Pete's Blog - Week 1 ( with, exceptionally a few additions in italics from Ivan )
We are going well after almost our first week. Thunderstorms and morning rain to start with but weather has improved since. Storms forecast again for tomorrow, however. The scenery is stunning in the Haute Savoie and we have seen chamois, marmots, golden eagles and Sue saw a polecat. The most stunning prize, however, must go to the flowers. To walk for hours through flowers of such vivid colours and variety is mind blowing! The welcome at our overnight stops has been warm and the food good. We may get some views of Mont Blanc soon as we climb into the higher regions (2500m.)
Caught a bus from Geneva to St Gingolph in sunny hot weather. First steep climb to Novel mid-afternoon was quite tiring.
Woken by thunderstorm and climbed through early rain and mist. Views opened up during the day but the wonderful variety of flowers overwhelmed us. Unpleasant descent in to La Chapelle on slippery, muddy path.