At Ferret there was a large group heading off with their luggage on mules. That seemed to us like a slow, smelly, and probably expensive alternative to either carrying one's gear oneself or paying for a portage service. The route follows a dirt road which winds up the hill to a cheese-making farm (with a yurt for hire).
 cows |
 approaching the Col Ferret |
 the Mont Blanc massif looms over the Col |
From there it's an easy climb up to the Grand Col Ferret, where we had lunch admiring the fantastic views.
The views continued as we descended, with hanging glaciers on the other side of the valley and some waterfalls and tumbling brooks and green meadows with flowers on our side.
 the track descends |
 a hanging glacier |
 Mark with mountains |
The track descends to Rifugio Elena, where there were hordes of people (it's at the roadhead) and then climbs up again on the east side of the valley before working its way along, with ups and downs, to Rifugio Bonatti.
Next: Rifugio Bonatti to Courmayeur
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