I believe it was Christmas 2018 (or maybe 2019) that I got Brittany a puzzle as a gift. We had been kicking around some potential international travel destination ideas and Portugal was solidly in the top three. As we put the puzzle together, it was fun to talk and plan for a future trip. We…
It’s now Day 6 of this Portugal adventure and I’m finding it impossible to neatly summarize my experience and impressions. Some of the people, places, and things slot perfectly into what I expected yet there is plenty that for one reason or another surprise me. I think what’s thrown me for a loop is that…
I admittedly know very little about Geneva, except for its association with the United Nations, Red Cross, and as a financial center. We had almost a full day to try and immerse ourselves into the city and get a better sense of its character. The Old City is full of reminders of its key role…
We are back at our starting location of Les Houches, but I’ll try to catch you all up on yesterday’s happenings. It took about an hour to wind our way through Montroc back to the trail, but it was to be a relatively short day anyway, so no worries. We paid our respects to the…
Today’s route up to our last Refuge.
It was my plan to wait until our last day of the tour, but I was so overcome with pride at how Brittany devoured the tough climb up to the Fenetre d’Arpette (the highest point on the TMB), that I decided to not delay. I am so fortunate to have discovered a life partner that…
It takes a few days/nights to get used to the rhythm and flow of dortoir (dormitory) accommodations. Once you realize everyone is in the same situation, it clicks. We’ve only really had one awkward situation.
We didn’t stay at all of these, and there are others on the camera. So many different types of accommodations…most good. It’s been fun comparing notes with other TMBers over dinner or breakfast.
Just a few images taken of villages and buildings. Anybody know what these are?
No real narrative for these…just a mix of photos. This flower might be a bit over-fertilized. There was a true connection happening here. Too bad our path was to the right. Apparently, the other way had free candy! Don’t eat the red mushrooms! But they look so tasty. I want one of these in my…
Ran across these two this morning. They are one of the few we’ve encountered going clockwise…and are only about to start Day 3. Free camping is not allowed in Switzerland, but I admire their spirit, and the flag cracks me up.
Back in France…and it feels good. C’est bon! A short hiking day. After chugging up the 3000+ climb from Triente to Col de Balme, we have descended into the head of the Valley de l’Arve…to Gite Le Moulin in Montroc. As you can see from the photo of the Refuge Du Col De Balme, there…
Glorious (and wholly unexpected) weather yesterday enabled us to take the high variente from Relais d’Arpette across the Fenetre d’Arpette to Triente. On the descent, we were treated to many spectacular views of the glacier. We probably took over a hundred photos, and look forward to browsing through them once home. Another enjoyable evening chatting…
No more “buonjiorno”. I probably wasn’t pronouncing it correctly anyway. With lighter packs and a fantastic lunch at Refugio Elena, we made short work of Grand Col Ferret. Unfortunately, we were in rain and fog for the whole day. We had to mostly imagine the views. Here we are with our Quebecois friend, Simon. You…
Yesterday we treated ourselves to an unplanned day off-trail. Strolling along sunny picturesque Old World stone-paved streets, lazy cups of coffee, and window shopping. The trade-off is that we will be skipping the section between Courmayeur and Rifugio Bonatti. Seeing as there is quite a bit of clouds/fog today, I think we made the right…
Exploring the Rugged & Wild
Climbing
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