It’s been a long two days in the driving seat, it turns out the Alps are a long way from the UK but at 5pm we roll into Bellevue Campsite in Les Houches. Dark, brooding, rain filled clouds are hanging low over the Chamonix valley cloaking the mountains. The atmosphere is still and electrified, awaiting the coming storm. The driving has stopped but walking the Tour du Mont Blanc is just about to begin. I’m tired but excited in equal measure and I can’t wait for the next twelve days.
Getting to this point has taken much longer than two days driving however. For decades the TMB has been on my ‘To Do’ list of classic long distance walks that I need to complete before time and tide wash me away.
Eight years ago I was packed and ready to go but illness intervened and it was put on hold. Tonight though, my old walking buddy Steve and I are packing our rucksacks and finally getting ready to walk what has to be one of the finest, classic multi day walks in the world.
The weather forecast isn’t good, at least for the first couple of days but as we are packing the cloud breaks and sunlight streams through, lighting up the ridges of the Mont Blanc Massif with soft golden evening light and giving us a tiny glimpse of the scenery that awaits us. It doesn’t last long but it’s enough to quicken our spirits in anticipation for the morning.
Within hours the storm arrives and I lie awake in the camper, listening to torrential rain hammering down on the roof. Huge, rumbling peals of thunder roll incessantly from one end of the sky to the other in great waves of noise and lightning flashes with the regularity of a lighthouse through the curtains. I have heard the term ‘rolling thunder’ but had never experienced it until now.
To Read More About My Hike Along The TMB Click Here
I go to sleep thinking I may pack my waterproof over-trousers after all.
Hi Jim – I am glad that I now receive your email updates, they are indeed inspiring and well written. Keep ’em coming!
Thank you Dave amd I’m glad you are enjoying them. I enjoy writing them and it’s nice to get some feedback on how they are received
Looking forward to reading your posts on your epic walk after following it on Instagram. 👍
Thanks Mike, it always takes me a while to write my walks up whereas Insta can be done as it’s happening. I do enjoy it as I get to experience the walk again in my head and learn much more about the route when writing it up. 👍
It does take to write up a post especially for a big trip like that. But, as you say, it gives you a chance to revisit the experience
Oh, dear! I hope it all turns out well. That thunder sounded ominous, but the mountains are so beautiful, Jim. I’ll be watching your every step 🤗💙
Thank Jo, I’m writing it all up post trek and enjoying reliving the journey
That’s good to hear. I suspected it was the case as I’ve seen some of the lovely videos. It lived up to expectation, then? 🤗🩵
Very much and we were very fortunate with the weather in the end. It always takes me a while to write up my walks whereas Instagram can be done as it happens!
I often have a mismatch between the two because, as you said, it takes a while for the writing to take place. Lovely to relive though 🩵
Oh the light on those mountains though, so elemental
These mountains are so amazing. Anita
Thank you Anita, the light on them was special
Looking forward to reading about it! Maggie