Some Recommendations I Uncovered Alongside the Way – Rick Steves’ Journey Web site
At 66, I felt a bit like the father of the climbing community when I hiked all around Mont Blanc earlier this slide. But the Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any fairly in good shape hiker, and there were being a lot of men and women on the path who ended up older than me.
For overall novices like Shelley and me, it’s smart to be proactive about health and fitness and protection. Listed here are some recommendations I acquired along the way:
Fantastic boots, liner socks, slippery powder, and moleskin for tender pores and skin are important. We sort of turned gear geeks — investing in very good working day baggage (Osprey), woolen clothing (socks, underwear, shirts), and good climbing shoes. I was never so thankful for a wool cap in Europe.
I was skeptical about a lot of “good suggestions,” but two issues I inevitably appreciated were being a every day baggie of trail mix and my metallic drinking water bottle. (I complained about its steep $40 rate tag…but quickly came to understand it was a wonderful worth).
I have to say, if the weather conditions turned terrible and it rained really hard, I believe a lot of the trail would turn into no entertaining at all. In fact, it would be unsafe. Climbing poles are necessary, and even in fantastic weather, I would have been nervous about a stumble with no my possess trusty set.
Consume a sound breakfast. The a single day we experienced breakfast with no protein, climbing was more durable.
Set on sunscreen, even if the weather’s bad.
After understanding my lesson on other extensive hikes, I resolved to be spiritual about stretching on the Tour du Mont Blanc from the begin. I experienced a regimen of 6 stretches and put in time all through the day making absolutely sure I did not tighten up. Pretty important!
Don’t be a hero. If pores and skin is obtaining very hot, wrap it up. I did the entire TMB hike with out a blister — and then just obtained a person on function in the last two several hours.
Good gear, intelligent and proactive strategies to keep wholesome, stretching, and taking it easy… it all worked just fantastic.
I’ll be sharing much more images, tales, and strategies from Mont Blanc on the Nov. 29 version of Monday Evening Vacation. Want to come together? Register now for this pleasurable — and totally free! — event.
