At 66, I felt a bit like the daddy of the climbing neighborhood once I hiked round Mont Blanc earlier this fall. However the Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any moderately match hiker, and there have been loads of folks on the path who have been older than me.
For complete novices like Shelley and me, it’s clever to be proactive about well being and security. Listed here are some suggestions I discovered alongside the way in which:
Good boots, liner socks, slippery powder, and moleskin for tender pores and skin are important. We type of grew to become gear geeks — investing in good day luggage (Osprey), woolen garments (socks, underwear, shirts), and nice climbing sneakers. I used to be by no means so grateful for a wool cap in Europe.
I used to be skeptical about quite a lot of “good concepts,” however two issues I finally appreciated have been a every day baggie of path combine and my metallic water bottle. (I complained about its steep $40 price ticket…however quickly got here to acknowledge it was a terrific worth).
I need to say, if the climate turned dangerous and it rained laborious, I feel a lot of the path would change into no enjoyable in any respect. Actually, it could be harmful. Mountaineering poles are important, and even in good climate, I’d have been apprehensive a couple of stumble with out my very own trusty set.
Eat a strong breakfast. The sooner or later we had breakfast with no protein, climbing was more durable.
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 frolicked 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 the whole TMB hike with out a blister — after which simply acquired 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 pictures, tales, and suggestions from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Night time Journey. Need to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.
