement diverted to the task ahead ….. we head on to the Col through increasingly poor visibility.
It’s only as we are almost there do we realise we’re about to enter Switzerland 
!
The temperature plummets . This is another famed mountain pass the Grand Col Ferret (2537m). 
From shorts and T shirts at Lunch – to breaking out the new 750 Down jackets 90 mins later !
In good company though …. Mules love selfies
A right pair of Sherpas
It’s now all downhill as we speed down the Lee side of the Col …. Instantly warmer …
Into the Swiss valley of la Fouly – green civilization 
Into the village
We arrived late afternoon- everyone VV Happy to see a real life actual Hotel !
Don’t recall tooo many details … nice busy beer garden … urrrmm that’s about it 
Xxxxxxx
Loved the first pic of you and the boys 🥰
And the scenery is just Jaw dropping