TMB Day 5: Chamonix/Les Contamines 

/ alliwanders

It was a good call to hike yesterday as it rained through the night and intermittently today.  As it was a rest day I made a leisurely departure from my hotel and caught the bus back to Chamonix.  I window-shopped a bit then visited the Crystal Museum which was fascinating (thanks for the rec Misty!). After lunch at the same people-watching cafe I took the train/bus back to Les Contamines where I’ll start my hike again tomorrow. 

Moody weather pic at Les Houches bus stop
One whole room at the museum was dedicated to crystals & minerals found locally. An amazing variety of shapes and colors
And a couple more rooms of rocks from around the world
Another race had just started in Orsieres and was live broadcast in Chamonix’s town square: 61k, ~11,000’ gain!! They have to finish by midnight in Chamonix. The racers I saw yesterday were doing the TDS: 153k, ~29,000’ gain, and 45 hours!!!!
Final look at Chamonix
Looking west out of Les Contamines. Tomorrow’s weather might be decent after all
Hotel Gai Soleil. An alpine BnB run by a charming lady. I booked the teeniest room possible but it’s warm & cozy
There’s a lovely garden to relax in and the hostess runs a bar out of the old potting shed!