Chamonix to Trient - Thursday June 28, 22 km

Wow, first day of hiking...

Hiking to Argentine was not that bad. Only 9 km and not up a mountain, but still the trekking poles came in handy and helpful. Getting from Le Tour to Col de Balme was pretty tough though, especially as there is a working gondola running over your head that is taking other hikers right up to the top. But, no guts, no glory.

I was excited to stay at the refuge at Col de Balme but when I got there and tried communicating with the Frau we were having difficulties. It would cost 38 Euros and 4 more Euros if I wanted to take a shower. Very expensive for sleeping in a dorm situation. I tried saying that I did want the room but the French gal did not really seem that interested in letting me the room. So after 5 minutes I went outside to think. Something did not feel so comfortable about the place, so I decided to head onto Trient.

Hiking downhill is just as hard as hiking up; very hard on the knees. I finally get into Trient and checked into a doitor (dorm) for 34 Euros a night. Hmm, that much for sharing a room with 26 beds. Privacy and a little moment to recoup is not even a vauge hopefull thought.

By now I'm realizing that a sleeping sack will be necessary. That night I layed a couple pillow cases across the bed and slept in my long johns.

I was pretty tired that night and wondering what I had gotten myself into. I was missing James terribly again and wanting to sack the trip and come home. I would give it another day though.

Oh, my backpack also started to come apart at the seams, my four year old trail running shoes were not holding up too well and I had lost one of my Tevas off my pack along the way (so that will be some money when I get back).