TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - DAY 2

 JUNE 5

Freddy checks our backpacks before starting. We have taken too many things. They stay behind in the refuge and Freddy picks them up after we return back to Chamonix.

The morning welcomes us with beautiful weather. Slowly ascending the spine of Des Possetts (2,199m/7,215ft), we see in the distance the summit of Mont Blanc across the valley of Argentiere. To the left, the Aiguille de Vert (4,122m/13,524ft) hides its summit in a passing cloud.

The Col de Balme (2,191m/7,189ft) directly in front of us, is the highest point of this day's trek. It is also the place where we cross the border between France and Switzerland.

The alpine meadows are full of flowers. Freddy tells us their names. When the trail widens, Freddy walks beside Wanda and tells her stories about local history and geography.

                   Before reaching the Col, we have to cross a few snow fields.

At the Col, we have time to relax before descending to the hamlet of Trient. Freddy, dressed in his mountain guide jacket, pretends to check the passports of passing hikers. For a moment it works. They stand with their mouths wide open until all three of us burst with laughter.

Walking down from the Col, we try to avoid numerous snow fields. A summer hut used by the local shepherds is still empty. They arrive in the middle of June.

The hamlet of Trient (1,271m/3,993ft) is a beautiful Swiss village. Unfortunately, it is not our final destination for the day. We still have yet to climb another 256m/840ft  to reach the Hotel Forclaz (1,527m/5,010ft), where we stop for the night.