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At 66, I felt a bit like the daddy of the mountaineering neighborhood once I hiked round Mont Blanc earlier this fall. However the Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any moderately match hiker, and there have been loads of folks on the path who have been older than me.
For complete novices like Shelley and me, it’s sensible to be proactive about well being and security. Listed here are some ideas I discovered alongside the way in which:
Good boots, liner socks, slippery powder, and moleskin for tender pores and skin are important. We sort of turned gear geeks — investing in good day luggage (Osprey), woolen garments (socks, underwear, shirts), and nice mountaineering footwear. I used to be by no means so grateful for a wool cap in Europe.
I used to be skeptical about plenty of “good concepts,” however two issues I ultimately appreciated have been a day by day baggie of path combine and my steel water bottle. (I complained about its steep $40 price ticket…however quickly got here to acknowledge it was an amazing worth).
I need to say, if the climate turned unhealthy and it rained laborious, I feel a lot of the path would turn out to be no enjoyable in any respect. Actually, it will be harmful. Mountain climbing poles are important, and even in excellent climate, I might have been apprehensive a couple of stumble with out my very own trusty set.
Eat a stable breakfast. The at some point we had breakfast with no protein, climbing was harder.
Placed on sunscreen, even when the climate’s unhealthy.
After studying my lesson on different lengthy hikes, I made a decision to be spiritual about stretching on the Tour du Mont Blanc from the beginning. I had a routine of six stretches and hung out all through the day ensuring I didn’t tighten up. Essential!
Don’t be a hero. If pores and skin is getting sizzling, wrap it up. I did all the TMB hike with no blister — after which simply received one on objective within the final two hours.
Good gear, sensible and proactive methods to remain wholesome, stretching, and taking it straightforward… all of it labored simply nice.
I’ll be sharing extra images, tales, and ideas from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Evening Journey. Need to come alongside? Register now for this enjoyable — and free! — occasion.
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