tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79863713870351271032024-03-05T02:17:48.631-08:00Trekking in the Alps and Provence Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-44420486694392132902023-01-09T02:04:00.000-08:002023-01-09T02:20:30.377-08:00What's round the next bend - will the right trail be obvious? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQyB0d_IVq2EDTXyKh2sGURfZuOmmRBbC1WmN4OqoKKzZ8NJLf-bRXa06HQbTttHkKivseSVWq2dr39G1nsdxGwVe3VgUd9vjyzKCetGx-8xa4JOTb5tnkFeuHZy1U82AAFR86S3_0_giEbglgnq7rlF9mwEsj8GcDBjMj11hyjGkSdt8yELZHTy9/s2380/email.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="2380" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQyB0d_IVq2EDTXyKh2sGURfZuOmmRBbC1WmN4OqoKKzZ8NJLf-bRXa06HQbTttHkKivseSVWq2dr39G1nsdxGwVe3VgUd9vjyzKCetGx-8xa4JOTb5tnkFeuHZy1U82AAFR86S3_0_giEbglgnq7rlF9mwEsj8GcDBjMj11hyjGkSdt8yELZHTy9/w572-h211/email.JPG" width="572" /></a></div><p> In many ways 2022 a good year for Trekking in the Alps and Provence: I managed to finally complete all the trips that had been postponed for Covid over the last 2 years, plus some new ones; in addition to guiding my own clients, I also picked up daily work with French groups, usually older folks, always big groups, but it was fun, I learnt different things, met other guides, and I worked outside my comfort zone on several levels! Everything went well, everyone seemed happy, and so we finished the year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkttkytsyn5UACoTz_8CrRZw54-B93rI4cGjHCySwhvQdPHXjWJiqGTkejPIouSX6jsssHb05rZk1WrCjqqCP0vh6tqqDAD_XqbWc8zyPPoDbI37b-7czoUML4v8qz3sF1BeGoWvjbZO19xAJqP-pSRYtXEC5sA-kD2_zClhKxi9ip1sYjOxDiX_gG/s4000/Z%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkttkytsyn5UACoTz_8CrRZw54-B93rI4cGjHCySwhvQdPHXjWJiqGTkejPIouSX6jsssHb05rZk1WrCjqqCP0vh6tqqDAD_XqbWc8zyPPoDbI37b-7czoUML4v8qz3sF1BeGoWvjbZO19xAJqP-pSRYtXEC5sA-kD2_zClhKxi9ip1sYjOxDiX_gG/w381-h286/Z%20(3).JPG" width="381" /></a></div><p>But what's next? As some of you know, for various reasons I can no longer envisage working back to back trips away from home, so I now guide the spring, summer and autumn seasons, keeping the snowy winter mountains for my own outings. Things change, we don't need to continue doing exactly the same things forever, but sometimes it takes a while to process change and to get a clear view of the way ahead. Just like being out in the mountains, you need to take your time to be sure to choose the right trail, the one that will take you where you want to go and also where you are capable of going. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe95c_gW6odoaawRMTL_K3Nzy_xWRBh9IfrFfV_pRtipiRDNN22zFIQ4X_mg9Upi0mRIAvIF8Fnk27uc-1c2AmHdB55fbNbjbNDEJ-7q1aFZqNlSWUV3xQ82CkqnQi3IHMyotcv68heMwVcs7rBUbP5aCmGMDJsCEolN8QxgIZMq4HeCopL_5p69L/s3615/Z%20(6).JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2836" data-original-width="3615" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe95c_gW6odoaawRMTL_K3Nzy_xWRBh9IfrFfV_pRtipiRDNN22zFIQ4X_mg9Upi0mRIAvIF8Fnk27uc-1c2AmHdB55fbNbjbNDEJ-7q1aFZqNlSWUV3xQ82CkqnQi3IHMyotcv68heMwVcs7rBUbP5aCmGMDJsCEolN8QxgIZMq4HeCopL_5p69L/w319-h250/Z%20(6).JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's time now for Trekking in the Alps and Provence to follow the bend in the trail, and to find out what's around the corner! </span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I have decided that, whilst I quite enjoy the day work with French groups here, this is far from ideal for me as it is really last minute, very passive in terms of getting work, and if you only have a group for a day then that's quite frustrating in terms of job fulfillment. Also, talking to groups of 15+ has never been my strong-point! </p><p>So I really want to continue guiding my own private clients on multi-day trips that I organise myself. I have a new<a href="https://trekkinginthealps.com/?c=summer%20trips" target="_blank"> calendar of trips,</a> all confirmed with a few bookings. All the trips are within 3 hours drive of my home which makes them more manageable for me. Having lived in Provence for the last 10 years, after nearly 25 years in the Alps, I feel very well acquainted with the different parts of this extensive French region which stretches from the limestone pré-Alps all the way to the Mediterranean. From the Baronnies to the Luberon to the Haute Alpes....there is enough here to never do the same hikes twice! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNMIU61qR7mv0rtxiDpG-_CrfePu8LAK5Jrdcy-OpvHS6PpoZsGUsNkJ1kklA-D73YW3F0vWbQ0dWwc5olcAou8mnSmbllSdRo6jvoLf7CVxmUvPGTc4j44IiHbCgmq8-Q3_d2-WbqI2lIhPuMYu6nZ5u1A1nofXEoH3YlJhGIw-AJYvVZ1ojLmPW/s4032/20210812_104803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNMIU61qR7mv0rtxiDpG-_CrfePu8LAK5Jrdcy-OpvHS6PpoZsGUsNkJ1kklA-D73YW3F0vWbQ0dWwc5olcAou8mnSmbllSdRo6jvoLf7CVxmUvPGTc4j44IiHbCgmq8-Q3_d2-WbqI2lIhPuMYu6nZ5u1A1nofXEoH3YlJhGIw-AJYvVZ1ojLmPW/w482-h227/20210812_104803.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I am excited to have new venues programmed, places I have wanted to add to my repertoire for some time, notably here in Provence where my new </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1loVlkfwloSf6j401xwvtkJnzcdcNM_CO/view?usp=share_link" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Secret Provence</a><span style="text-align: left;"> trip takes us to the Luberon and Alpilles massifs. </span></div><p>And there will also be a new trip - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K6fvCKaEj72d_mnvckDUZCRB1bbA6p9-/view?usp=share_link" target="_blank">Spectacular Vercors </a>- in the foothills of the Alps, discovering the fabulous peaks around the plateau of Vercors. This is a really fascinating region with so much to explore. Soaring limestone cliffs create the vast plateau, known for a hugely important Resistance movement during World War 2. Charming villages nestle in secret valleys and provide wonderful bases for our hikes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CadRyC3sE83YgWyuVUDTKaY6HaB77QKdNFytlr8Grs8mD9dwwUwc_BSoJEojkjv5uSXk1LW7BQCpjmprYFKPg3UiffytzzydOjtW6V7Z3F3BDH78FfHBH7V__SVlfCw4pyqLMhGpsfjRIC_Ld6Oes6T-r1baWOMmT58jpbWcTHwNCdgjyJcEuSZA/s4000/Z%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CadRyC3sE83YgWyuVUDTKaY6HaB77QKdNFytlr8Grs8mD9dwwUwc_BSoJEojkjv5uSXk1LW7BQCpjmprYFKPg3UiffytzzydOjtW6V7Z3F3BDH78FfHBH7V__SVlfCw4pyqLMhGpsfjRIC_Ld6Oes6T-r1baWOMmT58jpbWcTHwNCdgjyJcEuSZA/w438-h328/Z%20(1).JPG" width="438" /></a></div><p>Finally, the Alps still make my heart sing, so we'll have a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_hZ5mH8322e45ps7Uphd4BJ0RzsAZjrg/view?usp=share_link" target="_blank">Southern Summits week</a>, this time in the Ecrins region, based out of Briançon. Again this is a new itinerary. , and we'll be able to choose from a wealth of day hikes which will enable us to discover all the different facets of this the most southerly glaciated massif of the French Alps.And one of my all time favourites, the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gy7P0YfDIspWZ4poZfQaPBv7rssUenO2/view?usp=share_link" target="_blank">Southern Summits Ubaye</a> based in the fabulous small town of Barcelonnette right in the heart of some of the best most interesting and most fascinating Alps EVER!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhpluJNdhk8JUmyUlrfICGzDiYzoJQc3_LFoo9gFOm4wXH-mYavMKv4ra9vizWOfAGy_1rV-8_ig0mYE6yNHRLfJV6qJvKILokNLkVwJgk0mz7tJX2LJbO_klvdDXbTeK9O38WHqCLnP9WNol6i5KmmPGgzhh1LXvifrsK5S6ual5PcTSr-IRW5iz/s1672/H1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1672" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhpluJNdhk8JUmyUlrfICGzDiYzoJQc3_LFoo9gFOm4wXH-mYavMKv4ra9vizWOfAGy_1rV-8_ig0mYE6yNHRLfJV6qJvKILokNLkVwJgk0mz7tJX2LJbO_klvdDXbTeK9O38WHqCLnP9WNol6i5KmmPGgzhh1LXvifrsK5S6ual5PcTSr-IRW5iz/s320/H1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">So, as I said at the start of this post, all my trips have a few bookings.....loyal regulars who signed up immediately they saw the new venues. I love working with these folks.....but we need more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I don't know how this year will go. I am really enthusiastic and the motivation is high to get all the trips full...but the world seems to have changed post Covid: it seems that one-person guiding businesses like mine are now dinosaurs, to be visible you need to be present on the big platforms of the large agencies. </span></div><p><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How does Trekking in the Alps and Provence gain visibility?</span> </span></b></p><p>No-one seems to read the emails I send out regarding trips; the hotels are clamouring for confirmation of rooms when I don't yet know how many people are coming; since I know only a handful of people will even see this blog post I don't mind telling you I am seriously questioning how this is going to pan out. I feel ashamed to say that I can't fill my trips...I know the product is really good, but my PR sucks. </p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b>So does anyone out there want to help me? </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlJUoKZxzQ33C4WLeb5gwk9BcFIBxXMi36bmR8u8lf0Ad-cXb7VnYGAcG8PJPPZw9r_dQ_yikk7xHFM9MaMieNvVIiFuvWPalg6z6QFdYYRcg2UiW3nuVAtOIZkC2JQRcKaur15tLKmC-cBFutJfiAiQu1IiHXQUW63cPmcDKvNu2x7Zn7PMTvVic/s1569/P1630645%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1569" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlJUoKZxzQ33C4WLeb5gwk9BcFIBxXMi36bmR8u8lf0Ad-cXb7VnYGAcG8PJPPZw9r_dQ_yikk7xHFM9MaMieNvVIiFuvWPalg6z6QFdYYRcg2UiW3nuVAtOIZkC2JQRcKaur15tLKmC-cBFutJfiAiQu1IiHXQUW63cPmcDKvNu2x7Zn7PMTvVic/w598-h300/P1630645%20(2).JPG" width="598" /></a></span></div>I am still on that trail I talked about at the start of this post, I am rounding the bend, seeing where the future takes me.....but if it's nowhere good, or too vague and disorientating, then for my own sanity I will probably have to choose a different route in the future. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LVuGAt5YKl-b4m-E0IuMLXLGeLv9uXN_m_7cYy_TS3oHePxCkNHBrX7sB9WZ_YPANQCDlt4jhG0QA1AcO8ZFmlGGMgci47q8nYmc6aM_KEZ7BlkxnXez65iiOFF9hG2r4OKdP-QEf8nndcGODpVJYY9uJB1lzKdOy8gaEwslC0PqkBYLdI16Pk7D/s4000/P1650420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LVuGAt5YKl-b4m-E0IuMLXLGeLv9uXN_m_7cYy_TS3oHePxCkNHBrX7sB9WZ_YPANQCDlt4jhG0QA1AcO8ZFmlGGMgci47q8nYmc6aM_KEZ7BlkxnXez65iiOFF9hG2r4OKdP-QEf8nndcGODpVJYY9uJB1lzKdOy8gaEwslC0PqkBYLdI16Pk7D/s320/P1650420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We'll see...I really want this to be a success but only my clients can save me now</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> If you're still reading then why not join me this year in the continued adventures of Trekking in the Alps and Provence and help me to move through this time of uncertainty to regain a clear vision of the way forward. