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 sensible to be proactive about well being and security. Listed below are some suggestions I realized alongside the way in which:
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 sneakers. I used to be by no means so grateful for a wool cap in Europe.
I used to be skeptical about lots of “good concepts,” however two issues I ultimately 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 an amazing worth).
I need to say, if the climate turned dangerous and it rained laborious, I feel a lot of the path would develop into no enjoyable in any respect. In actual fact, it could be harmful. Climbing poles are important, and even in excellent climate, I might have been frightened a few stumble with out my very own trusty set.
Eat a stable breakfast. The at some point 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 frolicked all through the day ensuring I didn’t tighten up. Crucial!
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 bought one on function within the final two hours.
Good gear, good and proactive methods to remain wholesome, stretching, and taking it simple… all of it labored simply nice.
I’ll be sharing extra photographs, 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.
