Day 1: Horns on the Mountain

We began in Chamonix, a touristy french town with lots of character and beautiful views. Parachutes came down on the city from the mountains and many people gathered in the main square to experience french food and wine. Getting the first views of Mont Blanc gave a perfect display of what was to come in the next 7 days traveling 105km

This was our best view of the Mont Blanc peak and a few of its glaciers. Being up so high reminded me of some of the places I've been to in Colorado but with how many structures are around the mountains many hills made it feel much more inhabited then I am used to. These mountains had life in a different way and the culture was shaped around these mountains

Something else lived in these mountains though. We ran into a few animals throughout the trip but these mountain goats and an amazing close encounter with an Ibex was a highlight. With the mountains in the background the mother and her kids bathed in the sunlight. The Ibex was an especially lucky shot as its the only one I got of it before it ran into the bushes

Day 2: Swiss Cottages

As we started down the trail the air around us started to ring. The valley below us echoing the bells from the cows that grazed along the grasslands. It felt magical from all of the sounds reflecting around us. They were a friendly bunch and gave us some company while we ate our lunch. The Swiss Alps were covered in beautiful forests of pine trees that decorated the mountains and cabins in the valley. The clouds floated peacefully above them scattered across the blue sky

Hidden in these valleys are many cute and cozy cottages. They brandished striking colors and intricate patterns of wood and stone. Many had beautiful flower gardens and baskets of bright red bouquets hanging from the windows

Day 3: Glacial Carvings

Our journey took us from these cottages to a glaciated area of Italy. We hiked up a grassy mountain with goats and donkeys as our companions. When we reached the top we were greeted by massive peaks being actively carved by the glaciers that sit at the top

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The river rushed down the valley with a cold force that I was lucky to walk through. Feeling the fresh and clean water heals the soul.  High above me stood our Refuge for the night. Farther up closer to the glacier itself was another one hidden between the rocks. A temptation for another journey

Day 4: Italian Blooms

We walked down the valley following the river to our next destination, Courmayeur. We awoke to a misty sky and the air humid and stormy. The Mountains covered and peaking through the clouds made for the perfect background to hike to

The village of Courmayeur was a very floral town in celebration of the end of summer. Many were getting the town ready for a party as the Ultra TMB was getting started in a few days. Where athletes do what I am doing in 7 days, already considered a fast time, in less then 48 hours. Some in my group were wanting to try it themselves but I prefer to enjoy nature on my hikes

Day 5: Stormy Peaks

After a night high up in the mountains in a cabin above the city we awoke to more clouds and even more storms. We packed ourselves ready for wet weather and made our way up following the river. At the top we spotted a refuge just in time as a rainstorm came down on us hard. We sheltered with cake and coffee surrounded by clouds on all sides. We watched the storm pass and continued down the mountain

I had the most memorable night here with the group I traveled with. The refuge gave us a warm and amazing french dinner, as we were in France once again. While we all ate together at a large table they brought out a large hand cranked music player which took long paper cards to sing songs to us. They put on hallelujah and we all locked arms and sang it together. It was a magical night

Day 6: Fluttering Heights

We all woke up surrounded by the beautiful mountains together on the long single bed on each side of the hut. On a dare some of the group had to hike up the first kilometer of the trek in their underwear, and in solidarity a few more joined.

Along the way I met this curious little Plover at the top of the mountain. As it chirped it tilted its head and watched me intently. I always wonder what it is that animals think about when viewing us humans. Are they as interested in us?

Day 7: The Descent

Our Final Day was across the French countryside heading towards Chamonix. Walking through these farming villages and beautiful views was a great way to end the trip. In the final stretch we climbed up a steep winding path into the clouds. Then came out to a canyon filled with french cottages and towns

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