Of course the weather would be beautiful today. We were even in the perfect place to go up to the Fenêtre d’Arpette. However, I would like to quote the guidebook:

Many people consider the traverse of the Fenêtre d’Arpette to be the highlight of the Tour of Mont Blanc. Some await this stage with eager anticipation, while others view it with trepediation, but everyone agrees that it is one of the hike’s most unforgettable moments. The long climb up the rugged and barren Val d’Arpette to the narrow notch of the Fenêtre d’Arpette, a sabre cut in the high rock ridge, leads to an even more spectacular descent overlooking the magnificent Glacier de Trient.

That all sounds well and good, but the facts are that we would start at 1627m and climb to 2665m, before descending to 1280m. My energy has been drained by all the bad weather. That does not sound doable.

The mountain has failed to keep its promise. I tolerate horrible climbs in return for beautiful views. When three of the four days do not provide the scenery, there is a failure in the social contract.

So, we had a half hour hike back to Champex and then we bussed and trained to Chamonix. Some of the views from the train were equivalent to Tour scenery. We got an adequate hotel for a reasonable price. And having a relaxing day made me realize how tired I have become. Stress and cold do not help my energy level. Being able to sit and listen to a lederhosen band without worry is probably what I needed.

2015-9-6 17:50