Aiguille du Midi, the world's longest and highest tramway, is well worth the price of admission. The views from the top of the Chamonix Valley, and of Mt. Blanc and the nearby mountains are spectacular. This natural rock spire is pictured in numerous places in Chamonix. Tourist shops sell paintings of it, postcards, and photographs. It is situated at about 12,600 feet in the shadow of Mount Blanc which rises another 3000 feet or so higher. If … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Mer de Glace
Mer de Glace is well worth a visit for visitors of all ages. It is the second largest glacier in the Alps - approximately 9 miles long, almost a mile wide, and about 1200 feet in its deepest places. It moves more than 100 feet every year and is currently retreating. There are several ways to reach the glacier; for those who enjoy hiking, we highly recommend walking from the middle stop on the Aiguille du Midi. This hike works for those who … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Hiking
There are many excellent hiking trails in the Chamonix region ranging in difficulty from very easy to somewhat strenuous. Summer is an ideal time for viewing wildflowers with numerous varieties throughout the summer, depending on elevation. A few of the trails that I hiked or were recommended to me are listed below: Glacier de Bossons is well worth the trip from Chamonix for those in reasonable shape. The entire round trip hike takes about … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – More Information
Tourist Office in Chamonix is located on the Place du Triangle just opposite the Place de L'Eglise and St. Michael's Church. This office is open daily from 8:30am until 12:30pm and then again from 2pm to 7pm. During July and August there are extended hours. They stay open from 8:30am until 7:30pm. Worth visiting to talk to staff about current weather conditions, conditions of the trails and pickup provided maps and other printed materials about … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – The Climb
The climb written about below took four days: Day One: Rent equipment and hike to Horse Camp. Camp there. Day Two: Hike to Helen Lake, and camp there. Day Three: Hike to Summit via Avalanche Gulch, through the Red Banks and up Misery Hill, return to Horse Camp, and camp there. Day Four: Hike out to Bunny Flat. Average times for the distances above are the following. - Bunny Flat to Horse Camp takes a little over an hour. - Horse Camp … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Hotels
The following are select Mt. Shasta City hotel accommodations - most of the town's hotels are located along Mt. Shasta Blvd in the south part of town. Prices are subject to change without notice. All Phone Numbers are in the 530 area code unless otherwise noted. A1 Choice Inn is located at 1340 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd. Family owned and operated - by an elderly couple. Very basic accommodation. All rooms are pet free and are non … [Read more...]
Europe- What to Pack
The independent traveler will want to pack as light as possible, especially if planning on taking trains or boats. When I travel to Europe, I take trains or budget airlines everywhere; for the nimble traveler there are certain advantages to packing light. It is easier to keep an eye on your gear and it is easy to fit into the sometimes small luggage compartments. Key words to packing for Europe are: light, light, and light. I fit all my gear into … [Read more...]
Europe – Lodging, Hotels
For not having reservations pre-booked while traveling in Europe in mid summer, I had no issues booking hotels or hostels at the last minute. Before I arrived in Europe I made a list of hotels & hostels in every city I planned to stay the night in. Then I would then book various hotels while on the train or from downtime hanging around train stations or airports. Often times I would just show up in a city and find budget accommodation. Finding … [Read more...]
Europe – Restaurants
I ate at restaurants which ranged from luxurious to basic, to eating food from the street vendors. As with prices for other items and services, the prices of food at restaurants generally becomes more expensive moving from the south to the north. The exception to this was food in eastern Europe, which was a bit cheaper than the rest of Europe. Most restaurants charge for every little item. The only thing I don't think I was charged for was for … [Read more...]
Europe – The Locals
I think that whatever country you are traveling in you will meet the bad apples as well as the good oranges. On my first journey through Europe I met some very helpful people who went out of their way to give me advice, show me certain areas, or give me help. Then I met some overly stressed people who all they had to say was "stick it between your teeth". I could definitely tell a general difference in personality between different cultures … [Read more...]
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