Kelly Holland

After an hour of chaos and a flailing attempt to navigate the streets of Paris (including a serious bottoming out of the rental car….apparently the Pugeot doesn’t hop the bus lane mediums so well after all) Rach and I survived and made it to the A6. Five hours later we pulled into Chamonix and picked up Papa Burks. We stuck around for a couple beers and a coke at the Chambre Neuf before heading to Courmayeur, Italy. The Alps never cease to amaze me, and it felt so good to be back.

 As normal, Jacapo welcomed us with open arms and his usual Italian hospitality. We ate at the best little pizza joint in all the world before dropping off Papa Burks at the cutest little hotel in all the world (front and center view of Monte Bianco)….then Rach and I crashed with Jacapo at his lovely apartment. 

After a croissant and coffee this morning we decided to do some canyoneering….a pleasant, and unexpected surprise. I never expected to be canyoneering in Italy, but low and behold….we were. And it was amazing. Jacapo drove us about an hour toward Aosta and meandered up a small canyon. We threw on the wet suits, hiked ten minutes, and rappelled into a beautiful canyon and river….waterfalls, cliff jumps, natural water slides, and crystal clear water. It was awesome….and something that I’d never done. We topped off the day with a rappel from a super high bridge into the river….it terrified me, but I’m stoked that I did it. Jacapo is a great guide, easy to trust, and so much fun. He gave us a great day!