Whereas the Tour du Mont Blanc is demanding, it’s not a very tough hike. It’s simply lengthy, with a number of altitude achieve and loss, and at all times scenic. On my latest trek across the mountain with three associates, it appeared every of us had a weak spot: knees, toes, or lungs. For some, the problem was the uphill half, and for others (with weak knees), it was going downhill. We simply took it straightforward, with a number of little breaks.
For lengthy climbs, regular, smaller steps are greatest. The path might be actually rocky, and I can’t think about doing it with out climbing poles. The path indicators had been nice, and apps made staying on the path straightforward: Simply comply with the blue dot. And I acquired good use out of a top-quality printed map. (I’d spend time the night time earlier than studying up on the hike and familiarizing myself with the path on the map.)
Whereas the climate forecast seemed threatening, we hiked six days (in September, over the last week of the season) and, fortunately, had just one hour of rain. Nonetheless, every day we’d pack rain gear, and we’d add on and take off layers as we gained and misplaced altitude. After 4 days, we had it sorted out, and it occurred to us rank learners, “We’re getting good at this.”
As we had been climbing in a giant circle round a giant clump of mountains and sleeping in charming cities every night time, each day gave the impression to be up and over a frightening mountain cross. A nightly deal with was a stroll beneath a milky blanket of stars.
I’ll be sharing extra pictures, tales, and ideas from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Evening Journey. Need to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.
