We ate and discussed our options. It was getting later and I didn't want to walk all the way if it got much later. The next bus wasn't until 10:30 which would take us to Les Hauderas. We decided to walk there since we had time. There was a tourist office there to get information. The walk we did was the correct route we should have taken the day before.
The walk didn't take long and the tourist office was open. The woman made us copies of the bus schedule. There were going to be 3-4 changes. It isn't even that far.
While we waited for the bus we went to the cafe to get something hot to drink. We walked to the bus stop across the street. When the bus came, I was the first one on. When I asked the price I almost turned around and got off. It was 15.40 Swiss francs. That is about 11 dollars. It was only a 20 minute ride. I couldn't turn around because I had everyone behind me, but I guess I didn't have much choice.
The bus took us to Sion. It was a big place compared to all of the small places we have been. We had 10 minuted to catch the bus. Well, I thought it was a bus, but we found out it was a train that we needed to take. Luckily we got there in time because it left early. The train ride was only 10 minutes and it took us to Sierre. From here we knew we had to go to Grimentz, but we weren't sure about getting from Grimentz to Parking du Glacier. That's where we were going to walk from.
We stopped at the tourist office here to see how to get there. It looked like we could get there, but when we got to the train ticket infomation the man said we wouldn't be able to get there until 4:30. The question was what do we do now? We decided to get the bus tickets, which were also expensive, to Grimentz. Possibly stay there for the night and figure it out when we get there. I guess we should have just walked to the Cabane from La Sage.
After we got our tickets we heard someone say something to us. It was two of the three Irishmen we met a few days ago. We were suppose to have met them in Ardla, but didn't. Anyway, it was John and Brian. George had stopped walking and went to Zermat. That is where John and Brian were going.
We didn't have time to talk because our bus was suppose to come in five minutes and we had to find it. As we were walking there, we were wondering if we could get a refund for our ticket and go to Zermat with them.
We ran back to the ticket office and the nice man gave us a refund. So off we were going to Zermat by train. The first train took us to Visp. It didn't cost us anything because of having the Erail pass. From Visp we caught the train to Zermatt. It wasn't until right before we caught the train that we found out that it was a private train and it was going to cost us 32 Swiss francs. Well this ended up being an expensive travel day for us. Oh well not much we could have done at that point and it was fun just being spontaneous. I am sorry that we didn't finish the hike, but the weather certainly wasn't worth hiking in it.
The train ride was very scenic. We traveled by several gorges. The mountains weren't visible. Hopefully we will have a clear day when we go back that way. Who knows, we might decide to hike back to where we left off, but I doubt it.
We got off the train and the village is hopping. There are so many people walking around. You can't drive in this village. Only golf carts or very small bus like vehicles or delivery trucks can travel through here. There are also horse and buggys that will take you to your hotel.
We saw George, the other Irishman walking across the street. I think he was happy to see everyone. Brian and John took off with George to their hotel. Laurie and I took off to the Hotel Bahnoff. It had dormotories and a kitchen to cook in. It was also cheaper.
The Hotel Bahnoff is really nice. It is clean and comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped. As Laurie and I were checking out the kitchen someone said something to me. I wasn't quite sure what he was saying. He asked me if I lost my wallet lately. He was one of the three guys that found my wallet and returned it. It was nice to see them. I told them I felt bad that I didn't offer any more than thanks. I saw them drinking beer so I bought a six pack for them when we went shopping.
After shopping and showering, Laurie and I went to the kitchen. We sat with the three Englishmen that found my wallet. Their names are Terry, John, and Len. They are hiking on the glaciers, but they have had a few days of lousy weather. We talked for quite awhile. I was tired and went to bed.
So today was fun and it was interesting the way it turned out. As I said I am disappointed that I didn't finish, but why do it in miserable weather if you don't have to. I heard that the Cabane we were going to was not very nice. No running water, outside toilets. I'd rather be someplace nice and cozy.
September 10, 2003
I got up this morning to write some notes. I spent the rest of the day reading, doing wash, and a little bit of walking around Zermat.
Zermat has a lot of hotels and stores, but it has a lot of charm. A lot of chalet style places with beautiful flowers decorating them. There are mountains surrounding the village. I couldn't see the Matterhorn completely. It was covered with fog.
After dinner, Laurie and I went to meet the Irishmen and Englishmen. We wanted to say goodbye to them because we were leaving the next day.
September 11, 2003
Not much of a day except traveling. We finally arrived in Chamonix about 3:30. We went to go check out a guesthouse. It didn't open until 4:30 so we sat outside on the terrace. When it opened we checked it out. We decided to go back to the hostel we stayed at. It was much nicer and it included breakfast.
We checked in and got a double room with a shower. It was only a little more money and much nicer to have the shower and private room. Especially since we are staying a couple of nights.
Once we settled in we walked to the center, The buses don't run as frequently in the fall. It took about 40 minutes. We went to the Cybar where we use the internet. I wanted to read my email. We walked back to the hostel. We picked up a pizza on the way for dinner. We sat in our room enjoying our pizza and reading.
