Hiking the Mont Blanc Massif, Day 1- Chamonix 勃朗峰山脉徒步游第一天
July 27, 2024: The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a well-known long-distance hiking trail that encircles the Mont Blanc massif. After researching the trails and discussing options with friends who have completed the TMB, we decided that attempting the entire route or even half of it wasn't the best choice for us. Instead, we designed our own version of a more comfortable and flexible TMB, consisting of several day hikes from three different towns, allowing for a completely adaptable schedule. This way, we could decide whether to hike based on weather conditions and how we felt each day.
Our first stop was Chamonix, France, where we stayed for four nights at the Plan B Hotel, conveniently located next to the bus station.
After a delicious breakfast at a local bakery café, we set off for our first hike. We walked to the Planpraz gondola station and took the gondola up to Planpraz. From there, we switched to the Brévent Cable Car, which took us to Le Brévent, at an altitude of 8,285 feet. The view from the summit was absolutely breathtaking, offering us our first glimpse of Mont Blanc peeking out from behind the clouds.
Eager to begin our descent, we enthusiastically started our hike down to Refuge de Bellachat for lunch.
Although the food at the refuge was decent, it was the magnificent view that truly made the experience memorable.
After lunch, we continued our descent towards Les Houches. The downhill trail proved to be tough on our knees, and we found ourselves slowing down significantly after lunch. Despite our initial energy, we quickly realized the second half of the hike was more challenging than anticipated. Other hikers seemed to pass us with ease, swiftly disappearing from sight as we continued our descent.
The descent covered approximately 5,000 feet and 7.5 miles, taking us close to six hours to complete. Though everyone was exhausted by the end, we managed to take a group photo in front of the iconic TMB gate, a testament to our accomplishment.
Afterward, we took the bus back to Chamonix. Too tired to venture far for dinner, we opted for a nearby pizza place adjacent to our hotel. The day was exhausting but rewarding, and we were glad to have made it through our first hike in the Mont Blanc region.
2024年7月27日：环绕勃朗峰山脉，途经法国，意大利和瑞士的环勃朗峰徒步路线（TMB）是一条著名的长途徒步路线，全程总长103英里/165公里。经过对路线的研究，并与完成过TMB的朋友们交流后，我们觉得整个环绕徒步行，甚至连走一半都不适合我们。相反，我们自行安排了一条更加灵活的TMB版本，安营扎寨三个不同的小镇。每个小镇住几天，而不是每天挪一个窝。挑选了从三个不同小镇出发的几条日间徒步路线，充分利用公交，火车和缆车，允许我们根据天气和当天的身体状况自由决定是否进行徒步。
我们的第一站是法国霞慕尼（Chamonix)。我们在这里住四晚，酒店紧邻车站，位置非常便利。
昨晚到达这里，先稍微熟悉一下小镇。今天一早在镇上一家面包咖啡馆享用完美味早餐后，我们开始了第一天的徒步之旅。我们步行来到缆车站，乘坐缆车上到Planpraz，然后换乘Brévent缆车，抵达海拔8285英尺的山顶Le Brévent。山顶的景色绝对令人惊叹，让我们第一次在云层的缝隙中窥见勃朗峰的雄姿。
带着兴奋的心情，我们开始徒步下山。接下来几个小时将是全程下坡，且路很长。大约二个小时左右我们来到Bellachat小山屋。在那里小息并享用了简单的午餐。虽然食物一般，但周围的景色让人心旷神怡。
午餐后，我们继续往莱苏什（Les Houches)镇走。下坡路对我们的膝盖颇具挑战，午餐后我们的步伐明显慢了下来。尽管一开始充满活力，但我们很快意识到下半段的徒步比想象中更困难。其他徒步者似乎轻松超过我们，很快就消失在我们的视线中。
终于走到了Les Houches小镇。这段路程下降了大约5000英尺，我们行走了7.5英里/12公里，花费了将近六个小时才完成。Connie本来膝盖就不好，今天的路对她而言很艰难。尽管每个人都筋疲力尽，但我们还是在标志性的TMB大门框前合影留念。
之后，我们乘坐公交车返回霞慕尼。由于太累无心走远，我们选择了酒店旁边的一家披萨店用餐。今天虽然疲惫却充实，我们为自己在勃朗峰地区的第一次徒步感到自豪。
