Sept 6th 2022
We awaken to one of the most striking dawns. It glows and then sharply illuminates the serrated peaks opposite our multi bed garden room dorm’ .
…. After breakfast we decide to sort out Lukes knee as it’s swollen , the descents are killing some people. As today is flat valley and lake -,easy to navigate – he and I say we’ll wait for shops or medical center to open and catch the group later.
ONE GOOD TURN ……
We chat as we all assemble outside , the baggage transfer van turns up. Not for us – or any of our party – we carry 70% of our own gear – Una 
, the rest. This is for the 
Cruise size luggage people deem necessary to leave home for a hike.
The owner / driver is a retired teacher – 70ish – he can’t get his van near the luggage cellar – so is struggling up the 20m slope piece by piece – a van load . Luke and I set up a chain – driver stays by the van and we pass it up the slope – we chat in broken French. He’s very grateful. We’ve saved him 30 mins.
We ask about places for professional knee supports etc. He says “pas dans ce village ni dans les deux prochains – à environ 15 km d’ici à Champex”
3 villages down the road ! …. Ah well still a hike. But no . He says he has 2 more pick ups and as he now has time he will drop us off in Champex ! – more “conversation élémentaire” 
as we drive. I’m happy that my French music stereotypes are still accurate 
and take a photo of his van radio.
Thom heads off with the rest of the group after the days briefing ….
“Today we Walk to Champex … a good day to recuperate. Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens.
Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight gîte with shower.
15km, 600m/1969ft ascent, 600m/1969ft
A gite sounds interesting..
Luke and I arrive at the Relais – I feel we have taken part in the community life of the valley as we made luggage collection stops on the way here . It seems we have a rarity here – our own room ! …. we are early but our triple room is free so we chill for a while and head for brunch in the garden.
And now to the task in hand – the nearest possible solution to knee maintenance is down the valley a little in Champex sur Lac
Luckily there’s a “sentier des fées” a “Fairy Trail” showing on the map – whatever that is . Maybe I’ll get a magical hike in at the same time …… .
I consider that someone is attempting to make a link between Du Lac and Du Loc ? – did I misinterpret Fairy trail for Shreks trail – maybe …..
Either way the Lord Farquhar sports / physio shop I’d heard about earlier in the day was the only one in town and priced accordingly for Swiss standard of living 
. Sprung Knee support – 87 Swiss Francs ( SF is about the same as ££ …. Bargain 
)
Back up the track with my medical supplies a glance back at the lake du Champex .
Meanwhile unknown to me ….. hardier souls in Thoms group have decided to engage with the environment .
We meet up with the gang and head for our communal dinner .
A day quite unusual but in its way as memorable as any other .
Xxxxxx