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxZwH6GRNuwlm4zXMKQGQ2Yl0GIYYNmC3FUSNRKAGzU7OFXRQExAGpI8Cl039LQzy4cIOTfGlEP85mguyL3nClho579dnkBrjJTvvqNxMgDU-IG-3CX7RYwGt4fnBDZFpkqAOknsfGyokaOurlaM7whADVDXXzYX8pUk_WWIIq12BMBySKuj1MwTo/s4032/Z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxZwH6GRNuwlm4zXMKQGQ2Yl0GIYYNmC3FUSNRKAGzU7OFXRQExAGpI8Cl039LQzy4cIOTfGlEP85mguyL3nClho579dnkBrjJTvvqNxMgDU-IG-3CX7RYwGt4fnBDZFpkqAOknsfGyokaOurlaM7whADVDXXzYX8pUk_WWIIq12BMBySKuj1MwTo/w599-h292/Z.jpg" width="599" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-28496474739358025552021-10-31T13:37:00.008-07:002021-10-31T13:45:53.251-07:00Battered but not beaten.....looking forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnziOm9_auA9Vr-9UHFZWRUpK7wLFsd-n4cFuMROfCpfMwjQPk5zdRnT4qnlFcjja2U1L4-XEK_RWTLI2sV9mQczwKkUTJJo8YPKHOZfWpnbMaiRaihoaGlDBUPNiK1HeKhHfP3bzo08/s2077/G0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="2077" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnziOm9_auA9Vr-9UHFZWRUpK7wLFsd-n4cFuMROfCpfMwjQPk5zdRnT4qnlFcjja2U1L4-XEK_RWTLI2sV9mQczwKkUTJJo8YPKHOZfWpnbMaiRaihoaGlDBUPNiK1HeKhHfP3bzo08/w640-h310/G0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's been an embarassingly long time since I wrote anything on here. But since it seems no-one actually reads my blog maybe I shouldn't feel too ashamed. I can obviously come up with all the excuses, many of which are shared by all those who, like me, have spent the last 2 years watching their cherished businesses disappear in a cloud of Covid dust. For me the pandemic has been coupled with medical horrors on the home front that have left me reeling emotionally and have sent my creativity plumetting to rock bottom. Writing anything remotely inspiring has been an almost inconceivable challenge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwKLWScD3tTz6_-aAVAeP6zxMlOszbY8-4pCIOgODwRjXcNYaVftxXl0bm9oXuRmGqcLoZlvJKmz2Reb7Ry6y5DAgloSUC9OUDMH1V32N1vDPOhBhYhDw_nS9ST3sDnQTgJm34QOqZ0/s2077/FB6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="2077" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwKLWScD3tTz6_-aAVAeP6zxMlOszbY8-4pCIOgODwRjXcNYaVftxXl0bm9oXuRmGqcLoZlvJKmz2Reb7Ry6y5DAgloSUC9OUDMH1V32N1vDPOhBhYhDw_nS9ST3sDnQTgJm34QOqZ0/w400-h194/FB6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>But it's time to rally, to see some light at the end of the tunnel. And despite current Covid figures on the up in many countries, I do feel there are solid reasons to see a way forward. Not least based on the small number of trips I have guided these last weeks, all of which have been hugely fulfilling and joyful: people have told me how happy they are to travel again and this can only get better as we learn to live safely with this virus. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDYp3eyG0TiitJVntgaaKprd2i-kG1qZmrCOfL6y7634EFJw5B8Qf0SDreS0EuPmjq3OQGmcZXLyS2ggs1LXUzJ9PFDgXCCMG133zZaswOAmE26x9MUSJcKw6kRMvXrZ2JheB-_Dx2N4/s1672/P1590079.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1672" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDYp3eyG0TiitJVntgaaKprd2i-kG1qZmrCOfL6y7634EFJw5B8Qf0SDreS0EuPmjq3OQGmcZXLyS2ggs1LXUzJ9PFDgXCCMG133zZaswOAmE26x9MUSJcKw6kRMvXrZ2JheB-_Dx2N4/w279-h209/P1590079.JPG" width="279" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>How brilliant it was to just get out again and do my job...and find that I could just slot back into the role of Trekking Guide, finding such satisfaction in guiding people through fabulous scenery, along winding trails and reaching summits where the views were spectacular and the air clear and refreshing. I have missed those days of quiet walking, interspersed with banter, convivial picnics perched high on flower carpetted hillsides, and end of the day drinks on a sunny café terrace. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsf3TK_5KLL8I469uMMVAwRN9fZt-e4aWxQJeUcIDQ1REOlFl_emLjir02MXT5WHEFhlCbbItl6LTgGcGVqwFu0HNZd6HwsriERwCE_u1S6H64Pyl222g3zJr9IeKTI6uZkkJOO-ccFE/s1672/IMG_2890.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="1254" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsf3TK_5KLL8I469uMMVAwRN9fZt-e4aWxQJeUcIDQ1REOlFl_emLjir02MXT5WHEFhlCbbItl6LTgGcGVqwFu0HNZd6HwsriERwCE_u1S6H64Pyl222g3zJr9IeKTI6uZkkJOO-ccFE/w150-h200/IMG_2890.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p>It's important to say that I am beyond grateful for those that trusted me and signed up for these trips...there have been so many cancellations these last 2 years, all I seemed to do was change things around, tell hotels and refuges were weren't coming, return or hold deposits etc etc. But for those who held firm...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, you have kept the faith and helped me to do so too. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRhCqrCYH0ZMKGnAiItyNZg6mrI9X88tnDH4_bDJcR-6BDbuLJZfIQwJ_EjfVbZB8pqZtZSPoeEQAQczWrx9NtQPACTm24babgrMOty8a_IQ3AUxGULVsmsT6RVz8yTxPxJHSVgC7VQE/s2077/GA.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="2077" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRhCqrCYH0ZMKGnAiItyNZg6mrI9X88tnDH4_bDJcR-6BDbuLJZfIQwJ_EjfVbZB8pqZtZSPoeEQAQczWrx9NtQPACTm24babgrMOty8a_IQ3AUxGULVsmsT6RVz8yTxPxJHSVgC7VQE/w400-h194/GA.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>And now...onwards!! Trekking in the Alps and Provence might be battered, but I am not done. </p><p>During all the time since I last wrote I have been discovering my new region...which is pretty big and very varied. Provence encompasses everything from the foothills of the Alps right down to the Med. In between there is so much diversity. We have the olive and lavender hillsides where I live, the vineyards of the Luberon, the beech and oak forests and rocky gorges to the east and the perched artists' villages to the south. Throw into that mix a good dose of history stretching from the Romans and earlier, amazing cuisine and of course the famous Provençal wines.....along with so many trails, valleys and peaks to hike...enough for a lifetime. All of this is relatively easily accessed from the French airports of Marseille, Lyon or Paris, using the TGV to reach Avignon. Or of course the train can be taken all the way. Some folks even choose to drive out. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNi62emdjFEoIr2xnd58aiZBDtm_kumh_DaTzi6FepXR0ShYeTvRxpE2BaA2BsDe7qGIkAq5zSBcdGyNRW7TwClPREOxymzSHe_X0pFqSKFHSk46U3QiR-QtDji-HidGuIfjJYMM0IoA/s1672/GS.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1672" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNi62emdjFEoIr2xnd58aiZBDtm_kumh_DaTzi6FepXR0ShYeTvRxpE2BaA2BsDe7qGIkAq5zSBcdGyNRW7TwClPREOxymzSHe_X0pFqSKFHSk46U3QiR-QtDji-HidGuIfjJYMM0IoA/w275-h206/GS.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>Working locally with French groups has allowed me to expand my repertoire of hikes and my knowledge of historical and cultural visits too. I am really excited to offer trips in the Luberon, and also further north in the Vercors too for those who are keen to explore more of the vast wealth of hiking in France. <p></p><p>Equally I want to keep the Alpine trips going, but principally in the Southern French Alps. There are several reasons for this: I don't want to have to commute so far these days (yep, getting older, and also fed up of speeding fines!); but mainly I think the Southern Alps are great for what I do...I like to take people to areas they wouldn't necessarily find otherwise, to get away from the famous hiking routes, to discover an authenticity that is sadly lacking in some over-hyped Alpine Resorts. Travelling to the places I propose is more complicated than hopping on a plane to Geneva followed by an easy transfer to Chamonix or Zermatt. But it's really not difficult if you allow a bit of time, maybe spend a day at a French city such as Marseille, or Lyon, then take the train onwards - there is a lot to be said for travelling a bit more slowly, taking the time to enjoy the journey as well. Surely if the pandemic has taught us anything it's be more mindful of how we live, how we travel and how we spend our time. Hiking in the mountains is a very low impact activity if we think about how we do it and the "low-glitz" areas where I go fit the bill perfectly. Your friends might not have heard of them, they don't have the kudos of Chamonix, Gstaad, Alpes d'Huez....but who cares, they are secret and very very special. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD7_Bt1QVF5zT6D13FVsL0sTGZGnJt578SieYPm2mmb9h69-vDnVWQ-jil4X0wG_TbsfNQUtgI81d1QCTpAomiJhy9EvnRSbOUKM1OnqfXiHIzpMpSnUJfZkCoPKp2vdEgsgRtM6s-vM/s1672/GVV.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1672" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD7_Bt1QVF5zT6D13FVsL0sTGZGnJt578SieYPm2mmb9h69-vDnVWQ-jil4X0wG_TbsfNQUtgI81d1QCTpAomiJhy9EvnRSbOUKM1OnqfXiHIzpMpSnUJfZkCoPKp2vdEgsgRtM6s-vM/w273-h205/GVV.JPG" width="273" /></a></p><p> For those of you who have actually read this far, thank you. I hope you'll be tempted to come and hike with me in the coming months, years - go to my websites for details of trips for next year or just drop me a mail to find out more <a href="mailto:hilaryalp@gmail.com">hilaryalp@gmail.com</a>. If you choose to follow my blog then maybe I will write posts more frequently...if I actually believe someone is reading 😏</p><p>Meanwhile here are a few more shots from the last few months, here in Provence and a little further afield in those Southern Alps. And of course there's a cat...one of many in the streets of my village.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3PFaf4wjPOu99Kk7N3dwXD50rSFbJWrLijrEWPMPoC7O0C97nrRY-7GFJAWEi3-_CbxFl3DssfIzTDCUzHv5VL3LEGWKL6-VOnZ1oBYvq5LWM6PdeNBhLlPGgbo1lNotKu0krqXMUCA/s2077/20210706_115407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="2077" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3PFaf4wjPOu99Kk7N3dwXD50rSFbJWrLijrEWPMPoC7O0C97nrRY-7GFJAWEi3-_CbxFl3DssfIzTDCUzHv5VL3LEGWKL6-VOnZ1oBYvq5LWM6PdeNBhLlPGgbo1lNotKu0krqXMUCA/s320/20210706_115407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgWxkZyCHpT8azag0zmIacr9zOd3eV0nlM3OIYxOVh8KyEtNOD0ZxGktnhnAbsnTa1WfZ59C9nbv4iHKLV-c3C2YkPyjtBp20ETAKK3aK7KhuHuHbOALCVBY__qd3Q0jxH6W0t8AfbZA/s1940/20210722_072019+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1940" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgWxkZyCHpT8azag0zmIacr9zOd3eV0nlM3OIYxOVh8KyEtNOD0ZxGktnhnAbsnTa1WfZ59C9nbv4iHKLV-c3C2YkPyjtBp20ETAKK3aK7KhuHuHbOALCVBY__qd3Q0jxH6W0t8AfbZA/s320/20210722_072019+%25282%2529.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7AutSy2HyOyEcYz2qG4jNDIIQkZ8-Y9Qr3uz56KRZXPwRFwJAxkclo1WK7_fjXAL_rlIcmMHG98ZVhTJGcV6nmQTVgiVHGXtNQjmOMJctAMZqvOZvM3OT5IQEia_2UI2EvchMZPPoZw/s2077/20210911_094537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="2077" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7AutSy2HyOyEcYz2qG4jNDIIQkZ8-Y9Qr3uz56KRZXPwRFwJAxkclo1WK7_fjXAL_rlIcmMHG98ZVhTJGcV6nmQTVgiVHGXtNQjmOMJctAMZqvOZvM3OT5IQEia_2UI2EvchMZPPoZw/w640-h310/20210911_094537.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN42c859F6I_jaiDh7YxKwi97i2-XWaWHUljeFJQEIuEIhtQx2u2OiwvxavvcF9jBZrAg7YQuD17RvNxsrTep1Q2B8-VTeYP3Pj8zxOWPHkE7ejVQev1JkD5MlxRuNUrsN-mhmDwJx2U/s640/image4+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhN42c859F6I_jaiDh7YxKwi97i2-XWaWHUljeFJQEIuEIhtQx2u2OiwvxavvcF9jBZrAg7YQuD17RvNxsrTep1Q2B8-VTeYP3Pj8zxOWPHkE7ejVQev1JkD5MlxRuNUrsN-mhmDwJx2U/s320/image4+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZr5_x_zJuzAeBdKVaain05EkbTFSz96hvK0Zb5KpL7ARrpThYQXnC7ypLi0VPVnA1donDQ0MaU4R5F6JbWkaxuKhXwRThD9v1HdFZTa68Ad-r9pXvq7286jGnefPEd6odK6ReNTSbrI/s1885/Roca+Linaud.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1885" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZr5_x_zJuzAeBdKVaain05EkbTFSz96hvK0Zb5KpL7ARrpThYQXnC7ypLi0VPVnA1donDQ0MaU4R5F6JbWkaxuKhXwRThD9v1HdFZTa68Ad-r9pXvq7286jGnefPEd6odK6ReNTSbrI/w640-h360/Roca+Linaud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-73085496582658562192018-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:002018-10-07T13:17:17.048-07:00Still here!<br />
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Well it's been a long time since I last posted. I quite often think about it but then either realise I<br />
don't have time or realise what I had imagined writing is better left in my head rather than voiced out loud!<br />
But it's time for a catch up. 2018 has in many ways been a great year for Trekking in the Alps and Provence - lots of really successful trips winter, spring and summer, with fabulous groups. Lots of fun, lots of exciting hikes and amazing views.<br />
As ever, there are days that are great and days that are just good and the odd day that is best forgotten. But this has also been a year when I have made some important decisions about the future, the main one of which is that I will be doing fewer trips away in the Alps. It's time to ease off a little and spend more time hiking and climbing for me, and also working nearer to home here in Provence.<br />
