Sleeping in a bed last night was amazing. Both Daniel and I awoke feeling refreshed and ready to hike this morning after we enjoyed a small breakfast at our hotel. The prior evening we found a nice pizzeria in Courmayeur. I had a prosciutto and mushroom pizza with a wonderful green salad filled with delicious Italian tomatoes and we capped off the meal with a chocolate gelato. A perfect ending to the day!

We had a fairly long uphill hike to get to the trailhead again this morning and then a fairly steep hike to the top of a 6,000 feet mountain where there was a mountain hut with stunning views, cold cola and hot cappuccinos! Daniel and I had one of each while talking to a young couple from Scotland and England. Much like the Appalachian Trail, we have now met several hikers who are on the same trail schedule that we are on and we bump into each other along the trail and at campsites. We have met people from Guatemala, Russia, China, Scotland, England, Singapore, Poland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the States. Probably others that I have forgotten. It all makes the experience that much more enjoyable. The weather today was close to perfect. Mostly blue skies and sunshine with heavy clouds around the peaks of the highest mountains. 

For the first time on our journey, we met a lady today who had fallen and dislocated her shoulder or, perhaps, had broken her arm. It was within the first hour of the hike so, fortunately, it was not too far for her, and her two friends, to hike back down to Courmayeur to get medical assistance.  A tough way to start the day, for sure. 

Our hike ended today at the “Camping Grandes Jorasses” which is a fun and quirky campsite. it is part RV area, tents, and some rustic cabins along with some recreational areas. Upon check-in both Daniel and I received a plastic card. We were told the card would give us each three one-minute bursts of water for our showers. Daniel did not care to use his card and gave me his. I will have to say that, while it wasn’t the most enjoyable shower I have experienced, the three one-minute sessions were sufficient to get the job done. I cannot begin to imagine bringing my wife to such a place. It would be a laughable disaster!! But, the many people here seem relaxed and very much enjoying the campground experience! Very glad, and grateful, to have another day of the TMB experience in the books! Ciao!