“The Mont Blanc Massif stands at the junction of France,
Switzerland and Italy, and is encircled by a system of seven major valleys. A
tight cluster of mighty peaks – Aiguille Verte, Charonnet, Gouter, Greant and
Jorasses – help make up the massif which is dominated by Mont Blanc itself. At
4,807m this is not only Western Europe’s highest mountain but also one of the
best known.” I read the trip note received from Exodus with great enthusiasm
and growing excitement. These were the great mountains of climbers such as
Walter Bonatti*, Lionel Terray and Gaston Rebuffat*, who had
put up routes, now known in climbing history as the Great Classics. I had read
all their books; stories of lightening strikes, nights caught in deadly bivvies’
and a passion to succeed at all cost. To be among these giants would be good,
but to succeed at an iconic trekking route at the same time would be intensely
rewarding. There were to be three days between my two treks. The first having
given me two weeks at high altitude and a very stiff neck from carrying heavy
backpacks. The second therefore should not be a problem in spite of the 100
miles of walking, with around 10,000m of climbs and descents.
