PICTURES!!!!!

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So we have finally figured out that you have to sit here for hours to get photos up on the blog. So here they are. We are in Champex Switzerland right now and this is the largest town till the end of the tour. If weather permits we will be finishing the tour in 4 days and will be back to civilization in Chamonix France.

Today was the easiest day of the tour at 4.5 hours. Kelley fulfilled her wish of a swiss cheese fondu which we discovered makes you feel like a cow. It was wonderful, white bread dipped in tons of cheese!!!! This was enjoyed on the waterfront of lake champex as we watched the ducks fight over the extra bread people were willing to part with. We ate all of ours haha.

Other than today, which was a wander up a valley, we have seen more and more spectacular views. Our British friend who has seen this area told us after day 4 that the best was yet to come....he was right, each day is better than the last. Because the tour de Mont Blanc traverses around a whole mountain range, we get to explore many valleys and passes with the glaciers up above.

Our bodies are getting firmer by the minute but Mom thinks that the 26 years between us are beginning to show. I think she feels this way because yesterday I wanted to see how fast I could get to the top of a pass. I was going so fast I broke my pole oops!!! Actually we are both doing great, no injuries and only sun burns to complain about. Our feet feel really good with only a few sore spots.....which are saved by a little mole skin and duct tape. Well the dinner bell is about to ring here in Switzerland so we hope you enjoy the photos. We have now taken over 500 and it is only day 8.

Dinner is on so we must go. We will write again soon. Thanks for the comments, we miss you all. Bye for now,
Love, Alicia and Kelley

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Photos

3 AM too excited to sleep
Between jet lag and excitement we were both wide awake!

View from the first refuge
Refuge de Miage, end of day 1, the view while I enjoyed my beer.

First Dorm room
Night spent with three roomates but there was lots of room

View from above
Glad that we are above the clouds

Top of the world!!!
One of the many rocks Alicia climbs to the top of for a picture.

Col de Bonhomme
2325m day 3....absolutely exhausted but thrilled!

View from an outhouse in the Alps
Obviously there was no door but going to the bathroom came with a view. Day 3

The boots are doing their job but...
The aroma leave much to be desired and sometimes Alicia must resort to washing în the sink!

Elisabetta refuge for night 4
First night in Italy

Reflection down in the valley
Morning of Day 5, on our way to Courmayeur!

Mt. Blanc in the distance
Longest day yet...climbed 1600m. Day 6, trip to Refugio Bonatti....still in Italy

Out our bedroom window at Bionatti
Best night yet....we even had bunk beds!!!

Sheep herd coming down the road
No where to go but stand and let them run around you!!!

Crossing into Switzerland
Day 7, top of the world again, we seem to be up there a lot!!!

Mule transport is an option
Not for us however!

Pizza in Italy not individual sized
Lots to learn in a foreign country. Lunch for the next day as well.

Just a day in the life of a mountain climber
We found this wall along the trail, a little hard to climb with my 35 pound pack on.

Comments

[Mitch]

YEAH!!!! Pictures. Looks like exactly like how I imagined it would. I'm so happy for you guys. Having diner with dad tonight. Miss you!

[Ross]

oh....my ....gosh!
wow guys! that's all i can say....i'm in awe! very jealous, but counting down the days. you two sure lucked out with the unbelievable weather didn't you! i can't wait to see all the other pictures as well! 500+ might take a little while, but if they are anything like these, then they will be worth it! i'm glad that you are having such an amazing trip over yonder, miss you lots! Love Ross

[Terry/Dad]

sheep
Wow! Your pictures are Great.. Looks like you two have found your Heaven......... Alicia on top of a Mountain and Kelley in a herd of sheep. Looks like you could have been a Sheep farmer after all Dear. Looking forward to your next Blog. luv Dad/Terry

[Brenda]

!!!!!
Wow...excellent photo's gals!!! Thanks! I'm back from camping...did a grueling 3.5 km hike!!!hahahahahahaha Thinking of you guys practically constantly!! Lova lova, B ps...hey keep it down over there at riverboat condo's..nah thats not right riverhouse condo's??? I can hear you from out here

[Vicki]

Whoops!!!
It must have been the cough medicine - it was the partying from 103, duh.....You both look so great and happy. The pictures are amazing. It won't be long until "them thar hills" are covered in snow - wow!!! I'm guessing but it looks like the weather has been grand and that's fantastic. Miss you but am most thrilled at your joy and experience, thanks for sharing!

[Brenda]

package arrived finally!!
well...nieghbours brought over our mail and the pkg is here...only took 17 days! thanks...I'm just about caught up with you I think..I did find some good things on the net, but nothing like seing you guys there, your smiles are so beautiful!! lova lova, B

[Betty in 203]

Boys are missing you.
Well, I guess the boys are missing you. Three poor souls (TP, JG and Dr. Tim) met on the deck Saturday night and toasted your trip with wine - many, many times! Your photos are greyt. They bring everything to life. Looking forward to slide show when you get home - and pizza. I am curious. Did you pack ear plugs for your communal snoring adventures?