Chamonix/Day 1 Tour Du Mont Blanc

Friends again! We are luckily joined by our backpacking crew from back home. We planned this trip last October and it has finally come to fruition. Yeah! Chamonix is the place where all your mountain dreams come true. Having Mont Blanc as your backdrop instantly makes Chamonix world renowned. Mountaineers pilgrimage here to be inspired and challenge themselves. Paragliders litter the sky like fireflies in the night, twirling and howling their way to an epic landing.

Mont Blanc’s beauty demands your attention. It seemingly dares you to look away, if you can. I found myself walking backwards when not facing it and never tired of its grandeur and majesty. The town itself reminded me of Aspen. Touristy trinkets sparkle and dazzle and gelato 😋 calls my name like a siren to a sailor. I am quite smitten with Chamonix and wished we had stayed here for a couple of nights. Alas.

Today’s hike was long and hard, and so too will all the subsequent days be. We hiked from Les Houches to Notre Dame La Grange, which was 14 miles with a 3,600 foot climb, 3,000 foot descent, taking a total of six hours.

The day was rainy and cloud covered with the mountains occasionally peaking out to see who dares below. The clouds gave the mountains an awesomely ominous look and feel. The rain was somewhere between a mist and moderate and mostly felt good. I very much appreciated the cool weather.

The trail followed ski slopes, trails and roads and was quite crowded. We started the hike with a bit of a procession but it spaced out after a bit. A never ending series of bonjours and ca-va’s from all the friendly hikers we passed, who were all exactly where they wanted to be.

I feel wonderfully tired, satisfied and spiritually revived. God I love the mountains. We have arrived at our Airbnb, there is food to be eaten, wine to be drunk and stories to be shared. Until next time.Baca lagi