We were about to enter Italy for the next three nights. Our route itinerary had us scheduled for five nights in France, three nights in Italy and three nights in Switzerland. It was cold and foggy when we started out on Day 3. Our welcome to Italy at the top of Col de al Seigne was not very inviting. This was hardly the welcome (Benvenuto) we were expecting. The wind up top was so strong you had to lean into it to keep from falling over. This is one of those times when you are glad you packed good rain gear.
Hiking - Day Three
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur
Distance - 27kms
Height Gain - 1,464m
Height Loss 1818m
High Point - Col de la Seigne (2,516m - 8,2000ft)
Notes - Fog and rain to start. Long, long hike with beautiful vistas. Glaciers on the side of the valley, amazing.
Once over the top the weather began to clear and it soon become a beautiful day for hiking. Beautiful valley ahead as we walked down to Courmayeur. This day would be one of our most physically demanding days. We walked 27kms (17miles), did 39,800 steps and went over a pass that was 2,516m (8,200ft). I could barely feel my legs at the end.
Hiking - Day Four
Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti
Distance - 13kms
Height Gain - 860m
Height Loss 101m
High Point - Refuge Bonatti (2,025m -6,8000ft)
Notes - Steep climb out of Cournayeur to a glorious hike to Refuge Bonatti. Some of the best views of Mont Blanc on the whole route.
Refuge Bonatti
This was our first night in a real mountain refuge. Fortunately for us, Refuge Bonatti is listed as one of the best refuges of all the ones on the TMB Route. What a great opportunity to meet other hikers from all over the world. We met people from Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France, USA, other Canadians and Ireland.
Dorm rooms are interesting. Males and females sleep together in a row to row fashion. Toilets are communal and ear plugs for night time sleeping - common place. Our dorm room had only 8 beds compared to another dorm room that had 20 beds. Absolutely no privacy - but it works.
Our Room - What A View........
Next post from this trip.
