30th - Homecomings

Being back home and having had a chance to look back I can say that this was an absolutely cracking vacation. Despite it being a very tough walk at times it was very rewarding and I didn’t really experience pain at any time other than the general soreness from walking so much. Also it helped being part of such a great group; there was a great dynamic and everyone where really friendly.

It has also been an eye-opener for me; I used this as training for my trip to Russia the 14^th of July, and I expect that to be harder (mostly slightly shorter days, but at a much higher altitude and carrying more gear), so it was good to get a feel of what I am capable of and getting the body used to that kind of stress. I am optimistic, but slightly nervous. Let’s see how it goes…

Right now have my usual post-vacation issues I need to handle; getting things sorted and convincing myself that this vacation is over and I have to get back to my daily mundane tasks. To be honest I would have preferred being on TMB with the group right now, being all sore and sweating from places I didn’t know existed rather than being here and relaxing.

I think I got to say thanks and goodbye to everyone in the group when leaving, but if not, here goes; Thank you Keri, Larni, Rebecca, Jules, Melina, Elvina, Tze, Gail, Louise, Marc and Carina for being such an outstanding group!  And not to forget; thank you Alistair for being our guide – great work considering it was your first trip on TMB. You were all awesome and I hope that we some time in the future meet again. I will without a doubt miss you all!

29th - Trient – Chamonix

Today, coming back to Chamonix was a relatively short day.

After getting lunch at a supermarket we left for what would be the last day on the trek.

The plan was simple enough; ascend to Col de Balme and from there descend to Montroc in the Chamonix valley from where we would have a 20 minute bus ride back to the hotel. Simple as that! Well, did I forget to mention the 1000m ascend to the Col with same weather conditions as yesterday?

It was a tough walk, no doubt, but when we finally arrived at the Col early noon we had a magnificent view of the valley and Mont Blanc (unfortunately clouds where covering the summit). The Col was also the border between Switzerland and France. Here we had our lunch break, a comfortably long one, even. Afterwards we did a brisk descent; the knowledge that the hotel was not very far probably added a little to the speed.

Even if it meant that the trip was over, it was nice being back to the hotel; Wi-Fi, real showers and real beds. Despite everything it felt good being back.

Morning view in the Alps.

Jules enjoying his lunch.

Our guide working hard.

The view from Col de Balme with Chamonix in the middle.

Mont Blanc

28th - La Fouly – Trient

Today was really, really hard.

With that out of the way I can start from the beginning.

The day started as usual with breakfast and lunch packs and we soon left to ride a bus for app. 20 minutes. We had a gentle walk of a couple of hours before arriving in Champex. A small town, but it had a nice small lake at its center where we chose to have a break. The town was surrounded by mountains making it feel like it was completely isolated. From here we were told it would be a walk with gradual ascents and descents with a walk along a traverse with beautiful views. The part with traverse and views was correct. The other… not so much.

We fairly quickly ended up in an ascent that consisted of walking on rocks, preventing us from getting any steady rhythm going. On top of that it was at times very steep and also, as we were walking through a forest and the temperature was rising, it was very humid. After a couple of hours like this we finally made it to the top – or rather it opened up and got much less steep. We had reached the path called Bovine Way, one that went through beautiful grassy meadows and hills.

After a couple of much needed breaks (one including a delicious carrot cake!) we continued and descended down along some very steep paths.

We finally arrived at our destination in Trient. Here we were finally able to get some real resting going after the day’s walk.

Gotten a couple of blisters too, today. Crap.

Break in Champex

The lake in Champex

Lunch break before the big ascent.

A view from the Bovine Way

Pink(!) church in Trient

Accomodations. Despite being on the floor there were absolutely no problems falling asleep after today...

27th - Rifugio Bonatti – La Fouly

Despite the threatening clouds yesterday we had a clear sky when wakening up this morning and the forecast for the rest of the trek seemed promising.

After the usual morning rituals (breakfast, buying lunch packs) we were off; we descended down to the bottom of the valley (Val Ferret), and after a short break we began working us upwards to Grand Col Ferret (2537m) which also indicates the border between Italy and Switzerland. Half way we had a short stop at Refugio Elena.

After our lunch break on the Col we started a long gentle ascent down to Hamlet of Ferret (1705m). A short break later we continued down to the Swiss Val Ferret, taking us through the village of Ferret and finally to our destination, La Fouly.

A nice place (cramped sleeping quarters, though) with a great dinner. And Wi-Fi. Woo!

Tai Chi in the morning.

A break in the bottom of Val Ferret.