But the future is really bright because this means that whilst we move away from quantity, the trips will remain of the highest quality. I am very excited about this - working with my regulars is such a pleasure and an honour - the Trekking in the Alps and Provence Community is a fabulous group of people who come back to hike and snowshoe with me, some every year others just from time to time. Friendships have been forged on my trips and people now form their own groups to return together, whilst new people sign up each season. I am very proud of this and look forward to planning trips as long as people ask me to.<br />
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The winter was a real learning experience in many ways. The weather was never stable in the Alps, and pretty much every day the avalanche risk was relatively significant. This doesn't stop play on snowshoes, but it is hugely important to be flexible on where we go. For this reason I do not offer snowshoe treks where we would be locked into an itinerary that may not be the best choice on a given day. My method is to have an idea of where we'll go each day but to be ready to change that plan even at the very last minute if conditions do not seem right to me. Having been snowshoeing for almost 30 years I think I can say that I am quite good at changing my mind! But what this winter really showed me was that you don't have to have a definite route to have fun on snowshoes; you don't need to go to a summit or col, to have a memorable day out. Snowshoeing is so many things...the snow of course, and the hike; but also the light, the silence, the wildlife, the sun glinting off the snow crystals, the shapes created by the wind, and just being in such magnificent and beautiful surroundings. I can honestly say that this winter I rarely did the walks I had in mind on the day I had in mind, but I had some of the very best snowshoeing I have ever had - sometimes in the forests but much of the time high above with far reaching views. I know I had very happy groups too. Looking at these shots makes me being to look forward to next winter...although I do intend to make the most of autumn for now!<br />
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The spring trips were wonderful, with Corsica taking centre stage for the abundance of swimming as well as the hiking! I will not go to Corsica in 2019 but the trip is already confirmed for 2020 with an almost full group. It's great to know this far ahead what we're doing and to have plenty of time to plan for it. One advantage of giving myself a little more time between trips is that I can think about how to improve on the programmes and have time to recce any new ones. And maybe even to post more than once a year on my blog.<br />
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Next summer will feature a couple of real high quality trips, notably my Southern Summits which is going to be amazing. It's exciting to be discovering new areas to hike after so many years in the business. Here's a couple of taster shots of where we'll be going:<br />
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Finally, like I said at the start of this blog post, I often think about blog posts I might write, but mainly they stay in my head...the sort of thoughts that once you've processed them in your mind for a while, you find you've worked them through anyway. But one incident from this summer has stayed with me. A member of one of my groups, someone who had very little experience of being out in the high mountains, objected to some advice along the way and came out with a comment that in all my 28 years of guiding here I have never heard: <i><span style="color: blue;">"I've paid so I will do what I want".</span></i>This really did get me thinking...where could such an attitude lead? You pay your money so then you have some sort of insurance against anything happening to you? I think you pay for a guided trip so as to learn, so as to give yourself the best chance of getting the most out of your trip, so as to be able to let someone else take a large part of the responsibility for decision making, planning, organisation; you pay for that person's experience and can choose to learn as much or as little as you wish. But paying doesn't absolve you from being sensible in the mountains, from listening and heeding advice. In this situation it wasn't dangerous at all, I just wanted to share an approach to hiking where we make minimum impact on the terrain, but I am certainly glad I haven't heard that too often on my trips - once in 28 years is enough!!<br />
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On that note, I will take a break for a while and here are some nice shots of this year's Alps, Provence and Corsica memories. Looking forward to the next round.<br />
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-65122642917165861912017-03-09T13:10:00.000-08:002017-03-09T13:10:01.477-08:00The Magic of Snowshoeing!We're already into the 3rd month of 2017 and this is my first blog post of the year. Time flies when you're having fun...in this case snowshoeing.<br />
Okay, so this is my job but much of the time it's a pretty good one. Let's take my office, for example. This is what it looks like most winter days.<br />
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Of course sometimes it's not quite so nice but even when it's not sunny it generally looks like this</div>
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Then there are the other people in my office who are generally pleasant, fun and kind. Of course, that's not a given, but usually anyone who chooses to share my office is there because they like the decor and the activities.<br />
Clearly some folks are livelier than others...some like to take it gently, quietly, enjoying the surroundings; others are buzzing with pent up energy and tend to frolic and roll around.<br />
Hopefully they will have taken some care with their wardrobe and worn nice bright colours which go so well with the winter wonderland that forms my world for 4 months of the year.<br />
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In 2009, when I had already been doing this job for nearly 20 years, I first met Bel, who came on a snowshoe trip in the Alps with me. She was smitten with snowshoeing, loving everything about it. Clearly I also was, that week remains in my memory as a very special one. Bel has returned many times since and has become a dear friend. </div>
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The next time she came, maybe I was looking frazzled one day, I don't know, but she asked me if the Magic of Snowshoeing was still there. I could honestly answer that yes it was...most of the time! </div>
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Since then I often think about that, and this winter, whilst sitting at a typical spectacular viewpoint having a picnic, I asked my group (including Bel) what they thought defined the magic of snowshoeing. </div>
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There were lots of replies......the solitude, the scenery, the fabulous places snowshoes can take you to, the satisfaction of reaching the top, the exhilaration of the descent, the low impact environmental aspect.....</div>
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But Bel put it into words better than I can so here's what she wrote:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">T<i>he magic of snowshoeing is that it transports you to a different time and space. Climbing high above the valleys, you leave behind the mundane day to day worries and enter a world of art and drama. The pace of snow shoeing enables you to look around and be in the moment - absorbing the long blue shadows on gleaming white slopes, the ever expanding views over jagged peaks stretching for miles, the twists and turns of rock formations on dramatic cliffs towering over hidden combes. Art is formed by wind sculpted shapes, by the crisscrossing animal prints, by the long shadows and the sun filtering through the trees.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Depending on the day the light can play tricks, flattening slopes, merging snow and sky, creating an unfamiliar other world. On another day sound is deadened as thick flakes drift slowly down over already snow laden trees and catch on eyelashes and turn rucksacks white. Other times the snow glitters in the sunshine while the impossibly deep blue skies overhead beckon you further onwards. Snowshoeing expands the soul.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkw7zpMYn3zdnLW6rO9MrifeqxQHspssCeI6522ld92jQhY3ji0dszOJRQJiEsa5nCV62-4g1ATjUjrX95voZcGn3CCb53C6PZ2ZP6V-pqB7bnUsrUXmlXPbdSmQZBBWWybWtJEq6MpY/s1600/BLOG+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkw7zpMYn3zdnLW6rO9MrifeqxQHspssCeI6522ld92jQhY3ji0dszOJRQJiEsa5nCV62-4g1ATjUjrX95voZcGn3CCb53C6PZ2ZP6V-pqB7bnUsrUXmlXPbdSmQZBBWWybWtJEq6MpY/s400/BLOG+5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snowshoeing is exhilarating. From catching your breath on a cold frosty start, feeling the cool air expand the lungs, snow shoes gripping on crusty snow, ever upwards, secure in footing, to the first stop of the day. Then testing the snowshoes on different snow types, sometimes soft, sometimes icy, but always gripping. Walking to places that would otherwise be difficult if not impossible to reach. Heading down hill – the exhilaration of running, leaping and releasing our inner child, having fun and playing in the snow. Other times more serious where concentration is required to safely and securely stomp down exposed descents – the exhilaration of trusting both the shoes and the guide.</span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMDIJTEmCf5fqO4lzqcKw3onaRuATYoF4dE9j2U_nJ4mFRj2_Ju2iDTVLPvwOn0FrTVMkjck24PWBZNCv3XcwsfOvzKYQ9gvPSW8phUaN2BhlC61m1SgdpJm8YW3Mj6fYJYVV6YZ4Gyo/s1600/I6+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMDIJTEmCf5fqO4lzqcKw3onaRuATYoF4dE9j2U_nJ4mFRj2_Ju2iDTVLPvwOn0FrTVMkjck24PWBZNCv3XcwsfOvzKYQ9gvPSW8phUaN2BhlC61m1SgdpJm8YW3Mj6fYJYVV6YZ4Gyo/s400/I6+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other world of snowshoeing includes a wonderful interaction with nature – watching golden eagles soar overhead, gasping at the agility of chamois on impossibly steep cliffs, hearing woodpeckers call and the cheerful chatter of small birds rejoicing in the sun warmed vegetation. Seeing primroses emerge as the days lengthen in spring.</span></span></i></div>
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So that's it, now you know. The next step is to come and experience it first hand with me....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNg6jMDRPXZy90j4qTneMQ6QWuRNoxbOwt01MD498BPvyiJ_zS3wRndc8nt4H5b3nrzZ1iWe7UWFy0p4Dhy1pWfxwo1d_lgtEXoTP3ABhR3QvqN2hsQ45lQJhijt4UlNqk_vPMPKZaM/s1600/Bel%2527s+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNg6jMDRPXZy90j4qTneMQ6QWuRNoxbOwt01MD498BPvyiJ_zS3wRndc8nt4H5b3nrzZ1iWe7UWFy0p4Dhy1pWfxwo1d_lgtEXoTP3ABhR3QvqN2hsQ45lQJhijt4UlNqk_vPMPKZaM/s400/Bel%2527s+shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Bel Youngson</td></tr>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-32341085064980982022016-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:002016-12-14T13:21:04.798-08:00Great memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's been a while (again) since my last post but this time no excuses about lack of time etc etc. This time I didn't know what to write. With everything that's happened in the world these last couple of months, I wanted to write something meaningful but couldn't put my thoughts into words - or at least into any words that were appropriate for this blog! "Fuck" seems to have been a fairly recurrent word in my thoughts.....<br />
But maybe this isn't the platform for meaningful thoughts on world affairs....and anyway my views are probably not that interesting to anyone but me. I am a trekking guide and that's what I know best (apart from climbing of course).<br />
