Whereas the Tour du Mont Blanc is demanding, it’s not a very troublesome hike. It’s simply lengthy, with numerous 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 numerous little breaks.
For lengthy climbs, regular, smaller steps are finest. The path might be actually rocky, and I can’t think about doing it with out climbing poles. The path indicators have been nice, and apps made staying on the path straightforward: Simply observe 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 freshmen, “We’re getting good at this.”
As we have been climbing in a giant circle round a giant clump of mountains and sleeping in charming cities every night time, daily appeared to be up and over a frightening mountain go. A nightly deal with was a stroll beneath a milky blanket of stars.
I’ll be sharing extra photographs, tales, and ideas from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Evening Journey. Wish to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.
