After a bit of searching we find the right path that leads up into the forest towards Refuge Bonavau, where we will stay for the night. Mountains flowers of all kinds color the pastures. I had never noticed all the beautiful wild orchids. We reach Bonavau just in time before it begins to pour. Other hikers arrive as well, running to get out of the rain! Christine runs the place and welcomes us to a drink under the roof of one of her numerous terraces. There are flowers everywhere, on the tables, in the garden. From here you can see the mighty gorge leading up to the impressive rock wall of Dents du Midi surrounded by glaciers. The noise of the massive waterfall adds to the melody of the birds.
Tonight we get to stay in the small wooden chalet! There are only 7 guests in all and the others have chosen the dormitory. When the sun is shinning again we make our way down to the waterfall. I remember climbing down from this gorge last year with a Mexican father and son who had injured his knees…
The night is peaceful until the first hikers stop in for coffee at 7 am! Today our hike continues up to Lac d’Anthème located at 2032 m and 3 hours uphill. More lovely flowers and butterflies accompany us on our strenuous hike that never seems to end. Finally I can see the flag of the cabane d’Anthème, the lake is just behind it. The lovely mirrored water beckons us for a swim. I put in my toes to test the water and jump back, looking at the spots of snow still left over from the long winter. The water is ice cold and perhaps 5 Degrees, a typical glacier lake....
After a Picnic lunch it is time to continue. The path goes along the ridge for a while. The noises of various waterfalls accompany us. The blue sky quickly disappears and it begins to rain again. Today we seem to have had the 4 seasons, all in one day. Soon we begin our descent down towards the valley again, 2.5 hours left. We are almost there when we see the train slowly inch its way uphill. We will have to hurry to catch it… Perhaps we can get on at one of the middle stations. Just in time we make a last minute run to the platform as the train pulls in… We made it!
We arrive in Geneva at 7 p.m. and are hit with a wave of heat as we step off the train. We look at each other and without saying anything we know where we are going next… Bain des Paquis for a swim in the lake!