On the way up to Rifugio Elena

Border between Italy and Switzerland. Italy to the left, Switzerland to the right.

Swiss flowerpot.

Arriving in Switzerland, in the middle of rolling green hills and flowers.

26th - Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti

Having had the rest day was apparently enough for the body to believe that it was all over so getting moving again in the morning was harder than expected.

But away we went and we started off with a steep ascent to Rifugio Bertone at 1970 meters, overlooking Courmayeur. As the day was to be a short one we stayed here for a while, just relaxing and enjoying the view. Continuing on we followed a balcony path facing the Mont Blanc range, but today unfortunately the clouds were hanging quite low, preventing any chance of getting a decent shot.

A quick lunch break later we continued on, now with the occasional drizzle. It was a lot of on and off so it was hard for us to figure out whether to put on or take off our water proofs. I think most of us ended up putting it on and taking it off 2-3 times before arriving at our destination.

At app. 1430 we arrived at today’s destination, Rifugio Bonatti, a huge gite overlooking the Italian Val Ferret.

Now we’re just killing time, playing some games and hoping that the clouds will clear so some decent shots can be taken. Please?

Looking down on Courmayeur

a-HA! Danish influence!

The Mont Blanc tunnel. We found out that for 16 euros you could take a bus and go through and end in Chamonix in 40 minutes.

Lunch break.

The dorms. It all seemed very new and nice.

25th - Courmayeur

Today was a rest day and after a good night’s sleep a few people from the group got together and went into Courmayeur. Relatively quickly we found a bar with Wi-Fi. We mixed it up a little with walking around in the center of town having lunch and finding a crepes place, but we tended to end up in the bar afterwards every time.

After this obviously very tough day we came back to the hotel for dinner.

I have a small feeling that the next couple of days might get a little harder than this. Just maybe…

24th - Vallée des Glaciers – Courmayeur

Waking up we were greeted by a cold morning; situated in the bottom of a valley the sun wouldn’t reach the gite until later, and at that time we were already on our way to our next destination.

Fun fact; despite now being in Italy, the gite we stayed in was owned by French. There has been no indicators that we have crossed into another country.

We soon reached Col de la Seigne (2516m) from where we had a great view of the valley we were aiming for. We had lunch at Rifugio Elisabetta which consisted of lunch packs bought this morning. Despite the unimpressive breakfast the lunch was actually OK.

Afterwards we continued downwards where we soon had the choice of taking a flat and easy route, or taking a high path which would give views of the Mont Blanc range. By democratic vote we took the high route which started off with a steep ascent and leveled off with a gentle descent. On the way down we had to cross several steep patches of snow – some of them more interesting than others.

Finishing off with a short drive we ended in Courmayeur at a beautiful hotel with just as beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Tomorrow is a rest day so we will be spending the day relaxing in Courmayeur or whatever we decide to do.

I apparently suck at applying sunscreen. Standing in the hot shower my skin did in some places feel slightly… sore.

The view from the gite in the morning.

Looking down on the gite, 40 minutes after departure.

Marmot. There were quite a few of these, and this crossed the path just as I walked by.

  

Standing at Elisabetta looking down into the valley we were heading to.

Probably the hardest crossing on the trek; steep snow and a very not so well defined path.

After struggling with getting across it was depressing to afterwards see a guy get his bike up on his back and just wander across.

Domesticated north-norwegian wolf (I think it was). Beautiful, but you always had the feeling it was checking you out. Amazing eyes, but just by looking at you you got the urge to check if you still had all fingers intact...

23rd - Nant Borant – Vallée des Glaciers

This day will be remembered for two things: we met there bikers on the trail (crazy bastards) and an amazing chocolate cake for lunch.

We started the day with a simple breakfast before leaving at 0800. The plan of the day was to ascend app. 1000m from the 1500 meters we started and then descend again app. 900 meters.

We ascended on snow, making process slow but with a nice variation from yesterday. We crossed Col du Croix du Bonhomme, and at some point when descending around 100 meters to Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme we crossed the border to Italy. Here we had our lunch; delicious pasta and an amazingly big piece of chocolate cake with raspberry jam. Yum!

High on sugar the next 800 meters down did not lack any energy at all, though the thighs and calves were beginning to be a little sore.

We were supposed to spend the night in Les Chapieux, but as they had run out of space we were transferred to Refuge des Mottes in Vallée des Glaciers. We were sent there by car, a pleasant piece of luxury, cutting off 5km of tomorrow, the trek’s longest day.

Yesterday my body tried convincing me going back home to my sofa. Now it seems to have understood that that isn’t an option and now just keeps moving forward. Must be a good sign. Still hard work, though.

