TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - DAY 1

 JUNE 4

Our tour begins. According to Freddy's itinerary, we are to take Brevent Telecabine from Chamonix (1,000m/3,280ft) to the Gares de Plan Praz (1,999m/6,558ft). For the rest of the day, we are to follow  the ridge of the Aiguille Rouges. After descending to the Col des Montets (1,461m/4,793ft), we are to continue to Gite le Moulin, a hut located in the small village of Montroc.

Freddy, a true Swiss, waits for us in the lobby of the Hotel de l'Arve and seems rather upset when we arrive 5 minutes late. We are ready to roll, however, the telecabine is not running and instead of an easy ride up the hill, we have to walk.

Above the tree line, the trail traverses numerous scree slopes.

We often stop  to admire the view of the Massif of Mont Blanc across the valley. High altitude clouds cover the summit of Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi towers above Chamonix. A couple of paragliders float high above its summit.

La Flegere (1,894m/6,214ft) is the upper station of the ski lift. It is a great place for a short rest. The trail traverses the slopes of the Aiguilles Rouges. In the far distance is the Col de Balme, which we are to cross the following day.

There is definitely an advantage to being the first party on the TMB. Half way through our trek, we are joined by a herd of ibexes. The "Old Man" watches carefully over his kids, who are determined to share Wanda's lunch.

We stop briefly to admire the Aiguille de Charmoz rising at the beginning of the Mer de Glace. The weather looks a bit unstable and therefore we return down to the safety of the valley.

Day 1 ends at Gite le Moulin.