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Jul 29, 2023 : Rick Eichstaedt The Trek

Day 10 — Back to France — Trient to le Tour

Day 10:  Back in Chamonix, France

Miles So Far (approximately):  87 miles (13 or so to go). 

Total Trip Elevation:  26,540 feet up, 26,806 feet down total. 

I can’t believe we only have one more day!  I am quickly understanding the draw of long distance trekking!

Today was a beautiful hike from the quiet Swiss village of Trient up to Col de Balme on the Swiss-French border.

The hike began with a hike through Trient and a neighboring village and quickly began a series of long, steep switchbacks through forest.   Once the switchbacks ended, the views opened up and were stunning.

View from hike to Col de Balme

Very quickly, we climbed to the Col and the refuge where we enjoyed coffees and some baked treats.

View of the Refuge at Col de Balme with Mont Blanc in Background

View from Col de Balme toward Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley

Unfortunately, the weather turned foul and we faced a voice of hiking through potentially hazardous weather or taking a short-cut to a chairlift and gondola down to the town of La Tour.  We opted to be safe and avoid the nasty weather and took the chair and gondola down.   Once down, we took a bus to our lodging back in Chamonix.   This freed time for us to do laundry, relax, and try the local fondue!

Tomorrow, we finish the trek!

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Rick Eichstaedt
Jul 29th : Rick Eichstaedt
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Rick Eichstaedt's Bio

I am a 50-year-old husband, father of 2, and attorney, who practices environmental and land use law living in Spokane, Washington. I am an avid hiker, whitewater rafter, and skier (alpine and Nordic). To celebrate my fiftieth year around the Sun, my wife, Kitty, and I are taking one of my bucket list trip to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, a 100+ mile, 30,000-foot trek in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps beginning and ending in Chamonix, France.

Comments 1

  • Bobbi : Jul 29th

    I’ve so enjoyed your trek through France, Italy and Switzerland and the pictures are breathtaking. My pastor has been doing the Appalachian trail, in parts over the past few years and from following her I saw the trek you were doing in Europe with your wife. I’m going to recommend this European trek to my pastor. I know she would enjoy it! Happy trails!

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