yoga & hiking

Today I had the very special opportunity to lead a group hike in the Jura to a beautiful overlook to picnic and practice yoga. It was hot, but maybe the least hot day this week, and the trails I chose were mostly shaded, so we all survived. We made a 12 kilometer loop with a 45 minute section of silent meditation along single track trail the is surely inhabited by fairies. At the end of the meditation, we arrived at the midway point, a high clearing where we could salute the sun and the Alps across the valley. Nadine led us through some balancing poses, we chatted, and ate our lunches, and then continued along the loop. It was a beautiful day in the mountains with a fun bunch, and I really enjoyed everyone's positivity and enthusiasm on this adventure together!

lac blanc

My flat-lander friend has been a real trooper to let me drag her up the mountains two days in a row. Today we made a trip to Chamonix and hiked to Lac Blanc. I want her to enjoy her trip (and come back again) so we rode the lift to Flégère and hiked to the lake from there, stunning views the entire way.

A picnic at our destination, before the return trip. And what day in Chamonix would be complete without sorbet and a quick stop at the sport shops...The town was preparing for the Marathon du Mont Blanc races this coming weekend, and I started wishing we were running, too. 

poutouille

After Art Basel, Michele arrived by train to Challex last night to spend a few days at the end of her trip with us. Today, she agreed to come along with me to the Jura to scout a trail for a hiking/yoga day that I am co-leading next week. I think we found the perfect trail for the outing: not the most popular routes that everyone has done, the right length and difficulty, will fit my time frame, and leads to a high clearing to do yoga with a fantastic panoramic (and cowsbells singing nearby).

After we finished our mission, we took a picnic dinner to the vineyards and enjoyed the last of the daylight.

double jura

This morning, Derek and I went for an all-out run up Le Colomby. I can't believe this was my first time to this (too crowded) popular summit. The route totaled a little more than 10km with over 1000m+. We startled more than a few hikers in winter jackets, as we took the summit. It was a challenging uphill, and then so much fun to whiz down. 

Calmed by the morning's exertion, we were ready to meet friends for an afternoon of family hiking on the Bellegarde end of the Jura. After the ascent, a break for some snacks and espresso on the trail, we all broke into a run for the descent down the rocky trail. Impressive future trail stars with us! We spent the evening grilling, playing yard games, and sitting around the campfire, even serenaded by Blandine's violin. This might be the most perfect summer day.

hiking: le plan du tour (1615m)

Today was a beautiful, sunny Saturday. I'm still resting the ol'Achilles, but needed an easy mountain fix. I really wanted to see the new season's snow and feel the warmth of the sun, so we went to the Aravis, parked a little beyond Thônes, and started walking. Within the first few steps, I discovered that I forgot my camera battery (oops), but at least I had the phone to get some pictures of the lovely scenery. We stopped at Bois Noir to sit in the sun just before reaching the stunning views of freshly covered peaks from le Plan du Tour (1615m). I love the quiet in-between season in the mountains, bright colors and the first frosts and snows reaching lower elevations. We're taking a break from racing and waiting to ski, reflecting and planning.  

relaxing

This morning we were wide awake early after changing the clocks. I made blueberry pancakes and we climbed the via ferrata course at Fort l'Ecluse. It was still early, and a beautiful day, so we followed the climb with an easy hike in the Jura- I didn't want to miss looking over the other side to the changing colors.

It was tempting to try running. I took a few strides to see how things feel, and repeated some (cautious) ups and downs, but I plan to be patient and not do too much to soon. 

Lovely view of the Alps today. 

The light faded and the temperature dropped quickly as we finished our loop, rushing back to the car just as it became dark. These short days will take some adjusting, but we still have some hours of light to spend in the mountains.