Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Hiking forever

So we spent more than our share of time on something like 6 trains to get to Chamonix and the first day here we spent 9hrs+ hiking up to Montagne de Blatiere and over to (and into) the Glace de Mer and back to town for a Guinness and a listen to a Partkinkerschin, (sp?) German traditional folk brass band. Unbelievable stuff. There's a folk festival going on today that we'll check out after we ride the cable car up to Aguille Du Midi (3842 meters). I'm here in an internet cafe listening to REO Speedwagon and Rush. So weird.