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Hexatrek

A 105-day adventure by philip Read more
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  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Tour de Mont Blanc.

    July 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    For the next couple of days we are on the same route as the TDMB walkers. Consequently very crowded but more facilities as well.
    We walked the first big climb, but could have taken the train. Very tempting.
    Majority are walking with day packs, which also looks nice.
    Big climb to start the day. Allen about a couple of hours behind us.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1

    les contamines

    July 20, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Beautiful day. left Chamonix at 7am. Allen stayed behind as his tent was being fixed and no ready until 9.30.
    Long morning of climbing. Hit the high point about 12.30.
    Heaps of people walking. Sharing the route with day walkers and Round Mt Blanc walkers. One more day and should get quieter.
    Heading to some big hills. think one of the passes is @2800m.
    Alan about a couple of hours behind. No doubt we will see him tomorrow night.
    A couple of photos from Chamonix yesterday and our walk today. Photos all a bit same same today. Hopefully can do better tomorrow.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Les Contamines

    July 21, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Ended up booking into a chalet for the nights. Weekends in campgrounds aren't great.
    Caught a shuttle bus to avoid 4km road walking.
    Then long climb of about 1400m. It was not too bad, but some TDMB walkers looked puffed.
    After lunch headed off in a different direction so nice to leave the people behind. Some great views in the afternoon.
    Camped after a refuge. Allen not far behind us now. Photo of cows with mobile milking plant.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Landry

    July 22, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Started walking in the cloud. under estimated today. Big climb to 2400 metres.
    Allen caught us at the top of the climb.
    Stopped at refuge for lunch. 100km runners going past. 9000m elevation climbs and 60% do not finish. looked brutal.
    Long afternoon descending. 29km day so pretty shattered. will aim for an easier day today as we climb up towards the ski fields of Tignes.
    We head into a very remote area with a 3000 metre pass so might have limited coverage.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1

    Nancroix

    July 23, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    lazy day today after 2 big days. didn't get in last night until 7pm so started late today. Steady walk up through forest to a lovely town called Piesey Villandry.
    Long lunch including raclette and then another 3km to campground. Nice to get there early and get washing done.
    Tomorrow we head high but thunderstorms are forecast so probably just a 13km day. 1100m climb. only 5m down all day.
    We stay high for several days so want fine weather.
    Video from the other day in Chamonix.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    No movement

    July 24, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌩️ 16 °C

    Big thunderstorm from 3am until midday. We stayed put as didn't want to venture high. Walked along to nice restaurant for lunch.
    More thunder and hail tonight. Just hoping the tents are ok.
    Back into it tomorrow no matter what. Gulp.
    We can't free camp in the next area but has to be near refuge. bit concerned as they can be full.
    3 people walked in last night at 8.30pm. Had just done 42km    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    11

    Tignes

    July 25, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌫 10 °C

    Finally underway again. another big thunderstorm with hail in the night.
    Steady climb all morning up to high col and then dropped down into Tigne. Pretty commercial place but lots of empty shops. Certainly not the pretty French ski village.
    Another big climb and then down to Refuge de la Leisse. Booked a bivouac site as you can't camp in Vanoise National Park.
    Also saw lots of marmots.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Pralognan

    July 26, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    Great night in the refuge. Snowed in the night so very cold in the tent. All our clothes on and zips etc frozen in the morning.
    They had a band touring the refuges including carrying their instruments.
    Cold walk over a high col and down past ski field to Pralagnan. Lovely little town. Reminded me of Wanaka. Camped at campground.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Part 2

    July 27, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Steady climb down. Allen got stuck behind a group of Italians.
    Dinner at lovely hamlet and then wild camped.
    Planning session at bivouac. Some big decisions discussed.

