Once again, all the bags are packed, or at least they should be. I have the important bits packed, the camera, lenses, what little I have for my climbing gear. No clothes yet.
Yes, you heard, or rather read correctly. Climbing gear.
Let me explain. Bear with me as I step back in time. Many years ago, in a pre-pandemic world I had a moment, where I believed I could and would tackle climbing the highest mountain in Europe. Yes, I know there is a peak called Mt. Elbrus located in the far east in the Russian Caucasus Mountains, but we’ll just ignore that, being practical and Western Europe centric.
So, Mont Blanc and all its 4809 meters it was to be. 2019 a guide was booked and paid for, flights booked and one pandemic later we start again. 2022 flights booked and the guide breaks his leg. 2023 and third time lucky. Here I sit eating fabulous French cheese looking out the window up at the cloud, snow and ice-covered Mont Blanc massif, hoping I managed to get my fitness and endurance levels up high enough in the last few months.
Getting here was a bit of a marathon itself. The second flight leg Perth to London was almost 17 hours. A long time when you are pretty much confined to a seat. It feels longer if you did not manage to secure a seat in the pointy end of the plane.
Arriving in Chamonix via Geneva was made worthwhile as the mountains came into view. Chamonix is a resort town, full of tourists, as well as fit, trim people with big boots and pointy things like ice axes strapped to their packs.
And there are a number of options to acquire some authentic charcuterie and fromage items, as well as sensational sorbets. Anyway, jetlag beckons.
