Vesancy, France

My wonderful hosts, Susan and Tom, currently reside in Southern France. Their home is seated above Geneva, Switzerland and overlooks the lake, city, and countryside. The have a small cabin directly behind the house that has a bed, some bookshelves, and the old cabin smell. I made this my home last night and will be my home until Friday morning.

Last night we had dinner and wine on the front porch area and overlooked the city and Swiss Alps. Throughout dinner we continued to get clearer view of the Alps as the sun set on them with vibrant colors. I don't think I want to move out of my cabin before Friday.

Susan and Tom gave me a map of the area and sent me out on a day hike. I picked up a forest road trail across the meadow behind the house and headed up the mountain. My first real stopping point was Le Turet at 1375m. It was a portion that jetted out of the mountain and gave me a spectacular view worth the hike up. I was able to see a large portion of Lake Geneva and all of the city. Also from this point I was able to see the yearly bike race heading up the mountain. I watched the leaders and the large pack behind them wind their way up the mountain. I at my bread and cheese at Le Turet and continued on. I made it to the ski resort city of Col de la Faucille, and was returned to civilization. Previously, I did not encounter another human being.

My next destination was the peak of Grand Montrond. I worked my way up for another spectacular view. I stopped here for a snack and headed back towards Col de la Faucille, which is one of the few passes to make it from Geneva to Paris through the mountains. I called Susan and she came and picked me up. She offered this so I wouldn't have to back track all of my steps back down. This was very nice, because I was exhausted and so was my water supply.

One of the best days of hiking I have ever had. Susan just said I did 3000 vertical feet from where I started. I took a decent amount of pictures, and I hope to get them up here soon.

JOEL