Its 10 years since I had an unforgettable experience, one which has shaped many other experiences since then, and so I figured I would share this. The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is a non-stop trail race taking the Tour of Mont Blanc trek route. Back when it began in 2003 this was a new challenge in the Alps, modeled largely on the already well-established 100 mile trail races in the USA.<br />
13 years on and there are many (too many?) similar races in the Alps with new ones being set up every year, each one longer and harder, and all over subscribed. You can do clinics to learn how to do these races; there are masses of products designed to help you succeed; and every summer the alpine trails see as many runners as walkers covering the miles.<br />
But back in 2006 train running was still not main stream in the Alps and signing up for this very long race was considered a pretty daft thing to do. That first race went well for me, but I felt there was some unfinished business so against the advice of all my friends I signed up again in 2008. I wrote articles for magazines about both my races. Here is my account of the second race, written in 2008.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtjNx0rJ2cLee8BO1mpdXOK-NY-QtayiCd82E4M_YOPR4fezm9jhQ3VY4DyDbnUhyTokYJoPcUxhQX9LpmJgSbYorp-vG6rYfiDmrfmAO1KOSu3g7jOjEymVldHj7s_dITtqiNJ5DhB8/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtjNx0rJ2cLee8BO1mpdXOK-NY-QtayiCd82E4M_YOPR4fezm9jhQ3VY4DyDbnUhyTokYJoPcUxhQX9LpmJgSbYorp-vG6rYfiDmrfmAO1KOSu3g7jOjEymVldHj7s_dITtqiNJ5DhB8/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Courmayeur in 2008, high spirits at this stage.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">UTMB 2008</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">A week or so before the Ultra Trail du
Mont Blanc I heard a quote on the tv. I wasn't really listening but I think it
was someone's quote on how to successfully read a book. It seems to me though
that it perfectly sums up an Ultra race: "you start at the beginning, you
keep going to the end and then you stop". This became my mantra as I
laboured my way round the Tour du Mont Blanc trail taken by the Mont Blanc
Ultra race the last weekend in August 2008. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">166 kms, 9400 metres of uphill and the
same back down. This is one long race and it should never been undertaken
lightly. For those of you still working in feet 9400m = 30,832 ft!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I had already done the UTMB fairly
successfully in 2006 when it was "only" 158kms and 8400m of up and
down. I'd had a blast and at the time I thought that was it, and that I would
not be doing this race again. That remained my opinion until a year later when
I was guiding the Tour of Mont Blanc the week leading up to the race. The banners
were everywhere, people kept asking me if I was running it again, and then to
cap it all I saw the runners'</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">lights
high up in the mountains as I drove off to my next trek in Austria. I knew
then: either don't be here for the race or do it again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of course the former idea was perfectly
possible: I could always programme a trek elsewhere and so be totally oblivious
to what's going on here. But that little worm of an idea had got inside of me
and it grew - by late autumn I knew I would be applying for a place for the
UTMB for 2008.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Why do it again? My reasons were not
too complicated once I had examined them.
I wanted to repeat the wonderful exciting adventure that a trail of this
magnitude offers and this one is on my doorstep. To go elsewhere and embark on
a 160kms race would mean being alone, and I didn't really think I could ask my
husband Jon to come and wait 40 hours for me whilst I ran around - with a very
good chance that I would not succeed. Here I have all my friends around who
will come out in the dead of night and support me. Also this is my playground
and I know the trail. My other major reason for having another go was that I
wanted to come into Chamonix at the end of the race smiling - a victorious
finish in the style of a true ultra race, where you have overcome obstacles and
return triumphant and proud. It was a dream - one that could easily have turned
to disappointment, as people pointed out to me. I had in fact in 2006 declared
quite vehemently to some friends that I never wanted to do this race again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf7wF9Ysj4yz-4XZiUm3n6zu7lCSLxeEqHdi-2IDk21zm1bAXldVdGKstF1hW30RxRQDq9fbEnTHV3CvMW3D29gntG-4Iya_sW7SxhFl1fylheXTyuUnI-wB2jkpgT8KxkdLp9ozfbe4/s1600/crop+altered+col+des+m...jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf7wF9Ysj4yz-4XZiUm3n6zu7lCSLxeEqHdi-2IDk21zm1bAXldVdGKstF1hW30RxRQDq9fbEnTHV3CvMW3D29gntG-4Iya_sW7SxhFl1fylheXTyuUnI-wB2jkpgT8KxkdLp9ozfbe4/s320/crop+altered+col+des+m...jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2006 second night, torrential rain, with Hubby as moral support</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Signing up was a marathon in itself.
The sign-up was one evening in early January. At 9pm the website opened and 15
minutes later the UTMB 2008 was full. My computer balked and I couldn't get
on-line - luckily a friend in nearby Switzerland came to the rescue and we did
the whole thing with me quoting details over the phone to him. We were both
shaking with excitement (or in my case fear) afterwards.</span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Then came the long months of training.
Because I work in the mountains my training is never textbook - I have to run
when and where I can and sometimes it's
just an hour early morning before going out with clients. There were many, many
occasions when I was up at 5am pounding the streets in winter (and the verglas
can be quite exciting round here, not to mention the snow) and then as the
summer came I was rewarded with dawn runs on high trails, getting back to huts
as everyone got up and we then headed out for a day's trekking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">There is always the fear though - that
you will get sick, that you'll get injured, that you just won't get to the
start-line in good shape. And of course there were plenty of scares: worn out
legs at the end of the winter season, severe diarrhoea in Morocco in May, a
dislocated rib two weeks before race day….the chances of watching this dream go
up in smoke seemed to be many and I rode a real rollercoaster of highs and lows
in the weeks preceding the race.</span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">But finally there I was, 29 August
6.30pm in Chamonix and ready to go!! The organisers really know how to put on a
performance and we were treated to many repetitions of Vangellis Conquest of
the Paradise at the start-line - each time louder until the ground under my
feet was vibrating. The forecast was good and the sun was beginning to set on
Mont Blanc as we finally took off at a snail's pace down the main street in
Chamonix. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My overwhelming emotion was gratitude -
that I had made it to the start in good health and that I had a place for this
race. I was determined this would be my last time on this race, but for this reason
I was going to savour the experience the whole way. There are lots of people
who did not get places, and also folk who had to drop out due to injury. There
are also many people who do not have able bodies for this sort of challenge. It
was going to hurt but I considered myself awfully lucky to be able to
participate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My friends and Jon were there in the
crowd, bearing a banner to cheer me on. The music was still ringing in my ears
as we left the outskirts of town and headed down to Les Houches. There were
2300 runners so plenty of jostling going on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">The evening turned out to be really
humid - to my surprise my clothes were soaking by the time we reached the first
pass at the Col de Voza. Behind us the Mont Blanc massif was bathed in soft
pink alpenglow. Headlights went on and we turned down the very steep and not
terribly pleasant descent to St Gervais. This was a new bit for me and I was
glad I hadn't bothered checking it out - one time down that slip-slidy slope
was definitely enough, dodging runner's elbows and sticks. The ambience at St
Gervais was as good as anywhere on the race - music, dancing - a real
celebration which gave us courage to carry on into the dark night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">The runners themselves quietened down
notably as we continued up to Les Contamines. I guess we were all now realising
just what we'd got ourselves into. The last time I did this race I was somewhat
alarmed at around this stage of the race to realise that in 24 hours I would
still be doing the exact same thing! This time I let that thought slip by and
consoled myself with the fact that in 40 hours I would be done, whatever the
outcome. It is quite sobering though to think of all the things you do in 40
hours - including going to bed twice - and for all that time most of us were running
/ walking / staggering along, keeping Mont Blanc on our left, to get back to
Chamonix - and all for a T shirt!!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">We began to climb higher and the air
was cooler, but the temperature during the first night were really perfect - I
was able to remain in shorts and just add an extra shirt. The night was
stunningly beautiful, the stars out in all their glory. Looking back from time
to time as we climbed up to the Col de Bonhomme and then the Col de la Croix de
Bonhomme I was so excited to see an endless line of lights weaving along behind
me. Don't get the wrong idea though - there were at least as many lights in
front of me, I just couldn't see them the same way! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">On the descent to Les Chapieux I had a
real scare when something "went" in my ankle - an old climbing injury
that had flared up earlier during the week. I honestly thought I might be in
trouble. As far as I am concerned quitting is not an option - but I am not
superhuman and if I had really got an injury I might have had no control over
the outcome. I limped into Les Chapieux, worried but determined. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">The way onward is along a road and this
proved to be comfortable. The long climb up to the Col de la Seigne and Italy
was also no problem either and I ran down to the next big aid station
cautiously optimistic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">From here onwards there were to be no
cups provided at aid stations so as to reduce litter and also so as to use less
"stuff". We had been given a huge cup to attach to our rucksacks but
luckily an American guardian angel had managed to find a really cool folding
cup for me which fitted into my shorts pocket perfectly. I was surprised to
find quite a lot of other runners had this cup too - obviously this was the
business. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">The sun was rising, just kissing the
summit of Mont Blanc, as I set off up towards the Col Chécrouit. This is such a
beautiful viewpoint, and I was reminded of the last time I was here with a
group hiking the TMB when we had thick fog and couldn't see a thing! I imagined
all the people who would be setting out from high huts in the glaciated
mountains, to ascend Mont Blanc and other peaks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Col Chécrouit provided a great
spectacle, with belly dancers to encourage us on our way. Unexpected encounters
with friends gave me a bigger buzz, and sent me flying down to Courmayeur.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I felt great!!! My friends plied me
with food ….everything was on course and I rolled off through town on a high.
