22nd July

A very lazy and relaxed morning as we were in no rush to get out of the campsite. Had a lovely warm shower and my last proper wash for a few days…

Everyone was eventually ready just after 12 although it was definitely difficult for some people to squeeze everything into their bags. (We had to leave the campsite before 12, another rule broken!!) 

Most of the clouds had cleared from the mountain tops so we had our first view of what we had in front of us and how amazing the two weeks will be.

We all hopped on a train after our group meeting in the station and arrived in down town Cham for 1ish.

All the bags were put down and we had our group photo in front of the statue which pointed up to Mont Blanc and we all did the same.

Dave, Chris and Ben waited with the bags and the rest of the group went off to get lunch and a few other bits.

For lunch we had a bit of French stick, brie, pate and tomato- lovely! Oh, and an apple each.

Then we had 40 minutes free time to et food, snacks and postcards and then we met back around 3.45. We rushed to get a bus to La Tour which was free. The bus was busy and everyone spread out between the three doors. Some found seats straight away and some stood up for a bit. The bus journey was about 15mins long but it was very squished!

So we started our trek around 1400m up and just after 4 o’clock. We all walked up the hill at our own pace and had a break half way up our 800m ascent at a ski lift station with an amazing view of the whole valley. Everyone walked on up hill for the final 400m.

Camp was set up with a brilliant view of the mountains and the valley with Chamonix in.

We all cooked together and had pasta, veg, chicken and tomato for tea. Over time the cloud was slowly crawling down the till towards us. Everyone had eaten and hot chocolate was served up with a cookie. Within this short time we were all eaten up by the cloud and visibility was nothing.

All the bits were cleaned and packed away. Two awards were given. One for bravery to Jack and one to Ashley for team work, the lion and the sheep.

It was finally night time at half tem and we all made it to our tents before the rain started to come down. A shocking 6 and a half hours activity since la tour we were in our tents ready for sleep which makes it sound like a short day but we had ended at 2162m. Tomorrow our alarm is set for just before 7. Nice!

Ben

Diary take 2

Day 2 started by Jack waking me up in the middle of the night as he had felt the need to roll onto my thermarest for an early morning cuddle! But I didn’t mind as we had a lengthy lie in and a leisurely pack up to start our day.

Bread and pain au chocolat for breakfast which filled me up for the day ahead. And we had sunshine!!! No rain like yesterday but a lovely hot day instead.

After we had packed up we took the ‘Mont Blanc express’ into Chamonix and stocked up with food for the next few days. We also took some entertaining pictures of ourselves which attracted some local attention.

Next, onto a ram packed chaotic bus for the journey to La Tour for the start of our walking. We only walked 3km to stat the trek but I think it was the hardest 3km I’ve ever done! It was definitely worth it just for the view back down into the valley however, plus the fact that it was considerably easier trying to guess Jack’s middle name all the way up which we found to be Barnaby and Palmer!

Then an excellent pasta dish for dinner followed by a cookie and hot chocolate to finish. Meanwhile a cloud seemed to envelop us which brought with it a huge drop in temperature! And then finally off to bed…

Adam