Chamonix

It’s been a busy few days, but I made it to Chamonix yesterday.

Not without my share of comical events. I was woken at 5 AM one morning (I was sleeping under the stars, no tent) by a flock of goats trying to see if my sleeping bag was edible. Waving the first thing that came to hand (my drying underwear) only made them try to eat that too. If you are ever in this situation, the trick is to tap them on the rump with your hiking stick.

The scenery has been mostly bucolic alpine pastuers, filled with grazing cows, sheep and goats. When the herds move, the sound is a chorus of clanking cowbells.

Much to my surprise, my right knee, which has been aflicted with Runners Knee (meaning it hurt to bend!) has rapidly gotten better. I guess hiking accross mountains was a good idea for a dodgy knee. Go figure. That said, both knees are aching from the descent yesterday – almost 2000 meters of vertical descent. Ouch. And, sadly, the trail isn’t as exciting as I had hoped. Partly, I’m bored and lonely with no-one to talk to. Between my knees and the challenges of hiking alone, I’m thinking about heading back to civilization.