This high in fact lasted all the way past Rifugio Bertone and on to Rifguio
Bonatti, my second home in the winter, where I had time to say "hi"
the guardians before they shooed me out. I trotted along and soon got down to
Arnuva. I was going well, really happy and eating well too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">However the next climb up was really
odd - I met an acquaintance who was really negative and announced we should
both drop out!! I told him in no uncertain terms to keep going! Many people seemed to succumb to the heat on
this ascent to the Grand Col Ferret. There seemed to be very few runners, no
spectators and I began to wonder what on earth was going on. In fact I think the
heat made many runners ill and I am told that in the space of 3 hours during
the afternoon 800 runners dropped out. I called my friends who were at La Fouly
and they reassured me that I was doing fine time-wise and that everything was
okay. I was not considering dropping out or anything like that, there just
seemed to be an aura of negativity on this section. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I got myself together again at the col
and headed off into Switzerland, my only concern being where I would find a
water fill-up spot. This soon materialised at a farm on the way down, then we
were directed onto a longer version of the usual TMB into the village of La
Fouly. My mate Jane met me a km before the aid station and trotted along at my
side, her handbag swinging. Jane is my Official Manager and has had to put up
with endless emails detailing the latest little pain / injury / worry - she
must have wondered at times if she'd backed the wrong horse! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLejHuwIRv7bX3SUdTyVAtOcQRdwPg42t2exQvZuR0mm733N-7Ga1PH359QaUQKcPF5zGYFIxCvtGi96TQc_kJBuMDoEws-3Xyu642nlFteL78RMCGmRJXLFmkPSI3uX6l6b7w-L9Nm0/s1600/TG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLejHuwIRv7bX3SUdTyVAtOcQRdwPg42t2exQvZuR0mm733N-7Ga1PH359QaUQKcPF5zGYFIxCvtGi96TQc_kJBuMDoEws-3Xyu642nlFteL78RMCGmRJXLFmkPSI3uX6l6b7w-L9Nm0/s320/TG1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the rain on 2006 race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The evening brought cooler conditions
again and soon I was embarked on the ascent to Champex. Here I enjoyed an
"awesome hour of power", steaming past people on the long forest
climb, and I blasted into the aid station feeling amazingly strong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Of course I should have known it
wouldn't last. With every high comes a low and it certainly did as I was slowly
but surely overcome with nausea on the next climb up to Bovine. I just felt
weird really, not able to go at my usual strong speed on the climb. I was
careful and slowed down but every step felt wrong and it was here that I got
the blisters that were to test my pain tolerance for the rest of the race. I began to also feel very sleepy and by the
time I met Jon and various other friends at the Col de la Forclaz I was
struggling to stay awake. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Trient provided some fun - there seemed
to be an away trip for the Vallorcine men, which involved huge amounts of
drinking. For me the treat was soup and potatoes and clean socks. I knew there
were just two major climbs and descents left and, as everyone kept telling me,
I had loads of time (the cut off time is 46hrs) but I did not want to stop and
sleep. Les Tseppes went by okay and friends were manning the aid station at La
Catogne. I asked for a coffee to try to wake me up and it did the trick for
about 5 mins then I was dozy again. In the periphery of my headlamp I would see
people collapsed by the trail, who had just fallen asleep. I did not want this
to be me and I tried everything to stay awake including singing - luckily there
weren't many other people around but I did encounter a woman being sick - now I
know my singing is bad but….Anyway my efforts to wake up didn't work and by the
time I wobbled into Vallorcine (my home village) I knew I'd have to lie down as
I felt it was too dangerous to go on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">All the beds for runners were taken -
it's amazing, I didn't realise there were a sleeping rooms at the aid stations
- this one looked like one of those hospital camps you see in old war films for
injured soldiers. So I got into our van and laid down. I was sure I would just
fall asleep and had given Jon strict instructions to wake me after 30 minutes.
But 20 mins later I had not slept and the nausea had gone. Reassured that I was
not going to keel over and fall to certain death from the trail, I felt ready
to go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Friends were cheering me on at the Col
des Montets and from there I made a steady pace up the next climb which was new
this year to the race. There were some very disorientated people on the trail,
some staggering, some just sitting. One asked me where was the Grand Col Ferret
which we'd passed hours ago in Switzerland. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">There were no supporters as there is no
easy access - the only spectators were ibex grazing by the path. It was dawn
again and the sky went red - rain was forecast for later in the day. Now it was
just a question of keeping going. I was fine except for the blisters, but on
the climb these did not present too much of a problem. However, from La Flégère
to Chamonix there is a very long and rocky descent which is not pleasant when you're fresh let alone after
nearly 40 hours of racing with open wounds on both feet. Jane and Charles made
a brief appearance, taking the cable car up to La Flegère and were able to
brandish their final banner - "Head up H you're nearly there" - well
yes, apart from this darned descent. I tried to block out the cable car as it
swung them back down to Chamonix in a matter of minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">I gritted my teeth - a lot, for a very
long time. People came past me - lots of them. I feebly muttered about my
blisters and just kept going. It was truly a horrible descent and I dug very
very deep to keep going. But I would never quit - even though this brought
tears to my eyes. I knew Jon was waiting at the bottom where we came into town
and I kept thinking it must be round the next bend. I lost loads of time here
but there was nothing to be done - each step was agony. Near the end I felt one
blister enlarge right up my ankle…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Then I was on tarmac - not far now. Jon
ran down the road with me - and yes I could run now it was level - there were
barriers channelling us to the finish - it no longer hurt - I knew exactly what
to do, I'd been through it enough times in my dreams - keep running, poles in
one hand, other hand raised in victory and SMILE……………………………for me I was the
only one in my race and I had made it for the second and last time!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-76679307678423529572016-09-11T13:26:00.000-07:002016-09-11T13:26:39.840-07:0025 years and counting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've not been a very regular blogger lately...well by lately I mean for the last year or so really. I could give all the usual excuses but why bother....you all know I've been busy and the blog just slipped off the To Do list.<br />
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But I'm back - I love writing, and I'm much more motivated now to tell you all my news on the blog regularly. And there's a lot to tell.<br />
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2016 has been a Big Year for Trekking in the Alps and Provence as it's 25 years since I got my French Accompagnateur diploma and was able to set up my business here in France. Before that I had a Blue Peter Badge<br />
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but then I got a really pretty badge...<br />
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and it opened the door to the rest of my career..... since then I have worked alone, building my business, seeing where it takes me.<br />
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At the start there was no real plan...I had come from being a Teacher of Outdoor Education in the UK, working in outdoor centres with kids and adults, teaching all that is outdoor...hiking, climbing, caving, even skiing on that one day a year when there was snow on the local golf course! But that was all in the context of education. Here in France it was a different deal...I was going to organise people's holidays!<br />
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And so I have done for a quarter of a century. And for 95% of the time that has been a total blast, a wonderful journey for me, learning how to help people to enjoy their time in the mountains, to push them just enough so that they achieve but also to be sympathetic during those hard and painful climbs (or descents).<br />
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I'm sure I haven't got it right all the time nor for every person...the rare "incident" reminds me of that! But the fact is a good 80% (maybe more, I haven't actually calculated) of my clients return...year after year and we become firm friends....that's really the BEST part of my job. Because I do everything myself I build up a strong relationship with my clients and even though people are bound to do other things, they all fully understand that (barring any serious misdemeanor) they have signed up for life and even if they have to take 20 years off to have kids and stuff, they can still come back after that.<br />
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One of these people, Flora, this year described my client list as the Trekking in the Alps Community and she is spot on. People meet on my trips they make friends and they decide to come back together. This year I have taken it a step further and asked all my regular snowshoe clients where they'd like to go next winter...I decided not to draw up a programme until they told me. To my great surprise and pleasure my winter trips are already 99% full, before the programme even hits the website!!<br />
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I know I've already mentioned it...but 25 years (yes 25!!!) is a very long time. I never ever thought I would get this far with my own business. I don't work for anyone else (no-one has asked me!!) but in those dark moments when I wonder if I will get enough people on trips my loyal friends have encouraged me not to sell out, to hold firm and stick with the ethos of Trekking in the Alps and Provence...a small one person business providing personal service, listening to clients and trying to get it right for each person that laces up her / his boots to hike with me.<br />
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So where do I go from here? During my trips this year my head has been full of nostalgia...each trip has brought memories flooding back, such as the first time I did the Tour of Mont Blanc (backwards with 13 adolescent French kids but that's another story), the Tour of Monte Rosa when we never saw the Monte Rosa, the tiny 2 person group comprised of an anarchist and a South African Peanut farmer with me in the middle trying to keep the peace, the Chamonix Zermatt trek where two people met and fell in love (and later married)....the list is long and maybe I will tell some of these tales at some point on this blog.<br />
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People have been asking me for as long as I can remember, "How long are you going to continue doing this"....the question used to come as a surprise and I would wonder if they were thinking I was looking a bit knackered. But in this anniversary year it's an obvious question. And I have no idea!!<br />
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I do know it won't be another 25 years.....well, never say never, maybe I will be able to offer Softies Treks from one chairlift to another! But I know I'm not done yet. Over the years my trips have evolved and the last 5 years have seen a major change in location since we moved from the Alps to Provence. But the southern Alps are not far away and there is still a wealth of nearby mountain ranges that have not featured on my programme, as well as the regular trips that go each year.<br />
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So is it Trekking in the Alps More of the same? Or as suggested by my lovely friend and regular client Bel, Trekking in the Alps Onwards and Upwards? Or as I rather like to imagine, Trekking in the Alps The Twilight Years?<br />
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Whatever happens, this year has seen some fabulous trips and I am not about to give up my office just yet. So watch this space!!!<br />
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-88716566698764451762015-05-25T02:44:00.000-07:002015-05-25T02:44:20.483-07:002015 - the news so far!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe it's been 6 months since I wrote anything here. And yet lots of great trips have happened so far this year, so here's a resumé of the action so far.<br />
The winter was a good one in many ways, although it was made rather harder work because the snowpack was unstable in many areas due to a cold period early winter when there wasn't a very deep layer of snow. Once the snow fell in abundance there was plenty of it but deep down in the snowpack there were some nasty unconsolidated crystals which meant all slopes had to be treated with care. If you knew about this and were cautious then you could find plenty of safe walks and that's what I did. <br />
Going out in the Alps in winter always requires care, and I have no problem turning around if I have the slightest doubt about a certain slope. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful calm day near les Diablerets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot conditions in the Queyras</td></tr>
