Chamonix
Waking up at twilight, I couldn't resist but check outside my open window to confirm it wasn't a dream. Mont Blanc stood tall and real. We had left all the windows open before bed, and for the first time in weeks, a chill filled the air. Amen to that! I've realized I'd choose to be cold over hot any day. Haha!
This town is buzzing with an extreme adventure vibe. Paragliders dotting the sky, kayakers conquering the icy river, and hardcore adventurers all set for canyoning. We even spotted a group lugging massive ice axes on their shoulders. The village was filled with shops from around the world like Patagonia and Millet alongside local boutiques and artisanal stores. We found genepi liquor, made from an herb that only thrives between 1,800 and 3,200 meters- here! This is one of my favorite parts of traveling - finding locally sourced treasures.
Walking by the rushing river was a surprise; the air turned cold from the glacial waters. This was such a contrast to the scorching heat away from the river. Another surprise was the river's color. It had this cool turquoise tint, a result of the glacial water and the minerals in it. I could've lingered by the river all day.
We thought about taking a train up to the glacier, but no-go due to the heat. Gabe read that the ice cave was closing at noon today, due to the extreme heat. It didn't feel safe on the hottest day of the heatwave, imagining worst-case scenarios like ice crashing into the train. I know, negative thinking isn't good, but there was a news article titled "French Heat Wave Worries Mont Blanc Climbers with Increased Risk." Thanks Bad Nana for sending that over.
Although I am not an extreme outdoor enthusiast, the allure of this place makes me wish I were trekking, climbing, paragliding, or doing something extreme!
Perhaps one day, I'll join the ranks of those over-40 paragliders, soaring off the mountain's edge and into the Chamonix skies. I kept looking up in the sky imagining: being suspended in a cocoon-like harness, my feet dangling. The world unfolding below me. Mont Blanc standing tall, watching over the valley. Descending, the town of Chamonix gradually comes into view, nestled among the Alpine beauty. One day. Maybe. Luke too!
Our drive from Chamonix was easier than our arrival. We headed to Serignan-du-Comtat, a small village near Avignon. Next stop: Toulouse, and then a week in San Sebastian before we can finally settle into our place in Biarritz. We are ready.
