Tuesday 30th July
Distance: 16km(402km), 1100m (3610ft) ascent, 865m (2840ft) descent

The ascent to the Col was not friendly (a zigzagging, scree-covered, sheer slope) and upon reaching the top it was rather chilly and windy. Nevertheless Mother insisted she could not take another step before eating lunch, so of course we ate… while the icy wind blasted our faces. The descent to the refuge was much the same as the ascent, just more treacherous. Arriving, we were first told we had a room to ourselves which was a welcome change. We all had showers (I didn’t see the massive ledge and consequently stubbed by toe with such a keen and bounding step that I now have a joyful blood blister), unpacked and generally made the room messy – only to be told that another family was coming so we were moving room. Shipped off to this other room we assumed peace would finally find us as we snuggled into bed. Lies. A flock of people came racing in to claim the remaining beds, turning on the lights and causing much pandemonium before departing once more. Of course they left the lights on and the door wide open in their wake.