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Fortunately on snowshoes we are not looking for a special descent, not looking to get fresh tracks in the perfect powder, as skiers often are. We're just out for a walk, hoping to get lovely views and to enjoy a beautiful day in clear cold air, with maybe the odd bound down a small slope in nice deep snow if possible. Our aims are more modest, our objectives more flexible and so we can always find something fun to do even if we decide it's safest to stay the whole day in the forest. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few moments of quiet reflection in the Queyras</td></tr>
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This winter I discovered Dévoluy, which is on the edge of the French Hautes Alpes, not very far from where we now live. This is a beautiful region of relatively low summits, but with some impressive steep faces, giving dramatic vistas. Although Super Dévoluy is a popular family ski resort it attracts a relaxed clientele and has only a limited domaine. This means that there is plenty of space for those of us looking for quiet walks and undisturbed snow.<br />
We did a fantastic week of walking, and I am certain that Dévoluy will be a permanent fixture on my snowshoe programme in the future. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of fresh snow at Dévoluy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A magic viewpoint in Dévoluy</td></tr>
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I also did several trips to the Queyras, my favourite winter "office", tucked up against the Italian border in the shadow of the famous Monte Viso. I now feel very much at home in this region, having run trips there for the last 3 years. There are so many different options for snowshoeing, the mountains are very well adapted to what we do and there is always a great walk to be done, whatever the weather and whatever the group. The Valle d'Aosta also gave us a fine trip, with really spectacular views as did the Swiss Diablerets - this latter is a super early winter option....just a shame that the outrageously strong CHF makes any visit to Switzerland so expensive now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the view in the Queyras</td></tr>
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After the winter I was happy to spend time here in Provence. Springtime is just FANTASTIC here! I am still discovering so many secret gems in the many valleys and peaks just around where we live, it is very exciting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the "new" summit walks I did this month in Provence</td></tr>
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It seems there are endless possibilities for walks, long and short, and the flora is ever changing - a whole new set of plants and trees for me, after 25 years getting to know those of the Alps. The more time I spend here the more I am convinced that this northern part of Provence, relatively unknown as a walking destination, is actually a walker's paradise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lacewing</td></tr>
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I had a small group in early May and we had the perfect week - great weather, warm temps, and the group themselves were fit and keen.<br />
A Provence Summits week is confirmed for October - the first time I have run a trip then - and it will be fabulous. Next spring I will do a gentle trip and another summits trip to cater for all tastes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkjjEEofBh4Tl5xwV9sx50FSkxoxtUqw53ue8iTTCwBUmrF7TDPLT1zys0SQ7bSrXMoWf9bd-n6Zvi3i5See1QEHwRNFwzio403PxlPbz6RWjy1xu5xchweLZjGvzDYoUy4qe06DKlg/s1600/B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkjjEEofBh4Tl5xwV9sx50FSkxoxtUqw53ue8iTTCwBUmrF7TDPLT1zys0SQ7bSrXMoWf9bd-n6Zvi3i5See1QEHwRNFwzio403PxlPbz6RWjy1xu5xchweLZjGvzDYoUy4qe06DKlg/s400/B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never tire of watching the vultures here in Provence</td></tr>
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The summer is looming. Next up is my Corsica Spring Safari which is a new itinerary, although I have run many trips in Corsica. It's going to be a 3 base holiday and we'll discover the northern part of this stunning island. I am looking forward to going back there, having not been for a few years; My memories of Corsica are all good, from our early visits climbing the granite, to my first client trip there back in the early '90s when we did the whole of the GR20 trek. This was back in the days when there was very little food available on the route itself so we had to carrry everything. I seriously underestimated the calorific needs of my group and we exited at the end of the trek looking somewhat emaciated! After this adventure I researched the most efficient calorie to weight foods and loaded up for the next time around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfIEEd4zbY-8sF5-2mAW7gyJ0HbgGABg_IChH2KZ1J2NBXMGWNVuDaR-aPlwiF3111BboXMLRsRmO76SWsZ23vkDR9Mb_zdbFu7ykYZubAXjIKKynOhTGLsCfaiwkk5_-LlPKUrKiN7I/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfIEEd4zbY-8sF5-2mAW7gyJ0HbgGABg_IChH2KZ1J2NBXMGWNVuDaR-aPlwiF3111BboXMLRsRmO76SWsZ23vkDR9Mb_zdbFu7ykYZubAXjIKKynOhTGLsCfaiwkk5_-LlPKUrKiN7I/s400/X.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corsica as it was last time I was there</td></tr>
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The GR20 is now far too busy for my tastes and we'll be going off the beaten track, enjoying all the beautiful vistas that define Corsica, but not jostling for room on the trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9XTaCYzFCmj3G9lrPXUtIrV6hKCpJd2hjtS6KKwe-D2n6IrIFZu3yMysJ3HWu3639irBlW8Kd89rE6vsIRXevZzZ7Wap9espVMAjjVho6bvOCqWa6i1QcAIuTh2Ryog9UxRPdLq_OXM/s1600/Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9XTaCYzFCmj3G9lrPXUtIrV6hKCpJd2hjtS6KKwe-D2n6IrIFZu3yMysJ3HWu3639irBlW8Kd89rE6vsIRXevZzZ7Wap9espVMAjjVho6bvOCqWa6i1QcAIuTh2Ryog9UxRPdLq_OXM/s320/Y.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to a bit of swimming in Corsica</td></tr>
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The summer Alps trips are looking good although a couple could take more folks. I have no idea why some trips immediately filled (and more) whilst others have only a few bookings. All the trips are equally good...in fact the one with the fewest bookings is probably my favourite Alps trek, the Gran Paradiso trek.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpDBxGPSJdOz0RbzVTNF9pD_7db88cdn5KX6pG4S6k2nUmHurfr-AySMTJH9eTr7EcqvqLCWtFZZW2zKRlwaZmzzzFM79snau3W0_kkS7tFq2DKdMsFi72RfnUyq7IsgKD_vf1XLPycg/s1600/B1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpDBxGPSJdOz0RbzVTNF9pD_7db88cdn5KX6pG4S6k2nUmHurfr-AySMTJH9eTr7EcqvqLCWtFZZW2zKRlwaZmzzzFM79snau3W0_kkS7tFq2DKdMsFi72RfnUyq7IsgKD_vf1XLPycg/s400/B1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's Gran Paradiso trek ended with this superb lake walk<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Next year will be the<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_577873249">25th anniversary of Trekking in the Alps</a></span>.</span></b> I am proud and amazed to have got this far. If, back in 1991, anyone had told me that I would manage to make it work and reach this landmark I would have been very sceptical. We're going to celebrate and I hope lots and lots of people will sign up. If not I will be wandering along the trails alone, but I'll still take balloons and cake and have a party because 25 years is a VERY long time.</span></div>
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We're not there yet though. There's still lots of 2015 to enjoy. In our down time we're climbing the local cliffs, trying to get the old bodies up the steepest climbs we can and at the same time keeping a beady eye on our house project which is finally starting to take shape.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday climbing - there won't be much of that now until the house is done. </td></tr>
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I'll try not to leave it another 6 months before I post again! </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBnlu_tCU6cKTG9qs-_lPWsNw8SYSY-u2qTUbVjuGwA9KtP3m4o378l0uQsxqNkm12B3SUi7xr7l9QOnH9LdlvtRUPaKBR6hvLpzdaDOgD761UM9jic3WmwZb3NR3DS_UC38KywHqR8/s1600/IMG_5435+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBnlu_tCU6cKTG9qs-_lPWsNw8SYSY-u2qTUbVjuGwA9KtP3m4o378l0uQsxqNkm12B3SUi7xr7l9QOnH9LdlvtRUPaKBR6hvLpzdaDOgD761UM9jic3WmwZb3NR3DS_UC38KywHqR8/s320/IMG_5435+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't make me celebrate the 25th anniversary alone, be sure to come and join one of my trips!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-84611508427389148122014-11-04T03:39:00.000-08:002014-11-04T03:39:36.517-08:00Autumn has arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my last post I remarked on how wet it had been in the Alps all July. Well that didn't really change until the end of August, it was a wet summer throughout Europe. However, September and October have really made up for that and it's been really warm and sunny for weeks now, breaking all records for high temps. <br />
But today it's raining, autumn has finally arrived, it's snowing in the higher mountains, so I figured it's time to look back on the summer and forward to what's to come. <br />
The Alpine summer was not all damp gloom and doom, we had some fabulous treks and trips, some superb mountain days. But the raingear certainly made its appearance on a regular basis. <br />
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I did the Tour of Monte Rosa trek which I hadn't done for a few years, and we were very lucky to have a week of almost perfect weather which meant we got some great photos for the forthcoming guidebook revision which I am doing (new guide due out next spring). This circuit is truly one of the greats and is so much quieter than the more well-known alpine tours (so clearly my guidebook hasn't made any difference to the crowding of these trails!)<br />
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Now I am looking ahead to the winter and also to next year. Living in Provence means I can change my programmes a little and offer new areas aswell as remaining loyal to the Alpine roots of my business. I am really trying to promote Provence as a hiking area. Already very well known to the French, I think maybe the average British hillwalker doesn't know how great the hillwalking is over here. Many people associate Provence with the Côte d'Azur and think of crowded beaches, seaside, Monaco and fast Ferraris. But northen Provence is the exact opposite, there is no seaside, there are no crowds, Monaco is a world away...and although we do see the very rare Ferrari or similar, tractors are a far more common sight on our roads. <br />
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Along with my regular May Provence Hiking Holiday I am now offering a new trip to be based just further north on the border of Provence and the Vercors region, known for its fine limestone pleateaux. This trip, called Peaks and Passes of the Alpine Foothills, takes us to the famous Forêt de Saou region which is an amazing area for walking with a wealth of summits to go at. </div>
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For the Summer I have a new trip the Queyras Summits which I hardly need to bother promoting right now as it's booking up fast. But since this will most likely feature ever year on my programme it's worth telling you about it. The Queyras region of France is tucked away in the south-east corner, and is already a popular snowshoeing venue for my winter trips.</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although the spectacular peaks
and valleys of the Queyras owe their beauty to the effects of glaciation, those
glaciers are now long gone and this gives us total freedom to roam</span>. <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">The terrain is made for
hikers, with wooded valleys leading up to grassy meadows often encircled by
rocky peaks which very often are accessible to walkers, at least those with a
reasonably head for heights and a sure foot. Many of these summits flirt with the
3000m mark and provide belvederes of outstanding beauty, with vast endless
vistas stretching in some cases way down to the plains of Italy or towards the
northern French Alps. This will be a really good challenging mountain week, just what Trekking in the Alps does best. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB">The summer will also feature the classic Tour of Mont Blanc circuit and a foray into the Italian Gran Paradiso region. I went back there last summer after a few years away, and just loved it, despite mixed weather. So it's back on my programme. It seems I am also going to do the Tour of the Matterhorn mid August if I can get a full group - this by request! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: FR;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB">But before any of that happens there's a winter of snowshoeing ahead. I hope people are going to sign up fast, some trips are filling but others are waiting for bookings. Never mind, if there are no takers I will just go by myself!!! </span></span></span></span></div>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-74123069250877411832014-07-27T05:49:00.001-07:002014-07-27T05:49:45.460-07:00A wet July in the Alps<br />
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Back to the Alps for me and so far I have worked 3 groups. In 17 days I have worn full waterproofs for all or part of 15 days!!! Never before has this happened, my suntan has disappeared, I am pale as a Brit! Normally we expect maybe one bad day during a week-long trek, and even then I might get away with just putting on my rain jacket, not those horrid clinging sweaty and most unattractive rainpants. But not this year. <br />
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However, there have been some excellent sunny moments too, sometimes a whole half day and each trip has had sunshine where it was needed most, for the best views. <br />
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Everyone in my groups has taken the rain better than me, I am clearly just a wimp! And the flowers are truly fabulous this year. Wildlife has also been in abundance which is often the upside of bad weather. <br />
