Well, we had some eager beavers set their alarm for 5:30a this morning. Although I had a private room the sound of alarms going off and people opening/closing bedroom doors all night to use the toilet permeated the thin walls easily. Luckily everyone went to bed right after dinner so plenty of sleep was to be had.

Breakfast was simple: a buffet of toast and jams, yogurt with a selection of mix-in’s, coffee, juice, and milks. Basic European hiker food.

I left soon after to start the hike. 30min of road walking then almost 2h of a steady, rocky climb the whole way to Col de Balme.  (Col = mountain pass). There were a lot of people on trail but it didn’t feel too crowded until I arrived at the refuge at the top and saw that absolutely everyone stopped here for a (well-deserved) rest/view/coffee/pie.  

And the view! Mont Blanc is the snow-capped peak in the middle….

I enjoyed the view for a bit then carried on, descending under chairlifts to Col de Posettes where I chose a slightly lower variant to the TMB and it was blessedly quiet with stunning views of Mont Blanc and the Le Tour valley.

By 12:30pm I was back into the cool forest on a 2 hour descent into Montroc where my evening’s accommodation is located. Although I was as slow as molasses picking my way down over rocks and tree roots I still arrived at 2pm, a good hour before they opened.  I had time to take my socks and shoes off and relax a bit before the host arrived.  He was early so by 2:30pm I was first to the showers – if you’ve ever stayed in a hostel with communal facilities you’ll know what a treat this is: dry floors, clean cubicles, privacy(!).  Refuge Le Moulin was highly recommended on Facebook but I’m reserving judgement until dinner.  The rooms are cramped with old wooden bunk beds – I hope they’re not full tonight else I’ll be utilizing my ear plugs!

I’m quite pleased with how my first day went. I didn’t train much beforehand as I was trying to let my knee heal (torn MCL) so never managed a hike longer than 10 miles and the last 2 weeks I mostly worked out on the treadmill and my step box so I was a little concerned how I would manage. So far so good!

Update: dinner was amazing. The best carrot salad I’ve ever had (in a delicate vinaigrette with a hint of ginger), wild mushroom risotto, big wedges of a strong creamy cheese, and finally a pineapple/watermelon fruit salad with mint and maybe Pernod(?) topped with crushed meringue. Can’t wait to see what breakfast is tomorrow….and all for 49 euros!