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1
    1

    Choices

    July 28, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Bit of a milestone today. We reached 1000 km at Modane. Thought there was a sign but nothing.
    We have also decided to change our next route. Hexatrek takes the very scenic and high route through the Southern Alps.
    We have decided to take the shorter GR5 route to Nice and then rejoin the Hexatrek for the Pyrenees. Allen has gone on with the original route.
    We have mixed emotions on this but are keen to give our knees a few easier days now and then and also give us a bit more time to explore and hopefully catch Harry.
    The current plan is to meet Allen and Alex in Toulouse for the opening game of the World Cup in a French bar.
    We have now been walking for 7 weeks today with 5 rest days, including one forced on us by bad weather.
    Allen only had 3, which is an amazing achievement.
    Hopefully, Allen can send through some updates so we can see his progress.
    Should be in Nice in about 15-20 days.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Col de Chaviere Part 1

    July 28, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Fantastic day today as we climbed to our highest pass at 2800m. Beautiful day. Lots of people.
    Big climb which took all morning. About 1400m up from memory.

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1

    Bonjourno

    July 29, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Today it felt like we crossed into Italy. Went over a pass and everyone speaking Italian.
    3 hour climb to Col this morning and then descent down to a refuge for late lunch. Polenta and sausages seem to be the special in this area.
    Then another steep climb. Bivouac near the top.
    Just met a Belgium adventurer walking past. trying to walk to length of the Alps with no resupply. Carrying 40kg pack with food for @35 days.
    Now in tent at 8pm in big thunderstorm. Quite exposed so hoping tent will be ok.
    No word from Allen tonight but had great day yesterday.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    12

    Italy for a beer

    July 30, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Headed off at 7am after a disruptive night. lots of thunder and rain. a few drips as well unfortunately.
    Arrived in Plampinet about 10am. Lovely town but too early for food so coffee and bagette.
    Long climb up and down in afternoon. i was pretty exhausted.
    Took a wrong turn near the bottom and ended up in Italy😄. So bought a beer and walked back into France. Stayed in lovely ski village called Montgenevre. like to go back and ski.
    Allen going well. loving the high mountains. Hopefully some photos soon.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1

    Briancon

    July 31, 2023 in France

    Have decided i can't compete with Allen with lake photos so a few from villages. My favourite is the couple kissing.... not staged.
    Briancon is a fort city guarding a pass. Walked through after coffee and then steep climb where we camped below a col. unfortunately not flat so limited sleepRead more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Update from Allen.

    July 31, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Meanwhile back on the Hexatrek .....Last couple of days in the northern section of the Alps was great. Meandering from beautiful glacial lac to glacial lac with a trip up the legendary Mt Thabor thrown in.
    Crossed into the southern section of the Alps at Col de Galibier / Col du Lautaret, legendary among cyclists as the pass of the Alps most often taken by the Tour de France Peloton (motorbikes & sports car enthusiasts like it also).
    Currently in Les Ecrins national park, which is just beautiful. Even being bailed up by a massive dog protecting a mob of sheep didn't put me off - no photos, was concentrating on self preservation, had to go back & cross a river to get around.
    Catching up on myself in Vallouise at the moment, a busy alpine town a bit like a smaller Chamonix. Big day with a 1600m climb tomorrow    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    1

    Col fromage

    August 1, 2023 in France

    After limited sleep a big day. Probably about 28km with a 4.5 hour climb in the afternoon.
    Passed through another fort city.
    After pizza and beer we tackled the big climb. We were able to camp right on top of the col so a nice change.
    Think we will aim for short day tomorrow. Unfortunately resupply is an issue. Limited options in the villages.
    Picture of person by tent is how we feel most days😄    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    111

    Lac St Anne

    August 2, 2023 in France

    Had a shorter day today. Couple of hours into town called Ceillac. Lovely ski town. Ended up there for 2 hours. Visited both boulangerie and a cafe.
    Steep climb to follow. Up to Lac Mirroir for lunch. Very crowded.
    Then up to Lac St Anne.
    Watched a shepherd ride up and bring sheep and goats home. The sheep are protected by dogs called Patou. Collars made of metal with spikes. Can be very ferocious.
    Really windy night.... not forecast. Very little sleep    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    3

