It was the final few days of our excellent trip to Chamonix last August. We were joined by our friend Bryan who was also going to run (and finish) the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, hello Bryan!
There are a bunch of races leading up to the big event, and we were most curious about the Petite Trotte a Leon (PTL). It's the only one run in teams and partially off-trail. Total length is over 300 km and the teams have all week to complete it.
So we hopped on the bus into town on Monday to watch the start. That's Bryan in the white hat:
PTL runners gathered for the final countdown:
They will be following a GPS track and written instructions, but no course markings along the way:
Hey, there's John Sharp! We had no idea he would be doing the PTL. Always fun to unexpectedly run into someone you know. Have a great trek in the mountains, y'all!
And they are off, with their helmets and loaded packs (and I thought my UTMB pack was heavy):
Starting up the street toward the first hill climb:
John and John exchange greetings and encouragement:
Later that day, John (my version) went over to the first pitstop of the PTL to cheer everyone on:
We braved the crowds at the race expo, did a little sock shopping, probably should have tried on various shoes (since there are so many European options), and didn't see any orienteering gear at Silva (I guess they sell other stuff as well).
One thing we did find was a wonderful electric car from Dacia called the Spring:
It's the most basic EV we have come across, perfect for anyone who wants to pay less and doesn't need anything fancy. We could really use a model like this in the US:
I agree with the bumper sticker:
John went up the hill to watch parapente launches. We had tried to set up flights while Robyn and the gang were here, but the weather never quite cooperated during the times we were available. Next time!
Back to St Gervais one last time. John had decided to do the via ferrata course, so we found a gear rental shop and then descended to the bottom of the gorge. It really is quite a stunning and remarkable place to climb around on the walls:
The first half is in a great spot for taking pictures from the trail:
Into the sunshine... and an example of one of many places where you have to lean back a little to hang onto the wall:
At least there are a bunch of hand and foot holds. John's making great progress:
Another picture of the pretty waterfalls for good measure:
You're doing great! I'll just be over here:
John in his happy place:
Eventually the rest of the course disappears from view (at least without following along on the airy route), so I hiked up and around to the road bridge. Mostly I still couldn't see anything, except one long traverse where I got lucky to snap this picture:
I thought that was in the final "very difficult" section, but it turned out that there was still another, harder part remaining. John decided that was enough work for his arms and popped out before attempting that one.
Via Ferrata Man returns triumphant!
It was time for me to focus on gathering my race gear and resting up. John wanted to hike up to a spot we had seen from afar, so he ventured up the hill to "La Jonction" between the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers. What a place to see some glaciers up close!
So much snow and ice in interesting formations:
And a view high above the valley:
You have to wonder how these things happen:
Thank you for the fun photos, John!
Well, that's the end of the France story (except the UTMB race, of course, as previously reported in a more timely manner). It was an amazing 3-week adventure and a highlight of the year.
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