| Chamonix Alps log (2004-06-22 -> 2004-07-12)
Leaders: Brian Ledyard, Dana Messick
Students: Meredith Carter, Huntley Chapman, Margy DeClue, Thomas Gaiennie, Carrie Hagan, Elizabeth Hahn, Jacki Marrinan, Katharine Robinson, Katie Shaub, Patrick Slevin, Kimberly Spaine
Dana is in Atlanta awaiting everyone's arrival. They will all fly together later this evening. We will update parents here of their safe arrival into Geneva.
We briefly heard from Brian and Dana who reported the Breithorn trek was amazing, but they were busy getting everyone ready for the Haute Route section. This will be a challenging section for everyone, but they are all excited. We will not hear back from them until after they have completed this section. This is going to be amazing as they will encounter other trekkers from around the world.
Update 6-30-04
After 2 days of travel involving multiple planes and trains, the whole group arrived safely in the lively mountain town of Chamonix, France. The group enjoyed a hearty meal and a restful evening to recover from jet lag.
The next day allowed everyone to get to know each other and adjust to the altitude. We took a stroll around Chamonix as well as making necessary preparations for our upcoming adventures-- food shopping, gear rental, and meeting the guides who would lead our two day glacier trek.
Day 4's crisp breeze and blooming meadows found the Chamonix Moondancers aboard a train riding high above the valley-- destined for the Mer de Glace (Ice Sea) glacier. This two day activity included snow school, ice climbing, crampon use, glacial travel, rope work, and lots of communication between the Americans and our French guides. Rafael, Ralph, and Nicholas taught the group many technical mountaineering skills while guiding us through this portion of our adventure. Meredith and Katharine enjoyed the cultural exchange with our European guides and asked many questions about their climbing adventures and life in France. Arrival at the high alpine Couvercle Hut meant a hot meal after a hard day's work-- potato soup and bread led into chicken and pasta with a cream sauce and chocolate mousse for dessert. Moondancers in Europe certainly eat well! The second day of the glacier trek we descended from the hut and mastered side contouring as we returned to the glacier and took a return train to Chamonix.
Thomas and Margy were the group's first leaders of the day to start our two week Haute Route backpacking section. We climbed out of the Chamonix valley with light packs and looking forward to experiencing small villages in France and Switzerland. Our first stop, Le Tour, provided our first glimpse of village life with window boxes full of geraniums and quaint lodging.
Traveling the next day from Le Tour to Trient provided a challenging uphill section, but it was well worth it to reach the Col de Balme pass and cross into Switzerland. A nutella fueled lunch on the pass kept spirits high on the trail for our descent into our second Haute Route destination. Katie and Carrie kept the group moving at a steady pace and traveling together.
Lastly, this morning Jacki and Kimberly led the crew out after breakfast to undertake one of the longest and most difficult stages of the hike. Elizabeth and Huntley have been quiet sources of strength for the whole team-- these consistent ladies are tough hikers and a complaint never escapes their mouths! The group climbed steadily throughout the morning and reached the Fenetre d'Arpette (Window to Arpette) by 1pm and Patrick's witty remarks kept everyone laughing on the trail. Chocolate bars rewarded the team for successfully attaining this high goal, and after a few hours descent (including glissading down slippery snow fields!) we find ourselves relaxing after a hot meal in Champex.
We look forward to the next 10 days of Haute Route travel and a successful arrival in Zermatt! Until next time,
NEW LOG
Bonjour!
Our days in Switzerland have been incredible. The Haute Route has taken its toll both physically and mentally. We are pushing ourselves and our comfort zones everyday, realizing how much we can really accomplish. We have reached remote cabins and conquered high mountain passes. The food keeps getting better and better¡Kor maybe we just keep getting hungrier and hungrierƒº The group is forever bonding and it has been great to see these amazing ski towns in a relaxed summer setting. We have four days left on the Route, and then we come into the town of Zermatt. We will keep you posted!
Trip Update 7-12-04
Hello all,
The Chamonix Moondancers have arrived safely in Zermatt after finishing their 14 day hiking section on the Haute Route. Two weeks and over 100 miles of trail from Chamonix made the group's arrival in Zermatt memorable and happy for all.
The last four days of Haute Route travel were some of the most demanding trails the group has encountered. We relied on all the wilderness travel skills and group strengths we have developed so far to cover many miles and multiple high alpine passes. The last two days the group traveled on the recently constructed Europaweg trail from St. Niklaus to Zermatt. This stretch provided incredible vistas, a rustic night of cabin lodging, and even snowfall our last morning. Luckily the snow stopped and the sun came out for our 18 km descent into the bustling town of Zermatt.
After a treat of local ice cream cones (multiple scoops all around), the group enjoyed visiting the shops and markets in Zermatt before arriving back to the hotel to find a huge dinner of salad and pasta prepared by their fearless leaders-- tonight it's the group's turn to cook!
After this morning's day hike, we're renting gear for our Breithorn summit attempt from the famous Matterhorn Sport. Some free time and relaxation is allowing everyone the rest needed to prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow's strenous ascent.
We head back to Chamonix for one night and then continue to Paris for some sightseeing and a final farewell meal together. Accomplishing something as difficult as the Haute Route together has brought us all together as a team and we're looking forward to dominating another challenge in the morning!
We'll check in tomorrow afternoon,
Dana and Brian
NEW LOG
Haute Route details and Breithorn Summit
*These are some highlights that we wanted to add to our amazing Haute Route trek:
Meredith and Huntley led us from Champex to Le Chable. Although this was not a strenuous hike, these ladies capably guided the group into Le Chable's Hotel Gietroz. The group still reflects on the steak and pasta we had for dinner this evening! Additionally we had a chance to review some map reading and orientation techniques. Patrick and Elizabeth took over as leaders of the day and by example carried the team up to the Cabane de Mont Fort. The cabin's guardian, Roland, rewarded us with a four course feast. A 6am wake up call found the crew finishing breakfast and climbing the first of 3 alpine passes-- the Col de la Chaux. Through Katharine and Katie's motivation we reached this pass, however determined that the excessive snow and ice prevented us from continuing on. The group returned to the warm Cabane for naps and an afternoon of rest before traveling to Arolla with Margy's fast pace and enthusiasm to continue the Haute Route hiking. Jackie and Carrie led the group on a very special day for American's in Europe, the 4th of July! We had a beautiful lunch spot and even a few swimmers in a cold Swiss lake, and an afternoon bocce tournament and secret 4th of July buddies at moonup rounded out a great holiday. Kimberly and Patrick kept spirits up and led the group to yet another high mountain cabin, the Cabane de Moiry. This cabin provided exceptional views of the nearby lake and glacier. Two long days led us through Zinal, Gruben, and into St. Niklaus. Thomas's mastery of our guidebook allowed for smooth travels over difficult terrain.
Breithorn summit notes.
Three teams: Richard guided Dana, Carrie, Thomas, and Patrick. Christian guided Brian, Jackie, Katharine, Kimberly and Elizabeth. Daniel guided Katie, Huntley, Margy, and Meredith. The peak was 4200 meters. Weather was cloudy in the morning but cleared by noon for some good views of the Alps below.
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