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Published: June 29th 2007
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So I was invited on a three day trek from Morzine across to Chamonix on a route, apparently very well known - the GR5. I didn’t really think too much about what it involved what to take or even how fit I would need to be. After asking Sam about what I needed to take I was given a list of things - easy I thought and thank goodness for Sam as I would not have taken the most useful item - walking poles!
I met up with the other seven girls early on the Tuesday morning thinking they all looked very organised, right gear etc and panicked a little at what I had forgotten as my rucksack was a little smaller than theirs. But we marched on, together with (forgot to mention) six dogs! After walking uphill for what seemed a long time we came across cows and then thankfully some downhill. Now I was told that the first day was the easiest but I was not feeling that when we discovered we had got a little lost - only one and a half hours lost….time for lunch once we were back on track. That first day was
hot, sweaty and long, arriving at our refuge for the night at 6pm with a shandy waiting for us when we got there…we were joined at dinner by a couple of other girls from Morzine who had been out biking for the day. It may seem like I did not enjoy this as it was pretty tough BUT the scenery lovely and company great as we chatted away over dinner. Then off to bed as a big day the next day.
Hauling ourselves out of bed I was a little surprised I did not ache more. The whole morning was spent climbing uphill, stopping ever now and again to take photos and drinking plenty of water as the sun was out again. Then for the decent through meadows of flowers to a river where we had our lunch - blissful we all didn’t want to move…but we had a good five hours still to go to find our bed for the evening. After walking through the snow, watching some marmots playing there was another big climb after crossing a stream (oops got a little wet as I tried to jump it). At the top the clouds were spotted, then
a few drops of rain, then…come on we need to get down quick as the storm is coming in fast. As we grabbed our raincoats and bags we made our way down to our refuge quickly but trying to make sure we didn’t slip on the rocks. Never mind a shandy - I needed a hot chocolate. We were met by a rather rude lady who seemed confused about us being there as she was not expecting us so early - should we have waited in the rain (it was 4.30!) so that didn’t impress…but it got worse…it was more expensive than the previous night, we had to pay for showers, it was cold, the dinner was not that great…and to top it all the packed lunch we ordered the next day (11 euros!!) all the stuff in it was out of date (didn’t realise until too late).
We decided to get up earlier the next day as it was another big one but soon after breakfast we had to make a decision - there was a thunder storm outside, lightening followed by hail…umm…and visibility was poor. The guide at the refuge advised against setting off until at least
11.30 by which time it should have cleared. With no further change seen by 10.30 and us realising we couldn’t do the walk we wanted up to the Col De Brevent and down into Chamonix the guide advised of an easier, quicker route. A little disappointed but with one of the group a little injured (knee problems) we set off raincoats, hats and gloves to battle the outdoors. It was a pleasant walk but still five hours so not easy by any stretch. Just before reaching the bottom the sun came out, we all stripped off and celebrated with a shandy…or two.
Now I had been told the Tongario Crossing in New Zealand was the best one day hike in the world - after completing that walk I am not so sure….
Learning point - get the right equipment and check contents of packed lunch - I now have bumps on my shoulders from the straps of my rucksack…and be prepared for ANY weather (gloves and hat were needed).
What a fab three days though…and cant wait to do more - this is all on my doorstep.
No running for me for the next couple of
Lunch spot
This photo does not do it justice! days but relaxation. Great to have Karen back too so off out to celebrate their engagement that Saturday with a lovely meal. Karen got embarassed as I proceeded to tell the bar staff (who they knew) which ended up in us having free drinks!
I have also made my first visit to the swimming pool as the weather improved, the sun blasted down and it was 30degrees - what a huge pool...I was shattered after just twelve lengths.
I am also doing some work in between all discovering the area, I promise, but it does not seen like work as it is really relaxed and flexible when I do it. Marketing is on it way, job descriptions have been written and advertsied, photographs taken, website update and the new chalet has its roof on...all is looking good!!
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