At 66, I felt a bit like the daddy of the mountaineering group once I hiked round Mont Blanc earlier this fall. However the Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any fairly match hiker, and there have been loads of folks on the path who had been older than me.
For whole novices like Shelley and me, it’s smart to be proactive about well being and security. Listed here are some suggestions I realized alongside the best way:
Good boots, liner socks, slippery powder, and moleskin for tender pores and skin are important. We sort of turned gear geeks — investing in good day luggage (Osprey), woolen garments (socks, underwear, shirts), and nice mountaineering footwear. I used to be by no means so grateful for a wool cap in Europe.
I used to be skeptical about a whole lot of “good concepts,” however two issues I finally appreciated had been a each day baggie of path combine and my steel water bottle. (I complained about its steep $40 price ticket…however quickly got here to acknowledge it was a fantastic worth).
I need to say, if the climate turned dangerous and it rained laborious, I feel a lot of the path would turn into no enjoyable in any respect. In truth, it will be harmful. Mountaineering poles are important, and even in excellent climate, I’d have been fearful a couple of stumble with out my very own trusty set.
Eat a stable breakfast. The sooner or later we had breakfast with no protein, climbing was harder.
Placed on sunscreen, even when the climate’s dangerous.
After studying my lesson on different lengthy hikes, I made a decision to be non secular about stretching on the Tour du Mont Blanc from the beginning. I had a routine of six stretches and hung out all through the day ensuring I didn’t tighten up. Essential!
Don’t be a hero. If pores and skin is getting scorching, wrap it up. I did your complete TMB hike with out a blister — after which simply received one on function within the final two hours.
Good gear, sensible and proactive methods to remain wholesome, stretching, and taking it simple… all of it labored simply nice.
I’ll be sharing extra images, tales, and suggestions from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Evening Journey. Need to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.
