Whereas the Tour du Mont Blanc is demanding, it’s not a very tough 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 simple, with numerous little breaks.
For lengthy climbs, regular, smaller steps are greatest. The path may very well 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 simple: Simply comply with the blue dot. And I obtained good use out of a top-quality printed map. (I’d spend time the evening earlier than studying up on the hike and familiarizing myself with the path on the map.)
Whereas the climate forecast appeared 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 had been climbing in a giant circle round a giant clump of mountains and sleeping in charming cities every evening, day-after-day gave the impression 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 images, 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.
