Sept 8th 2022
Feeling surprisingly good – no out of the ordinary aches and pains considering we’ve been actively hiking since the last day of August we meet outside the Auberge for our briefing . The weather which, as you remember can change within seconds is surprisingly good compared to the misty overcast of last night. Hot too.
Where to today Sebastiân ?
Glaciers , Peaks & Mont Blanc ! The route we take today is again dependent on weather. Usually we make our way to the Col de Balme along a variant of the TMB trail with impressive views of the Glacier du Trient and Glacier des Grande. This route has some small scrambly sections and boulders to navigate but the views make it well worth the effort.
Depending on the route taken there may be some short alternative sections on ladders. I have spent a lot of time, considering and researching how I feel about this section. I think that my recent affliction by late onset common sense means I would take the original TMB route across the Col de Balme – luckily this was the route today anyway.
Col de Balme . Its special and not gripping onto ladders those ladders while you have a firm word with yourself about vertigo means you have time to get your camera at the ready as you are afforded a fabulous view out over the Mont Blanc chain.
We will be able to take some impressive pictures of “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. Crossing the “Grand Balcon” by the “Aiguilles Rouges”, (or the Red Needles). You’re also afforded different views out over the Mont Blanc massif. approx 18km, 1900m/6233ft ascent, 870m/2854ft descent.
The ladders – I’m pretty sure they won’t be as draconian as I expect. Maybe I’ll try that next time. Completing this first TMB will give me the confidence of realistic experience.
So ….. my view at the start of todays hike. Happy with this ….
And the view I’d have had on “the ladder variant” ….. to be fair, this photo exaggerates the risk as it’s a fairly shallow gradient that uses these bolted on wooden planks at the beginning . Honest. 
After a novel commute a short walk to the early Telécabine – THIS is such a cool start.
And the rest is just a 9 ladder series – I feel as if talking myself into it next time ?
With Seb and Kakai looking chipper
It’s another 1000m ascent – on top of the 2000m we are already at – up good tracks to the Mountain ridge that divides Switzerland and France . As the Fitbit readout shows I’m still getting Swisscom mobile signal and 310 floors ( 3000 ft ) ,10k ascent and 2000 calories used by 11.00am ….
And finally …… slightly breathless…with a fierce wind …. Blowing cold off the Mont Blanc massif we arrive at this legendary refuge .
The air is thin but the sight of the refuge is very welcome – looks like I’m security 
…… a breezy warming hot chocolate is what’s called for
As we produce a handy chair for this lovely family photo, which I know will be one of my favorites across the years . 
Lots of photo ops and stopping for lunch that chilled us all down after such effort earlier.
so it’s handy that this trail of all trails caters for day hikers with some Uber-Picturesque cafes
Before we leave, I ask Sebastian to point out exactly what we’re looking at. He points out the famous Glaciers and peaks, including the fabulous Mont Blanc . It’s great to hear him doing this again.
We put on extra layers and those extraordinary Down Filled jackets – Any minute back in France – we are sorry to leave Switzerland it’s been a pleasure.
We have developed our own layering method which is thin, lightweight waterproof over a down jacket. Gives us lots of choices against cold, wet and cold dry weather. It’s just one of many things I love about this trail. The never ending variance of weather, vistas, and experience.
And back into France !
A prime example of how fast it can go from white out to clear ….. in 30 seconds as Mont Blanc is revealed to gale force winds .
And so downhill into the first part of the long valley that leads towards Chamonix
You can see who’s got energy or a desire maybe to not walk as Lara & Luke do the TMB ASS Slalom 
He did a few of these including a type of down hill jog that took the pressure of his knees ! This was in fact copied by a few of our team and seems to work .
We spot our village for the night
And welcome the peace and shelter of Montroc – Le Planet
A memorable day anf a ton of steps – plus a huge amount of ascent / descent recorded – sleep is not an issue . X
Xxxxx