It’s been two years since we hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and over 21 months since we last had the opportunity to spend a night away from our pack of dogs, so it was with great anticipating and much gratitude to our friend Lena that we set of from La Peuty to spend our first night under in canvas in so long. Our plan for the day was to follow the same route as had done during our TMB visit, hiking up and over the Col du Balme to enter France before crossing over the Auguille des Posettes, descending to the Col des Montets and then walking the Grand Balcon Sud route to reach Lac Chesery at 2211 metres altitude, a walk of around 17 kilometres with over 1800 metres of climbing….which is quite a lot when carrying a full overnight pack for the first time in 2 years. Not that we gave it much thought I have to say, although perhaps we should have.
Still, as much as it turned out to be a big physical challenge, with clear blue skies and amazing views (which you can see in the pictures) the day was incredible in almost every way. We had to change our route slightly since the Grand Balcon Sud was closed for repairs, but that only meant we got to try the official TMB route towards Lac Blanc which was equally impressive for different reasons; the ladders were especially fun. And as for camping out after so long, it was exhilarating. Cramped, slightly uncomfortable and a little damp….but wonderful fun. Especially the part where we got to wake up and eat breakfast in the still morning air watching the sun rise upon Europe’s highest mountain. Brilliant!
We took a slightly different route back to the camper after visiting Lac Blanc at 2400 metres where the still waters of the lake were like a mirror reflecting Lac Blanc across the valley. It was an incredible adventure and one we hope to repeat again in the future.
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