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

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.

Next vacation has been confirmed

This year will be a little different from the previous; instead of one big vacation I am planning on going on two (maybe three, depending on my financial situation during spring) smaller vacations. The first one has already been bought and confirmed and the itinerary will be the following:

21st of June

Departure from Copenhagen to Geneva, and bus (or whatever I will be able to find) to Chamonix.

21st - 30th of June

Hiking in the Alps, circling the Mont Blanc massif. The route will be Chamonix (arrival from airport) - Les Contamines - Les Chapieux - Courmayeur (Italy) - staying in Courmayeur for local activities - Val Ferret (Italy) - Champex (Switzerland) - Trient - Chamonix - Chamonix (departure).

30th of June

Back to Copenhagen, also from Geneva.

A small and manageable trip - let's see if I think the same after the first couple of days of hiking (average distance per day (excluding the rest day) is app. 18km).