Mountains again

Yesterday I went on a hike in the Vercors Mountains with a group from school. We drove partially up in a bus and then we started walking. At lunch time we stopped at a little shelter that is available for hikers to stay in over night; however, there was a couple who had moved in permanent-like. They had 3 huskies chained up outside the shack and the dogs started to howl we all got shivers because it really sounded like a wolf pack. Inside the squatters had 2 more dogs, one of which was in the process of having puppies exactly while we were inside eating. It was quite an interesting lunch to say the least. Afterward we took off again to the top of the mountain and it was the hardest cardio workout I have had in a while. It was really difficult to breathe and the climbing was intense toward the top of the mountain, but the view was so worth it. You could see on both sides of the mountain which I would have had pictures of if my camera was working. The way back was more dangerous than the way up-which is saying something. It started to snow ten minutes in and the trees and ground were covered. Snow+rock=very slippery path. I almost fell several times and there were lots of people who actually did (no serious injuries). All in all it was about seven hours of walking and we figured about 6-7 miles. Let's just say my calves were a little tight last night.

When I finally got back to the house, I walked in the kitchen and all the girls were wearing dresses. Vivi said, "You've got a couple of minutes to change before they come." That was the last thing I wanted to hear at that moment becasue a bath and bed were sounding mighty good, but I ran downstairs, put on a dress, tried to make my hair look presentable, and doused myself with perfume. I ran back upstairs just as the guests were arriving and had time to ask who was coming to dinner before they (friends of Vivi) walked into the kitchen. By this time it was already 9:30, then we had an aperatif for a half hour before we even sat down at the table. All in all it was a fun night because Jean-Pierre went all out with champagne and fois gras, but I didn't leave the table until 12:15 and I heard today that the guests were here til 2 am. Needless to say, I slept into the afternoon today.

I forgot to mention earlier that I'm pretty sure there were bedbugs in my bed in Marseille. Luckily there were three beds in the room so I just switched to the other one, but it was an interesting sight. P.S. I'm fairly certain bedbugs are a common inhabitant of rooms throughout Europe so bring your anti-itch cream!
bed bugs

A Plus