Pré-Saint-Didier

TOP 3 Highlights:

1. Second breakfast - A lovely English couple that we got to know last night (who are unfortunately walking TMB anti-clockwise) said that there was a good coffee stop midway to our destination today. So we enjoyed fresh coffee and cake (it was advertised as chocolate but that’s debatable, delicious nonetheless) at Refugio Bertone, 1989m elevation, with our new chatty friend Mike, from south-east England.

2. Hardcore Helicopter Happenings - As we were finishing at morning tea, the helicopter that delivers goods/picks up other items from more remote Refugio’s landed just behind us. The driver dropped off his box of eggs (and a group of electricians for the Refugio) in about 30 seconds and then nose dived back down the valley, leaving a whirlwind in his place. It was so freaking cool, I wish I (Kate) was a helicopter driver.

3. Rain watching - As we’re writing this we are sitting quite happily on our little balcony at our hotel for the night. We’re feeling so blessed as it gives us a brilliant view of the Aosta Valley which is surrounded by these mountainous giants. Anyway, for the last hour the clouds have closed in and storms are predicted....so we’re waiting patiently and getting some sketching done while overdosing on salted peanuts. Fingers crossed it’s over by 7pm though, as we’ve got a booking for pizza in town.Read more