We missed last week's update - the 15th of August is a national holiday in France, and is also La Fete des Guides (a large music and fireworks party in the open air organised by the mountain guides) in Chamonix. We felt obliged to fully take part, thus suffering for our commitment to the cause the day after. So apologies for our laziness!
To make up for it we did manage to go running a few times, organised some climbing and a rafting trip with Session Raft to check out what it was like taking the river down through Chamonix town. It wasn't quite white-water rapids, although there were quite a few bumpy bits, so we only really got wet when we actively jumped in (or crashed into the sides on purpose!). This particular trip is actually suited to all levels and especially families with kids. There are some definitely impressive views of the valley and the ride through the centre of town is a novelty, so all in all it was quite a pleasant way to spend a few hours of an afternoon.
Last night we went along to an excellent evening of wine-tasting chiefly-organised by Kate Anstis (who usually manages events for Evolution 2) and Sam Owens of Chalet Petit Tinquer, a self-proclaimed wine 'guru', and a sumptuous BBQ & buffet from event hosts: James and Antonia of the AntJam Ski Co. who started running their rather stunning Chalet La Sache around this time last year.
Sam, who also shares his passion with his chalet guests, began his wine journey working during university holidays at Oddbins in 1991. He then spent his 3rd abroad working for a wine company in Bordeaux, where he did the 1993 harvest (to quote "crap year - it rained throughout the harvest..."). Ever since, it has been his biggest interest and passion. He really knows his stuff and has spent the past year or so travelling around Switzerland, Italy and France getting to know vinyard owners and wine producers, in particular from the 'Triangle de l'Amitie' (where most of last night's wines came from) - a region describing the Italian Aosta Valley, the Swiss Valais canton and the French Savoie.
We can confirm that Sam has done his research well - the wines were great and some of them highly affordable. Unfortunately we did get the bit about spitting the samples of wine out into a bucket completely wrong, so there are almost certainly a few sore heads this morning.
It seems autumn is starting to creep up. Although the sun is warm enough in the daytimes the mornings and evenings have a certain 'nip' to them. With slightly lower temperatures sporting pursuits are more bearable - from now on through Spetember this is excellent climbing, walking, and biking weather, if you fancy a quick active break here.
Until next week....
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Additional snow and weather information provided, with thanks, by meteo.chamonix.com and the Tourist Office
