TOUR DU MONT BLANC - 2007 - MER DE GLACE

La Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is the largest glacier in France. From its source on the Plateau du Geant to its tongue, it stretches over more than 11km/7miles  with a 300m/984 ft change in altitude. It is a "must see" place in Chamonix. In the early morning we head for the famous Montenvers train. The line is 5km/3.1miles long and gains 871m/2,860ft in altitude. It was built in 1908.

Train station in Chamonix.

After a scenic ride, we arrive at the station in Montenvers (1,913m/6,726ft). A long ribbon of the glacier branches higher up into the Leschaux Glacier on the left and the Tacul Glacier on the right.

The breathtaking spire of Les Drus (3,754m/12,316ft) rises on the east side of the glacier. The south-west pillar on the right of the triangular face, was first climbed solo by Walter Bonatti in August 1955. The Great Walter required five days to complete his climb.

The Grandes Jorasses form the south end of the glacier. The Walker Spur (4,208m/13,805ft) shows its vertical slabs through the fast moving clouds.

The jagged ridge of Aiguilles du Charmoz (3,445m/11,303ft) frames the west side of the glacier.

We have a lot of time and decide to descend down to the glacier.

But the sight of ladders quickly dampens our spirits.

                                        We watch hundreds of climbers practicing ice climbing and walking in the middle of the Sea of Ice.

It's time to return to Chamonix. Wanda decides that we should try to stretch our legs before the start of the tour. Instead of taking the train down, we descend to Chamonix via the Rochers des Mottets.

The beautiful trail through an old larch forest offers tantalizing views of Aiguille du Charmoz and les Drus. On the other side of the valley, we see the Aiguilles Rouges and the winding trail to Le Brevent.

We stop often to admire the alpine flowers

... as the trail rapidly descends to Chamonix.