La Chapelle d'Abondance

28 July 2015:  We have planned several relatively short days of hiking this week, to ease our transition into the Alps and Mary's return to the trail.  So today, we hiked from the Chalets de Bise, over the Pas de la Bosse (a mere 300 m. elevation gain), to La Chapelle de l'Abondance.  We arrived here in the early afternoon and have enjoyed a leisurely afternoon – reading, writing, shopping for food and planning the next days of hiking that will take us to Verchaix. 

We are now encountering many more hikers than we saw north of Lac Léman: not just casual day-hikers, but also serious backpackers embarked on multi-day hikes.  The Alps attract many hikers, of course; plus, we are now in the peak summer vacation period.  This afternoon we were unable to reserve places at a refuge that we had selected for our next étape (at Col de Bassachaux); it was fully booked.  So we reserved at a refuge farther up the trail. Tomorrow will not be a short day; the transition is finished!

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Departure this morning from Chalets de Bise:

Pas de la Bosse:

Descent to La Chapelle de l'Abondance:

We remember this building from 1989.  Back then, there was a farmer making and selling cheese here.  Now, it has been renovated (new roof, etc.), but it was closed.

Approaching La Chapelle d'Abondance, beside a gurgling stream:

Spectacular flowers!

We are spending the night at the Ferme-Auberge Le Fêto, where we received a very warm welcome.  Like so many places, they offer "spécialités savoyardes" in their restaurant – fondue, raclette, etc.  We're in the mood for one of those meals tonight.