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My first group came for flower spotting and we spotted many. It was nice to start the summer season in such a relaxing manner with no big days, just strolling along taking it all in. Next up was the Tour of Mont Blanc with a group of 8 from the UK, USA and Australia. Everyone got along famously and despite the knee deep mud on one day, the moral remained pretty high as we made our way around this stunning and spectacular circuit. We were happy to be going backwards as it were - my preferred direction - as the trek was quite busy. <br />
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This last week saw me over in the Italian Gran Paradiso, a region I haven't been to for a few years. It was great to renew friendships with hut gardiens, and to remind myself how wild and remote this alpine area is. We often found ourselves alone on the trail for long periods of time which was wonderful even if it was pouring with rain. The finale of the trek was a clear sunny early morning hike up to a high lake where ibex were our only companions, with far reaching views not only of the surrounding peaks but also our previous day's high pass and route down. <br />
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This summer is a time of reflection in a way for me. No longer living in the Alps makes it a little more difficult for me to work there as my commute has just got a whole lot longer. That's not really a problem for me as I quite like driving, but these holiday weekends are really a nightmare on the roads. So logistically things are getting complicated. However, I have come up with a cunning plan for next year. My trips will no longer be Saturday to Saturday. I will begin trips either on the Sunday evening or even mid-week. In my recent experience it seems people no longer need to take a week from Saturday to Saturday - the TMB this year met on the Tuesday evening and filled easily. People often tag on a day or two either end of a trek anyway. This will make my commute easier and also allow people to take cheaper flights to and from the trip. A winner all round! <br />
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Next up is the Tour of Monte Rosa trek which will also be an opportunity to update my guidebook to that route which has sold out. Just hope everyone coming has bought their Trekking in the Alps and Provence T shirts to liven up my photos. Helen has as you can see here: <br />
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-4995757679713032012014-06-25T12:45:00.002-07:002014-06-25T12:45:11.202-07:00That lazy Trekking Guide has finally woken up!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modelling the new Trekking in the Alps and Provence hoody, essential kit for any self respecting hiker</td></tr>
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Sorry sorry sorry, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I wrote anything. And so much has happened! Where to start? <br />
Well mid May saw the Provence Hiking Week which went really well with great weather and a nice group. We did everything we planned and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I hope to do more and more hiking weeks in Provence, both here where I now live in northern Provence and also further south. <br />
The full gallery of shots is on this link: <a href="http://goo.gl/0W0QsM">http://goo.gl/0W0QsM</a><br />
Here are a couple of my favourite shots from the week<br />
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A big project this spring has been to set up a website page for Trekking in the Alps and Trekking in Provence Tshirts. This is hosted by Trekking T shirts.com and here are the links: <a href="http://www.trekkingtshirts.com/trekking_in_the_alps.html">http://www.trekkingtshirts.com/trekking_in_the_alps.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.trekkingtshirts.com/trekking_in_provence.html">http://www.trekkingtshirts.com/trekking_in_provence.html</a></div>
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There are T shirts in a technical wicking fabric which is perfect for hiking, very comfortable light and soft, and also regular cotton t shirts, both men's and women's styles. Also a hoody which is just gorgeous, lovely and cozy and warm. Obviously the colours are bright and very photogenic - except for black...not sure how that got in there. If you buy that one then we sure to wear pink shorts and a yellow hat! </div>
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Once you've got your T shirt / hoody do send me photos of it and you in action - all photos will be posted here and on my Facebook page. </div>
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Here I am in my purple technical shirt</div>
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Apart from that we've been enjoying the Provençal early summer which is really fabulous. Lots of flowers, fruits on the trees and pussycats looking delightful. In just over a week I will be back hiking those alpine trails and I will be posting about the treks. Meanwhile enjoy these shots from the last few days. <br />
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-32792159427536622562014-03-23T13:05:00.002-07:002014-03-23T13:05:31.034-07:00Lots of great snowshoeing! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLhK8wy0RPCWkIQWvIyuq1jX1ko0RV9kTAItlWcUA8vqSHqXXAKJXOJYA7QZJZB7mIfWCS1xrf8npSpIDJmrNzHMtYrLQkT8lD8mAdokQnIw3J_beuq23jQ-Jt4jhg-qe2kEU0FMobaI/s1600/FBA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLhK8wy0RPCWkIQWvIyuq1jX1ko0RV9kTAItlWcUA8vqSHqXXAKJXOJYA7QZJZB7mIfWCS1xrf8npSpIDJmrNzHMtYrLQkT8lD8mAdokQnIw3J_beuq23jQ-Jt4jhg-qe2kEU0FMobaI/s1600/FBA.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been a busy couple of months and I have been somewhat remiss and not written here for a while. But don't worry, Trekking in the Alps has been running on full steam snowshoeing over in the Queyras and the Val Clarée, both of which are in the southern French Alps near to the Italian frontier. </div>
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The Queyras in particular is not the easiest place to get to, requiring a fairly long transfer from whichever airport you arrive at, but the unanimous feedback from my groups has been that it's more than worth the effort. Like the Val Clarée, the Queyras is not too spoiled by busy ski resorts and attracts holidaymakers who are looking for the authentic mountain experience. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95sfy8iYysmauwoD2fklx3Q8gi4gOpd_JAbGm4duCxqxKEfCFRLG5XMeK6o1um6_3YrbXU_6w_hvNJICSSVCL6-e87w8FrpPwFZIvbprI_Gm5j0-BzGSDuh0vmQuv8saoQKYmpTl5KTo/s1600/GG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95sfy8iYysmauwoD2fklx3Q8gi4gOpd_JAbGm4duCxqxKEfCFRLG5XMeK6o1um6_3YrbXU_6w_hvNJICSSVCL6-e87w8FrpPwFZIvbprI_Gm5j0-BzGSDuh0vmQuv8saoQKYmpTl5KTo/s1600/GG.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ-Mlb-hHJU7JkCaAIZnaffKA1kEk3x38vgY1oodmEGjH9HWyLuVTkHGr_jCTeLc7LBLcybzIJyIRhzJB0YWtU0tR3ZZC6ggR_WkNuZ2Lq2ZXcNpn9ZFbfzb9bGn57gUWfjZp5Q0chzA/s1600/FBCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ-Mlb-hHJU7JkCaAIZnaffKA1kEk3x38vgY1oodmEGjH9HWyLuVTkHGr_jCTeLc7LBLcybzIJyIRhzJB0YWtU0tR3ZZC6ggR_WkNuZ2Lq2ZXcNpn9ZFbfzb9bGn57gUWfjZp5Q0chzA/s1600/FBCOVER.jpg" height="151" width="320" /></a></div>
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The snow conditions have been excellent throughout the winter, even during the last couple of weeks of hot sunshine. My groups have all been superb (so far) and it's been a blast all round. I am hoping that will continue for my last week - once again in the Queyras. </div>
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For next year I will certainly be offering trips in these regions again, both the programmes already established this year and new ones in the Queyras too. </div>
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Here's a whole bunch of shots to sum it up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNPw8x8d_rCjneZBB8dZWtX3ewbg47dmZWIIyQQc1vqoGPuZmKRxhYlIllr9UjGS0QYkcskkk95_btszvtV0RmE0vuT-p4dKUKirdAuO1NjPrFSQxDYqTuo1ua7pPvQL7W14-FAuc1Fw/s1600/FB04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNPw8x8d_rCjneZBB8dZWtX3ewbg47dmZWIIyQQc1vqoGPuZmKRxhYlIllr9UjGS0QYkcskkk95_btszvtV0RmE0vuT-p4dKUKirdAuO1NjPrFSQxDYqTuo1ua7pPvQL7W14-FAuc1Fw/s1600/FB04.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bndFlsYmiHkY2pPTfTeNdYpYqeXf7GsC5AuZ3ek5aQZG2H4mi4n7Sn_RLcK9D6u8LUrMwS7lS9qFGNm-CGGWY_jy0zNOFdg9acVyU9nxhEIgdiSo3Vmyh7jpIAKP9vYjUSv0GAzhkuU/s1600/FB6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bndFlsYmiHkY2pPTfTeNdYpYqeXf7GsC5AuZ3ek5aQZG2H4mi4n7Sn_RLcK9D6u8LUrMwS7lS9qFGNm-CGGWY_jy0zNOFdg9acVyU9nxhEIgdiSo3Vmyh7jpIAKP9vYjUSv0GAzhkuU/s1600/FB6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr88Ui4QcWv587lbrXRA5xZdv7suVLQVtdOFjD5WS49eVtpS0aHHHxnocEWV6hxt6FpZulG9xqBlmF5nsyhx43toOm6sCA5pJm2QurGZXHfmONZ2sIfbKsiBQOkKhbIdzZeeYGMDtCPg/s1600/FB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr88Ui4QcWv587lbrXRA5xZdv7suVLQVtdOFjD5WS49eVtpS0aHHHxnocEWV6hxt6FpZulG9xqBlmF5nsyhx43toOm6sCA5pJm2QurGZXHfmONZ2sIfbKsiBQOkKhbIdzZeeYGMDtCPg/s1600/FB7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Louise Shaxson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vWTXjQawJMEML5jcVsXC1LI1jaXaQ8ba7FQx9CRaMxjEkPBZoy6bjzpY8EuGTYRW0PDWtfhl3nh0mJgh9HBIqmWprRQ4i1eLXhvbHbi4VHGebrr5oNzHZrcTGiEFLDtUZMOtLyKU_XA/s1600/FBJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vWTXjQawJMEML5jcVsXC1LI1jaXaQ8ba7FQx9CRaMxjEkPBZoy6bjzpY8EuGTYRW0PDWtfhl3nh0mJgh9HBIqmWprRQ4i1eLXhvbHbi4VHGebrr5oNzHZrcTGiEFLDtUZMOtLyKU_XA/s1600/FBJ.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Sandy Parker</td></tr>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-70690585761059720062014-01-26T12:28:00.004-08:002014-01-26T12:28:53.254-08:00Good snow in Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasRMBNetKhPTu_WhiFNxlQoE5Bqa4s5YpiNeNwn8kr-h7jsyhwOMXqZJr_E7BscFnp5oVGt_wjZKBffPZivaBhx3IHOhdcwJFAF6H_3oE3mxIoX332jA6K8nUbWsvJ-blVyqI4SRF8tg/s1600/FB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasRMBNetKhPTu_WhiFNxlQoE5Bqa4s5YpiNeNwn8kr-h7jsyhwOMXqZJr_E7BscFnp5oVGt_wjZKBffPZivaBhx3IHOhdcwJFAF6H_3oE3mxIoX332jA6K8nUbWsvJ-blVyqI4SRF8tg/s1600/FB4.jpg" height="142" width="400" /></a></div>
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First full week of snowshoeing for this year, a week based at the Gemmi Pass in Switzerland. This place has some of the best snowshoe walks around and is absolutely stunning......so long as the weather is good. In bad weather it can be a nightmare as there are no trees at all (far too high at 2300m) and fog tends to form on the plateau so trying to find your way is HORRIBLE! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ptarmigan in the fog</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine chough</td></tr>
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I already experienced the joys of groping around in the fog here last year and had hoped to not repeat the experience. To my horror our first two days were pretty snowy and visbility was minimal. However, we did get to see some ptarmigans in their winter white which was a highlight for me. Then on day 3 we were rewarded with crystal clear views and powder snow to die for. We'd certainly earned it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of untracked powder</td></tr>
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Snow conditions in general seem pretty good. There's certainly enough in the main Alps, although less than some winters. In the southern Alps there have been huge falls these last few days and the avalanche risk is high. This should settle down soon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcNeisVKzb2mC1PyXobPXUDhMaI5CbcVEJJ5_6mxXMk3t0y_kZDTF1NZl3rV9QN_DcsjjHgolZ54JCQsbwLvoQ8v253iKqcua3Ujt7GuonMi_yzIeqPVdPRB1hlPB3SvOFGXLpKYmtyg/s1600/FB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcNeisVKzb2mC1PyXobPXUDhMaI5CbcVEJJ5_6mxXMk3t0y_kZDTF1NZl3rV9QN_DcsjjHgolZ54JCQsbwLvoQ8v253iKqcua3Ujt7GuonMi_yzIeqPVdPRB1hlPB3SvOFGXLpKYmtyg/s1600/FB9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OK4tKK9l2HzDLC_PnDHE8PLa_Yr2HBrrSJHi8ufD_ZUZsYjwQS2OR3LaZLPbBgCjZ63QN6UZ_BYtOzynYGwbFF131ELhqKLmJX7s4mbFMSvpUDD3rhYlXMDlPQyl7c3sWxzFijwk5Bo/s1600/FBA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OK4tKK9l2HzDLC_PnDHE8PLa_Yr2HBrrSJHi8ufD_ZUZsYjwQS2OR3LaZLPbBgCjZ63QN6UZ_BYtOzynYGwbFF131ELhqKLmJX7s4mbFMSvpUDD3rhYlXMDlPQyl7c3sWxzFijwk5Bo/s1600/FBA.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiers far away</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Valaisan peaks</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Wb84Y6rYf42S9oH8-XW9ujUOoSIvTI3-RIeXwrrxChrRKgtXteLQVNJzbzyzK01mF2O9Olvgy2RmfAfYOW1PxjP482QwAdAvlN51O5iu2nQvcsOApPVzDTbJjWvnBQiDrSLshJLwEc/s1600/FBD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Wb84Y6rYf42S9oH8-XW9ujUOoSIvTI3-RIeXwrrxChrRKgtXteLQVNJzbzyzK01mF2O9Olvgy2RmfAfYOW1PxjP482QwAdAvlN51O5iu2nQvcsOApPVzDTbJjWvnBQiDrSLshJLwEc/s1600/FBD.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After this fabulous day the weather once again deteriorated so we escaped to Vallorcine where there are forests to walk in alongside pretty rivers and through nice alpine hamlets. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamois finding food in the snow</td></tr>
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That's the news from the snowy Alps for now. I am back in Provence for a few days of climbing before my next foray to raquette land. Watch this space. </div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-47379022995465577362014-01-10T13:03:00.000-08:002014-01-10T13:03:06.917-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had a nice few weeks since getting over the trauma of moving house. The weather has generally been very clement both here in Provence and also in the Alps. Hopefully the snow will fall soon as I fear it's getting a bit hard "under-raquette". <br />
Meanwhile I haven't been thinking about snow at all, I've been out and about enjoying this wonderful wild area where we live. Vulture watching and climbing. <br />
I will be off to find some snow this weekend and so then I'll hopefully have some shots of snowshoeing and also of my new very fine snowshoes - watch this space. <br />
