We did it! Half-Tour du Mont Blanc (Italy-Switzerland-France)

We did it! We hiked a half Tour du Mont blanc over 7 days, starting in Courmayeur, Italy, continuing through Switzerland, and ending in Le Tour, France, in the Chamonix Valley. 

Sixteen years ago Mark and I went on a multi-day hut-to-hut hiking trip in Norway, which was a formative experience in our relationship - so much so that the trail we hiked is etched on our wedding rings. 

Yet somehow we hadn't made time for another multi-day hike since that time. So, taking this trip was my 50th birthday wish, and a challenge for the whole family to get in the best possible shape. 

Our trip was made far easier by our expert guide, Sébastien, from Cairn Trekking, who led us and 2 other families, with 3 donkeys freeing us up from our heaviest gear, and took care of all the logistics of arranging for food and accommodations. 

We worked hard, had beautiful weather, ate delicious food, saw amazing sights, and made new friends. It was everything I could have hoped for. 

At the top of our longest one-day ascent of 900 m to reach the Balme Pass, with Mont Blanc behind us at the right.


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