Day 6 (Chamonix – Zermatt) Sat 1st July: Refuge des Escoulais to Arolla via Col de Riedmattencontinues . . .“Vamos Zen . . .”
As the helicopter came -
Val des Dix - 5 km lake
We had a short break at the open Refuge de la Gentiane la Barma. I chatted to a little dog – yes, you guessed it, dogs were allowed in the lovely warm, dry kitchen . . .
"Poor decision Ian - I’ll forgive you.
Let’s not forget, though - You promised me a hut stay!"
The gentle grassy slopes to the reservoir we’re filled with flowers – beautiful (though Ian's photos are no so)
& marmots screeching – annoying
I couldn’t resist chasing them, to Ian’s dismay.
He’d yell at me to come back. Which I chose to ignore – selective hearing – one of my many talents.
Ian planned to have lunch at Cabane des Dix (2928)
Ian couldn't get lost with signs like these, could he?
Quite inventive with the white rock - Now I must find a red rock one.
This one almost hit him -
After the junction we were graced with fluffy white snowflakes which got heavier as were climbed to the saddle of Tęte-Noir – The Matterhorn would have been visible on the ascent, from this angle - a different profile to Zermatt view – another day.
We descended on the only path from the saddle . .
“Zen, it’s not there! Cabane des Dix, I cannot see it”
At the foot of the path on the valley floor we came to some snow – no footprints.
‘Where is it, Zen. . . Where are we?”
I could sense Ian’s anguish & despair. He could sense my disbelief – losing one’s way was one thing – losing a hut?
This was not so cool.
“Patience” - we wandered back up the path . . through the mist & snow . .
Relief
. Ian ordered a rosti - "mmm, Ian, don’t forget me – take a doggy bag, pleaseeeeeee”
Cabane des Dix with its beautiful wooden interior had some fascinating photos adorning the walls –
Either I waited outside in the snow or inside the smelly boot & wet sock & jacket room - neither option was particularly appealing.
Quite a few trekkers/climbers arrived offering sympathy & comfort, whilst adding to the aromas.
“What about the wet doggy smell, Zen?” “Heavenly