From our itinerary:
The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer. There is a cable car from Entrèves to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft) and on across the glacier to Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Alternatively you might wish to relax and recover in the Spa bathes at Pre Saint Didier a short bus ride from Courmayeur.
Shaun couldn't give me any information about the thermal baths, but, between Enio, Kerrie and Jo we were able to get a reservation and lunch at QC Therme Monte Bianco in Pre Saint Didier and to figure out how to get there. Unfortunately, there were no massages left there, but Kerrie was able to get something at a nearby hotel. Before going we had breakfast at the hotel and everything must have been home made. The croissant were one of the best I've had - it was hard to stop at 2. There were wonderful fruit pies, cold cuts and Italian coffee. We had reservations for dinner at the pizza restaurant next to our hotel.
QC Therme Mone Bianco facilities
There was definitely enough to keep us busy for several hours. Different thermal pools, cold /hot for feet walking over pebbles, sensory deprivation in 0 gravity, outdoor pools with 0 gravity, lots of different jet pools, misting rooms, bath tables with water that dropped down, feet jets, body jets, and lunch. This was the best meal on trip, but closed 15 minutes after we got there. We raced to get enough food before they took it away. The lasagne was divine! We had to quickly change to catch the bus to get back in time to get to our massage. We all took the bus back, but Kerrie and I got off 1 stop early for massages.
Thunderstorms came through in afternoon which was a wonderful backdrop to my combo Thai/Swedish massage. The massage was combined with healthy doses of something like Tiger Balm that was so strong and burning it almost hurt. My massagist was a big girl and one really felt it when she climbed on. She even did my stomach, which, after such a big meal at the thermal baths, I was concerned about. She was quite skilled in that, even though I was as bloated as a whale, her method helped with my digestion.
We had a quick walk through town yesterday and today to get a feel for the ambience. Others took cable cars up to the aguille du midi - the point where France (Chamonix) meets Courmeyeur, Italy. They could have take the cable car all the way over the glacier and down to Chamonix and missed the second half of our hike! Even with the storms, they seemed to have wonderful views and Lisa and I plan to do this from the French side upon completion of our hike.
Dinner is at the pizza place. I made dinner reservations for 7 people and 8 eventually showed up. I really wasn't hungry at all, but ended up having mediocre spaghetti bolognese. Others seemed to like the pizza and took back the left overs for lunch, breaking the monotony of ham and cheese sandwiches.
Good and bad things about a rest day. Good that we needed a rest. Bad that the next phase of our trek is higher elevation gains and this is the rest before harder work.
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