    St Paul sur Ubaye

    August 3, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Tent survived just. We built a wall around which helped.
    1 hour to top of Col and then 4 hours down.
    We have walked off route to resupply. Gites are available but generally only offer a bed and evening meal so having to carry more food.
    Went through a couple of lovely old towns. now in campground trying to charge everything.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler
    11

    Update from Allen

    August 3, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    I really enjoyed Vallouise, dragged myself away about 11am yesterday. It's a lovely alpine town, quite an arty/artisan type place, hanging on to traditional/ heritage values as much as they can. None of the retail extravaganza of Chamonix. Vallouise festival is on this weekend if you feel like a change of scene.
    Les Ecrins national park is stunningly beautiful but quite tiring, lots of up & lots of down.
    Recovering over a beer at Refuge du Clot atm, will bivouac here & do the dinner. Did the same at Refuge du pre de la Chaumette kast night. I quite like the free bivouac & options for shower, meal, etc
    Could be quite a big day tomorrow, hope to get to Serveille-Bergererie bivouac area tomorrow    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    More hail and snow

    August 4, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Had a great day with lots going on.
    Steep climb for 2 hours to get back on GR5 route. Lovely valley climbing up but had to wait for sheep and patou to cross.
    Lunch in the sun. 30 minutes later hail and thunder and then snow.
    Waited in an old army post for weather to pass. Next col was called bad death in French. A climber was going to stay in barracks for the night. not for me.
    Stopped on way down to take coat off. immediately a patou ran down the hill to investigate. An amazing relationship. Sheep aren't scared of them and they are very protective. Apparently wolves have been an issue around here.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Bousieyas

    August 5, 2023 in France

    Another great day. Steady climb up to a beautiful lake. Finally got some competition for Allen.
    Then a steep climb up to high col. Very steep narrow track down. Wanted to video it but too scared. Second photo shows the face we came down.
    And then a road to also rival Allen. Highest road pass in Europe and a mecca for cyclists.
    Camped near gite and had dinner and breakfast there.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    St Etienne

    August 6, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    An easier day today. Just 5 hours walking. Think we are starting to get quite tired.
    Easy walk up to col and steep down to beautiful village.
    Then another col and long downhill to St Etienne. Very hot afternoon at campground.
    Saw a sign to Nice today. makes it feel close now.    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Update from Allen Part 1.

    August 7, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    [3/8, 7:27 pm] Allen Parsons France: Good on you. Been enjoying a beer with these lovely guys - Patrick & Patrice. We've been passing each other on & off the last few days. They speak as much English as I speak French & we get on great. Both retired & in their 60s (Patrick was farming) - a couple of old mates doing a trip in the alps.... One of those little human interactions that make your day & supercede even the grandeur of the Alps
    [5/8, 9:10 pm] Allen Parsons France: Meanwhile back on the Hexatrek ......till in des Ecrins National Park & still beautiful but also some very rugged, & steep, difficult terrain.
    Was quite taken with an area of slate (?) that was like something from a Game of Thrones set. Was raining when I went through, would be a bit nervy in high winds.
    Enjoyed the company of Patrick & Patrice these last few days - old mates, now retired, doing a multi day hike. Spoke as much English as I do French, but had a great time.
    And finally, tonight's bivouac spot.
    Need to time out for half a day to charge devices, resupply & catch up on general life stuff    Read more

  • philip caveHexatrekTraveler

    Allen Part 2

    August 7, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    Hi, I'm at Le Champ du Moulin campground 141km. Been an interesting day. Just after taking the photo of Lac du Lauvitel, I tripped as I turned around & sliced my little finger at the first join on a rock. Lots of blood but patched it up & walked the 8km to the campground, cleaned & bandaged it up, thinking nothing would be open on a Sunday. Anyway the woman at the campground phoned the medical centre at Les 2Alps & they said I should come in, in case it needed stitches. So a gondola ride up to Les 2Alps (very busy, commercial, tacky ski town), 4 stitches later & back down the gondola. I'll pick up a prescription tomorrow, they said I was ok to keep hiking but try not to fall over 😊. That was my day, hope yours was less eventfulRead more

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