Kvothe's expedition to the Swiss Alps.

[DangerGolding 222]

 

Kvothe recently took advantage of a break in the Halifax schedule to take a couple of weeks of to pursue some outdoor recreation. Taking a plane to Geneve, Switzerland and then a long train journey down south to the Italian and French border. Kvothe arrived at the start of the multi-day hike with huge levels of excitement to start. Travelling light with some specialised backpacks and a small one man tent, he set out to complete the famous Tour du Mont Blanc.

 

The 103 mile long route weaves it's way around the snow capped peak of the Mont Blanc through a huge variety of terrain, from craggy cliffs to sprawling mountain meadows covered in a thick carpet of lush grash and wild flowers. The route generally takes about 9-12 days depending on the pace, with travellers staying in refuges, almost like hostels, or alternatively on campsites. Commonly people will even wild camp up on the mountain, which, while technically illegal, is generally allowed if you're being sensible.

 

Packing just the essentials, Kvothe set off. The journey started in the mountain town of Chamonix and an early morning gondola ride up to Planplaz. The first day involved a brisk hike up to the top of a small peak to get the first great view of the Mont Blanc and some of the major glaciers dotted around the range, Kaladin took the first day to adjust his gear and find the best way to settle his pack to carry it easily, the rigorous weight saving meant he was only carrying about 12lbs, with just one set of clothes and spare underwear and socks. His new shoes were wearing a bit of his heels after the first day but nothing a good plaster couldn't solve. Thef irst night camping down in the town Merlet it was blissful to settle down onto a wooden bench outside the refuge, eating some hot stew with strangers as the chatted around the fire. Though his feet and calves ached from the strenuous pace and steep elevation change, the views of the star strewn night sky, clear of any light pollution lifted his spirits along with the company of fellow travellers.

 

With a full stomach and a light heart, Kvothe took to his small tent to wrap up warm against the chill alpine air in a soft down sleeping bag, ready to continue on his adventure in the early hours of the next morning.

 

As the morning sun crept over the crystalline peaks of the french mountain range, it also shone down upon the dew-speckled pyramid that Kvothe was staying in, after a serious mental effort to emerge from his cosy cocoon. Kvothe packed up his tent, wolfed down a thick bacon baguette and began the second day. One of the longer days of the entire trip this stretch weighs in at a rangy 16km with 1300 metres of ascent with a 900m descent. The route starts of weaving through the thick grassy fields in the valley before taking a sharp rise up though dense forest, Kvothe found that after entering the forest the thick tree cover meant that there was almost no wind and despite the shade from the broad leaves of the wood above, the sun cause the temperature to rise and in no time at all it meant Kaladin had to strip off his fleece and jumper. Emerging from the forest there was chance to turn back and admire the gorgeous view of the valley floor laid out below like a vibrant tapestry, with deep greens contrasting the bare rock cliffs that hemmed in the quant village houses and single track road.

 

With a smile on his face and the ache in his legs nigh forgotten, Kaladin turned and set off up the mountain again.

[Gaikoku-hito 2,087]

Now I want to hike that trip. I miss hiking as most of the hikes in my area are consider day trips very steep, hard demanding hikes that are closer to scrambles then hikes.

 

Great read and great capture of the setting as I could also imagine the views even though I have never been to Europe or the Alps. Always planned but less likely to happen I sadly feel.