Can't get tired of the view...

Getting ready for walking on the snow...

On our way...

Col du Bonhomme.

Biker!

Sleeping quarters.

22nd - Chamonix - Nant Borant

We started with a bus ride to Les Houches and from there a cable car to Bellevue. Here we started the trek with a gentle ascent before descending to cross a suspension bridge after which we did our first (of many) long steep ascent. This brought us to Col du Tricot from where we descended to Chalet Miage where we had our lunch.

One of the groups there stated that Tour du Mont Blanc is harder than Kilimanjaro. A slight nervousness can be felt but it makes sense – this trip is already being a challenge and we will be going on for longer than on Kili. Maybe I have underestimated this trip a little? Oh, well…

Continuing we ascended and descended once more, placing us in Les Contamines. Here we had a short break before moving on for a couple of hours to Nant Borant at our first gite (pronounced [zhiit]). A gite is basically a simple hotel which contains sleeping quarters (mostly dorms of varying sizes), a kitchen and dining room. The places are run by people, so as long as you have made the necessary reservations, things will be taken care of for you.

It will be interesting how I feel tomorrow – I fear I will be feeling worn and broken. But there is only one way and that is forward.

Considering the difficulties I am beginning to think that Russia will be a far greater challenge than first expected.

It’s not even 2100 and people are already ready for bed. That feels a little weird.

The "before"-photo. Oh, we look so happy and naiive...

Crossing the bridge.

Ah, the view.

Ah, the weiv.

First night's accommodation.

21st - Arrival in Chamonix

I crashed at my sister’s who lives close to the airport, so from getting out of bed and arriving at the hotel in Chamonix was fairly easy. I flew to Geneva from where I travelled with a taxi service that brought me straight to the door. Easy peasy.

Safely arrived at Chamonix I realized that most shops are closed in the middle of the day, giving me a good reason for having lunch and just wandering around. Ended up buying the boots, crampons and gaiters for the trip to Russia – far from everything, but at least the major things have been acquired.

We are leaving at 0800 tomorrow morning, catching a bus to start off with but expecting that the trek will be harder than just sitting in a bus…

Outside there is some kind of music festival and someone’s playing some quite loud music. Well – calling it music would be an offence to music. They are growling – loud and bad. Can’t they go somewhere else? Please?

We are 12 in the group; 6 Canadians, one Scot, one American, one Aussie, two Kiwis and me. Our guide is a Scot, too – little strange as this is the first Gap trip I am participating in where they don’t use a local resource. I assume it’s due to lack of locals, but it doesn’t really matter as he seems really cool and laid back. And he hasn’t done the trek before, either, so he’s just as excited as us. This will be interesting.

According to the plan we should have spent the night in Les Chapieux the day after tomorrow but because they have run out of room we will be getting a lift to Vallée des Glaciers, 5 km further ahead instead where they will have room for us. A little cheating, maybe, but it means that the following day which is by far the longest will be slightly shortened.

Weekend safaris in Sri Lanka

The 2^nd to the 19^th of June I went on a business trip to Sri Lanka to visit our office located in Colombo. As I was working normal hours I had the weekend by myself. I looked into any activities I could do during the down time, and fairly quickly I realized that Sri Lanka had a national park down south with quite a lot of wildlife. Apparently they have one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.

So the choice was basically made for me, so the two weekends of the 9^th – 10^th and the 16^th – 17^th I got up early Saturday, drove to Yala National Park and arrived at lunch time (I had a driver, no way I was to drive by myself in Sri Lanka. It is said that the only place worse driving than Sri Lanka is India, and that says quite a lot!), had lunch and a game drive, back to the camp where dinner was served, relaxation until the next morning where we had an early game drive, back for breakfast and ending with being brought to a pickup point where I would then be driven back to Colombo. It was two fantastic weekends to get away from the city’s intensity.

The first weekend I was alone in the camp and the second a colleague joined me after seeing the photos I had taken on the first trip and also an English couple joined us.

Apparently, while we are out on the second weekend’s morning drive, a large male leopard came straight through our camp between my tent and the next in the row. It could have been interesting if it had happened when I was still present in the camp.

Young land monitor.

Tufted gray langur.

Jungle fowl.

Water buffalo and egret. 

Kingfisher.

Wild boars and the park's only (known) albino boar.

Leopard in the dusk.

Sloth bear.

White-bellied sea eagle.

Toque macaque monkey.

Jackal.

Orange-breasted green pigeon.

Leopard.

Lizard

Small snake visiting camp.