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Day 13
Champex, Switzerland (Day off)
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Distance: 0.0 (605.6)
Elevation Climbed: 0 m (9,576 m)
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Day 13 - Champex, Switzerland (Day off)The tiny village of Champex was a lovely spot for a day off if relaxing was what you needed since there really wasn't much to do in the way of rigorous activities. The toughest it ever got were the pedal boats two groups dared to take, whipping up negligible wakes at a cruising speed slower than walking. In pairs and trios, larger groups or solo, we sampled the single row of cafés, shops and bakeries at the center of the village which is nestled by a serene lake. A trip up the ski lift to the top of La Breya offered outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, and way off in the distance, Lake Geneva close to our final destination.Come evening, it was back at the ranch for Coker tune-ups, laundry, card games, and a delicious dinner of chicken and vegetable curry and pasta primavera prepared by Dana, Karl and Scot. The carbs and protein are just what we're needing for the daunting ascent of a vertical mile when we face the Saint Bernard Pass. At the end of our climb, we shall be in Italy, though French will still be the dominant language and cuisine. Support of the day: Dana Schneider Age: 25 Hometown: Columbia Heights, Minnesota Perfect day: "Yesterday, when Karl got here." Hardest moment/day so far? "That really cold day when we were at Oberalppass because we were outside waiting for the riders to make it in." Memorable training moment? "When Karl and I helped out with the Ironman. We brought food to the unicyclists about half-way through." Memorable Alpine sighting? "A yodeler." Weirdest item in the support vehicle? "A little flip book about dogs." Favorite Alpine Food? "I had some fondue today. Or, Bronson's 'Nodal Variations,' dumplings that he tried." Favorite bathroom? "The Lech bathroom. Because it was the cleanest." Have you lost anything so far? "I feel like I lose my camera every day, but I always seem to find it." What do you do to get through the toughest part of the day? "Play Tetris on my Palm Pilot." Funniest moment so far? "John's dancing fingers." Quotes of the Day: "I'm getting hungry already." -Scot, after paying the bill for lunch "After a long ride I don't care to lock my Coker up. They can take it. I have a love-hate relationship with my Coker." -Bronson, during a conversation about never locking Cokers up "That's the pass I want the most. I want to get to the top and lick the pavement." -Kim, referring to her will to conquer the Saint Bernard Pass. "This is a great day off. I'm just one step away from being passed out." -Andy |
Move your mouse over the images for a pop-up caption. Click on the image for a larger picture. Created: August 14, 2005 08:36
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