I write this having found accommodation at the last minute due to discovering our planned refuge for tomorrow night failed to get a permit for this season (that would explain the lack of response!). With typical Swiss efficiency, the errors in our email were highlighted and corrected and we were told that we weren’t lucky to get a space, but it was unusual for us to get beds at such late notice!
To give you all a quick update, over the course of yesterday a couple of the team members picked up injuries which meant that they withdrew at various stages of the route. Meeting in Courmayeur (Italy), the team split with 3 of them crossing back into France via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, they then proceeded by train, tram and bus into Switzerland and onto Champex. The transport officials surprised the team by their laid back approach to tickets (I think we saved about half the travel fair as a result!). Our final leg on the bus was clearly the drivers last journey of the day and he had better places to be, his driving lessons were clearly conducted on a rally course!
While the walking team crossed from Italy into Switzerland this morning, the team carrying injuries booked accommodation and sourced lunch for the next day (while taking the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the glacial Champex Lac!).
As I type, the team are arriving at the hostel in time for dinner!
Jamie