The Tour of Mont Blanc (TMB): Retrospective

Learnings and some wisdom

2020-09-20

Mountains are majestic things. Dangerous things. Changing things. Humbling things. Respect them. Respect nature. Preserve it.

Always be prepared when adventuring in the mountains, you never know what can happen. We had a stretch of superb weather. Not sure it will ever happen again like it did this time. You never know.

Learnings

All of us, deep inside, we like things whole.

• I wanted to have a perfect GPX recording of the trek: it failed me on the first day as we took a wrong turn.
• I wanted to do the complete Tour: I had a sick day in Courmayeur and we decided to skip the last stretch back to Les Houches.

This was at first really frustrating, but I quickly realized that it doesn't matter.

What matters is the moment, the present, the landscapes, the flora and fauna, the food, the people you are traveling with. Live those moments fully. Cherish those memories.

The human body is really an amazing tool. Also a frustrating one.

• Shoulders and hips were so painful the first couple of days. But soon enough, you body is adapting and the pain is retreating. You just have to live through it.
• By stretching every evening, you'll sleep better and wake up more energized and less stiff. Small discomforts will disappear after a restful sleep.
• But a restless night is a terrible thing. I have yet to learn how to sleep comfortably everywhere. I'll definitely read about it. Or just avoid uncomfortable accommodation.
• Sometimes, your body reaches its limit, and you have to listen to it. Otherwise you risk getting injured for real.

Your body is a fantastic piece of hardware. Take care of it and it will give back tenfold. Listen to it and learn its limits.

It's a cheese neighborhood.

• Not sure you can easily get around on a vegan diet. And get enough protein.
• As a vegetarian, you'll eat mostly fatty cheese. Be ready if you're not used to milk products.
• The food in Italy is great, but we had surprisingly tasty dishes in Switzerland and France. Pick your accommodation well.

Taking care of planet Earth and your own body will go a long way. Eating the right food will help big time. Be ambitious.

Closing Note

I hope you enjoyed this post, from prepping to the actual trek. I hope it will help you plan your next (or first) trek. And finally, we hope that we can inspire you to do your best and spread love and happiness around.

Stay safe. Love.