50 days, 1200 km and 50 000 meters of elevation in 5 min.
https://blossom.primal.net/9e0133d2a211d753af75c9243cc1fee3df97886a2f1c57dec882f18f716db685.mp4
My final 100k was through some wild and magnificent trails with very bad reception. I eventually reached my own finish with La Meije in sight.
Moving through Arsine.
One of the reasons I’m setting my own finish line is the fact that I am experiencing physical change, mainly loosing upper body muscle mass. A trade off Im not willing to push ahead of surf season.
There has been some heavy rains lately which now colors the river.
https://blossom.primal.net/9cc3a07a88298da4b8bc4c75945dff6a55606068eede0c702811371a4bde5857.mov
Motivation back on top after a few days rest.
Ecrins does not dissapoint, right from the start.
Here we go ! Tour des Ecrins !
https://blossom.primal.net/db71f6e73719378449625acfd30c0c817b7dc1b02472aa0cebfe57c475286624.mov
Stage 3 - 497 km
Col du Lautaret —> Viviers
The Écrins National Park
(The Maurienne)
(The Belledonne Range)
Village downtime and contemplating the road ahead. Weighing trade offs against realisations so far. Came to the conclusion that I want to go ahead and start stage 3, however only so I can experience the national park and the mountainrange of les Ecrins, known as Le tour des Ecrins. Meaning, I will set my own finish line.
Reached Col du Lautaret and the end of stage 2 on a high. Very happy to have made it this far. The journey has given me a lot of answers and I gave myself some time off the trail.
Stage 2 summary
16 days —> avg 4.3 km/h
All downhill from here to finish stage 2. Col du Galibier, made famous by Tour de France, a classic cykling mountain pass.
https://blossom.primal.net/22a61fb2f1722fc33a9f41dcadb06393d02458c78badab7123492c8262c4fe88.mov
Finally, La Meije, the Queen !
The night storm eventually cleared for the last day of stage 2. Very excited for a few days of rest before starting stage 3 heading in to Parc des Ecrins, for sure a highlight on the whole journey.
A cold forecast keeps me going to find warm shelter. The journey has made me strong for verticals and distance. Finally came across a unguarded refuge, slept on the tile floor in the dining room. Happy to escape a sub zero night with rain and high winds.
Im not sure about this thru hiking idea anymore. I believe there are more downsides than upsides. Top of my list is a lack of freedom, being bound to a predetermined route. With seasonality adding a time component to it.
Two days left to finish the stage. My mind is contemplating the road ahead. The value of time, priorities and importance.
A surprise 1000k celebration barbecue in Modane.
https://blossom.primal.net/a13b3287963faa9340dffa00ef1ab42c3b7139a7e1c1baeb39baddb61fa78668.mov
Heading lower for a warmer night.
https://blossom.primal.net/189e3fb3f8708c31507d36944d36d39cb67ad8643e4044677fdfb0f3fe61969a.mov
Views, clean air and grass.
https://blossom.primal.net/68c914c90105587cb0c6d94f38eb43c54a18d7199312c81b2bc5e0dd5bcfbd38.mov
Getting close to the Chamois
Moving through the Vanoise.
Never really liked camp sites, however they do give well needed down time once in a while, and relief in not having to watch over ones stuff at all times.
Mountain lakes are the best.
The physical aspect of long distance hiking is manageable. I wake up every morning refreshed and ready to walk. Its amazing how fast the body recovers with the right fueling and proper rest. However the intensity of moving through this environment makes me realise that I need more down time in order to process and sort out impressions and thoughts.
Leaving Bonhomme, empty trails again.
About 20 cm of fresh snow. Very unexpected at about 2500m.
Perfect start for a few days of rest. And timed it with heavy skies. It started to drizzle right when the music stopped.
https://blossom.primal.net/6c778aced5ed26794bb5d66a016813fc8544d4c7411b24e04439972effb6e7a8.mov
Stunning views helps build the strength for climbs, so does meeting fellow hexatrekkers along the way.
The mountains comes at you fast. So does bad reception, far between resupplying points, and sub zero nights.
https://blossom.primal.net/6744b0a395bd4caf901918f1968cdcf1566ca282095b07875d62b39481c61258.mov
Best view on the whole stage. Lac Leman with the Alps as backdrop. Stunning !
https://blossom.primal.net/c7a4519ac74bcfe51c2c592e9b5238969c9fd64c58522381dd22ad798751b58c.mov
Last stretch, and a good preparation for the next stage.
https://blossom.primal.net/72ea4df075e63f6112a6b7ca1467856ab803f023715586176e0f150ec5d06edd.mov
There is some heat. Two nights on a campsite made things better. Trying out the local food and beverages helped too.
Moving in to Haut Jura, Fort Maher.
https://blossom.primal.net/72b78341ff34e4f3f9557db3d91b0a93b51f00d93ee96b38649021d65cb96efa.mov