TMB Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

I was somewhat dreading today, because it promised to be long and hard (12+ miles and 1600m ascent). But it actually was right up there with yesterday for being my favorite day.

What an amazing place to wake up, 2025m (6643ft) up, at a mountain hut reachable only on foot, facing the beauty and bulk of Mont Blanc.  So lucky to be able to experience this!

Breakfast was at 6:15am, which is perfect timing so we get out onto the trail quickly while it’s cool. Breakfast itself was rather basic–just bread, muesli, and coffee.

Then, out we go!

Goodbye Refugio Bonatti…

We’re heading first for Refugio Elena, another mountain hut that promise coffee.

At around this point we heard a loud sound from across the valley and saw a cloud of dust running down the slope–a rock fall. We were fascinated to see the dust form a cloud which then spread along the valley before eventually disappearing.

Mostly a contour path at this point…

A look back toward Col de La Seigne in the far distance, with Refugio Bonatti nestled on the hill–one last look!

We, somewhat frustratingly, had to descend steeply to the valley floor, just so we could reach this bridge to cross a river that ran down a steep ravine. A suspension bridge higher up would have been nice 🙂

Then back up again…

The massive deck of Refugio Elena. This refuge was flattened by an avalanche in the 1960s and rebuilt in the late 90s. We pondered if it was in a new location? Or whether there was a general optimism that an avalanche would only strike once. We took our lives into our hands, and paused for a coffee.

A look back at Refugio Elena…

Then started the relentless climb. Still cool enough to make it easier than it would have been if we’d started later.

Dave walks probably twice my speed, especially on the climbs. I actually prefer that he march ahead at his own pace so I can plod along without worrying about holding him up. Here you can see him way above me on the horizon.

Massive…

These flowers are everywhere in the meadows and usually look like perfect bells. For some reason, this one was wide open.

The ridge, finally, marking the boundary between Italy and Switzerland. This one is called Grand Col du Ferret. I entertained myself on the climb pondering whether that means the Big Saddle of the Ferret or the Saddle of the Big Ferret…either way, a funny visual!

Last few steps up….

To then join Dave for a rest and some crisps–yay, salt!

Then down the other side…not terribly pretty at this point, but also not terribly steep, so a reasonable trade off!

A surprise cafe…nice!

Looking down the valley with La Fouly in the distance.

Always more walking than you expect, of course…

Very nearly there!

Yes!!! Hotel Edelweiss–very nice place.

Dinner. I actually took this photo because the guy in the background looks so familiar. I’d seen him in Courmayeur, Refugio Bonatti, and again here in La Fouly. I thought it might be the MANA Stats guy (midwifery statistics guru) but finally decided he’s just a look alike.

Beautiful view from our room.