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-9234096168342878392013-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:002013-12-04T13:04:17.470-08:00We've moved house!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well it's been a busy time for us, moving house. Friends told us they'd done it once 25 years ago, and never again. Now I know why. Weeks of packing up boxes, loading furniture into our vehicles, taking advantage of non snowy days to get up and down the road in Vallorcine, wondering where on earth to put all our stuff....how do you get so much STUFF anyway? <br />
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Now we're nearly there and will be full time residents in our tiny village tucked away in the wilds of northern Provence. <br />
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The snow has come early to the Alps and people are out skiing and snowshoeing already. It looks like it will be a great winter. <br />
Here in Provence we had a dusting of the white stuff but this week the days are sunny and warm. <br />
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We've had a conference of vultures in a snowy lavender field, beautiful ice crystals on the rosehips, great sunny days climbing on the local crags and wonderful sunsets both in the Alps and here in Provence. <br />
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Here are some shots. I'm going to take a breather I hope before the winter season kicks in :)<br />
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-14280811511810000582013-11-07T12:33:00.000-08:002013-11-07T12:33:44.653-08:00Provence for some sunshine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on the Dentelles de Montmirail</td></tr>
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The autumn has been a tad disappointing in the Alps this year. some lovely days to start with but lately we've had a lot of precipitation, falling as snow on the hills of course which is good, but falling as puddles (big ones) in the valley! </div>
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Although there were some great views of the snowy mountains </div>
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But last week there was more of this than anything else:</div>
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I did manage to get some quality bouldering on my very favourite boulder</div>
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But a few days in Provence were deemed necessary to keep spirits up. And it hasn't disappointed although today was a touch hot at the Dentelles de Montmirail. The light is amazing at this time of year - you can see why Provence has long attracted painters and artists. I am neither, but I do love the evening light, seen here on the Dentelles cliffs, and on that ever present iconic mountain, Mont Ventoux. </div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-87916585033732924132013-10-10T12:33:00.005-07:002013-10-10T12:33:44.395-07:00Indian summer....very short autumn....straight to winter????<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR2VcW1aV13fgd3zw0mcREVdjwC3207_CZwp4CU4YifWyJRfBrGVf-gnEEJVD2TW3wrCpwUUZSVZo0MIRYD2s2YXRa_-EdQC6_fxOLFrbJCFl25RX3XbHkvDe0kHZ9j4tphpQQquIYOQ/s1600/Blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR2VcW1aV13fgd3zw0mcREVdjwC3207_CZwp4CU4YifWyJRfBrGVf-gnEEJVD2TW3wrCpwUUZSVZo0MIRYD2s2YXRa_-EdQC6_fxOLFrbJCFl25RX3XbHkvDe0kHZ9j4tphpQQquIYOQ/s1600/Blog+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Well the Indian Summer has been a blast, so very beautiful: sunshine every day, warm enough for shorts and vest, just day after day....until last weekend when BANG! it all went pear-shaped. Torrential rain then a couple of foggy days (fog!! we never have fog in Vallorcine!). And today - it snowed, almost down to the ground. Shock horror! <br />
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This is how it looked before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_2Vmku_bf_J18HW3YmRaZXlF2zu5kHFsC0IjXWIgyDPcJnQxDgAhDsdw7x_MgXhgTrttC7ei69sc87Em4_twJVv_hrOXvZvvDK7cDjwJsF160ntztvPDYuu7v6ZQmvnaYCKK8nqNYOo/s1600/Blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_2Vmku_bf_J18HW3YmRaZXlF2zu5kHFsC0IjXWIgyDPcJnQxDgAhDsdw7x_MgXhgTrttC7ei69sc87Em4_twJVv_hrOXvZvvDK7cDjwJsF160ntztvPDYuu7v6ZQmvnaYCKK8nqNYOo/s1600/Blog+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this is how it looks now</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0AfS0-YgLiHs1M3OFe4CnvhtW74EmQiAhthvEFJjNVXyArZiK3dkouEML3hoS2pMimf37X3ffa8dRI0jdkNPNuCGRSV3lpbIkxB0idBWmCfFM_kIOKdR_GHQFcH1lVSqM64fJsa5fgo/s1600/FB4+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0AfS0-YgLiHs1M3OFe4CnvhtW74EmQiAhthvEFJjNVXyArZiK3dkouEML3hoS2pMimf37X3ffa8dRI0jdkNPNuCGRSV3lpbIkxB0idBWmCfFM_kIOKdR_GHQFcH1lVSqM64fJsa5fgo/s1600/FB4+%25282%2529.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know we need snow for the winter but all the same it's a tad early! My fleet of snowshoes are trembling with anticipation in the garage :)</div>
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Ah well here are some shots of the last few days</div>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-91826038237519269282013-09-20T12:27:00.000-07:002013-09-20T12:27:15.416-07:00Last trek of the season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13mIE-e6KBOBzLpybeLfJ3pNAZZzL-sUaaN7sTsQi_RitEB-V-HBe-y1NQVMHQ7T9z8mq2blmkHwQwB2vZZ_G-6KoYVjrV2AFkK2q3m2ClIl2H-O84oYnN3bz3DGK0p3OlqROly7qma8/s1600/B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13mIE-e6KBOBzLpybeLfJ3pNAZZzL-sUaaN7sTsQi_RitEB-V-HBe-y1NQVMHQ7T9z8mq2blmkHwQwB2vZZ_G-6KoYVjrV2AFkK2q3m2ClIl2H-O84oYnN3bz3DGK0p3OlqROly7qma8/s1600/B3.jpg" height="158" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started this summer trekking season in the snow - old névé snow left over from winter, weeks ago it seems. And fittingly we finished in the snow - this time fresh snow which fell to about 1600m earlier this week. </div>
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I had a reasonably "roughie toughie" group this last time which helped as some of the passes had to be crossed in cold and demanding conditions. However, we didn't miss too many views and had 2 perfectly sunny days in Italy, so we saw those steep and spectacular Italian faces of Monte Bianco. </div>
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The good thing about bad weather is that when it clears the mountains have a fresh coat of white and are usually very clear, with no heat haze to spoil the shots. This was certainly true this time and our final day from Switzerland back into France, which began in blizzard conditions, finished in bright sunshine. We fought our way over the Col de Balme, faces stinging in the icy snow and wind, but as we descended to the Chamonix Valley we were rewarded with the most fabulous breaks in the cloud, revealing the high peaks in all their beauty. </div>
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Now we're back to sunny weather, forecast for the next few days. Time for me to recover and reflect on what has been not only a great summer season for Trekking in the Alps but an amazing year - full groups, lots of weeks and some great people. </div>
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Next up is the winter season. Between now and then I'll keep you posted with the changing seasons here in the Alps and later in Provence.</div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-17537587192938674462013-09-08T01:58:00.000-07:002013-09-08T01:58:21.135-07:00The Dolomites in perfect conditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw2IM_dpwrsIS8tcVr7In9iVPmNlZsV88wrh_3Psera9Kr3SwL77lH_uGxUyLw796LPezE-fHMNeyxrYAcbWIjNwLGp1Abd1j8I4A6B0XtiS2Jzkt7iJtYDdOtGgdcNrr6opm8VrQGhg/s1600/GB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw2IM_dpwrsIS8tcVr7In9iVPmNlZsV88wrh_3Psera9Kr3SwL77lH_uGxUyLw796LPezE-fHMNeyxrYAcbWIjNwLGp1Abd1j8I4A6B0XtiS2Jzkt7iJtYDdOtGgdcNrr6opm8VrQGhg/s1600/GB.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I last went to the Dolomites two years ago and was really impressed by the spectacular scenery. Going back this year I was equally bowled over by how stunning it all is - you don't have to walk far to be amongst magnificent rocky towers with wide ranging views of the seemingly endless peaks and plateaux that make up this eastern part of the Alps. </div>
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When you think of the Dolomites you imagine the soaring towers of pink limestone, with those famous via ferrata routes snaking precariously up their steep faces, but you may not imagine that there are also beautiful green meadows, long gentle rivers and fabulous crystal clear mountain lakes. </div>
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The flowers were also abundant even at this late stage in the season. We came across wild ponies grazing the high meadows, marmots whistled at our arrival alongside the rushing streams, and chamois and ibex peered down at us from their rocky perches. </div>
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OK, so I am waxing a bit lyrical, but it really was a very good trip and I will definitely be programming this for next year. Come join me! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tyrone Allard</td></tr>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-16071366249521640402013-08-25T09:07:00.000-07:002013-08-26T00:07:20.354-07:00Tour of the Matterhorn in perfect conditions<br />
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This has been a fabulous summer all over Europe and the Alps haven't missed put on the sunny weather. Last week it cooled a touch and this suited us fine for the Tour of the Matterhorn which takes a mix of normal trails and glaciated passes. Crisp cool mornings meant the snowy sections were nice and hard, followed by warm sunshine later in the day for the meadows and picnics. <br />
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The Matterhorn looks so different from varying angles and at different times of day, I could never tire of it. We sat opposite it on the first day spying out climbers with our binos. Later in the week the Spanish phenomenon Kilian Jornet crushed the ascent record by running up and down the peak in 2h52 mins from Cervinia. </div>
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None of that nonsense for us, but we had a great time walking around it. My team were all very fit and once again international - this time, as well as the UK, we had Lithuania and Denmark represented. </div>
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Although the valley flowers are now waning, the high alpines are in full bloom. </div>
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As for the wildlife, marmots were a bit thin on the ground but the ibex more than made up for it at our high hut 2900m above the valley.</div>
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We finished the trek with an ascent of the Breithorn peak above Zermatt. At 4164m this peak is quite the climb and we were extremely lucky to have calm and warm conditions. I thought it was stunning as did the folks on the rope with me. The other team seemed to be less excited by the whole affair, one of them describing it as if it was a walk in the park!</div>
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Take a look and decide for yourselves :)</div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-44921924730308831022013-08-15T12:53:00.000-07:002013-08-25T08:39:17.296-07:00Down time in the Alps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a lovely sunny week in the Alps and I've been out and about enjoying it. No group this week, time to recharge my batteries. </div>
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Chamonix is as busy as I've ever seen it - the 15th August is an important Catholic festival day, charmingly called "Maria Himmelfärht" in German. This week sees many events and celebrations in the Alps. </div>
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As of this weekend the exodus should begin. The French set great store by the Rentrée (going back to school or work) and all the children have to have new satchels and exercise books so the end of August is a time for Shopping. </div>
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Below are some photos taken this week. Off to Zermatt this weekend to meet a new group for the Tour of the Matterhorn - the forecast is excellent - hooray!! </div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-44832432496477920012013-08-10T13:05:00.001-07:002013-08-10T13:05:45.736-07:00Lots of sunny weather, great hikes, marmots and flowers.....then fog and rain!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since my last post I had a few days off to go climbing and now I have just finished with a large and generally very friendly International group - people had come from Wales, New Zealand, the UK and the Yukon in Canada. They had signed up for my Chamonix Mountain Adventures week, so I set about giving them just that. </div>
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Although there have been forecasts for storms pretty much every day for the last 3 weeks, the weather has been amazing - hot and sunny with only the odd rainy episode overnight. </div>
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We had a fabulous first 3 days in glorious hot sunshine. Summits were climbed, as were ladders, and we even managed to have a warm swim in a high mountain lake - this was really special. <br />
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Unfortunately the last two days were rainy and misty, despite a promising forecast for the Friday. But we had a fun overnight in a mountain hut where everyone enjoyed traditional cuisine in very convivial surroundings. The final day certainly gave us an adventure as we took a bold route through the limestone foothills, amongst rocky scenery, most of which we could only guess at as thick fog refused to clear. But we had a brief encounter with ibex and we made it down Death Gully!! Everyone seems to have had a great time, even if my own nerves are slightly frayed!!</div>
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-77426556157607863732013-07-22T13:01:00.002-07:002013-07-22T13:01:49.332-07:00Three times around the Tour of Mont Blanc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry it has taken me so long to post anything, I find it very hard to do so as this will push my darling Zig into second place. but this is a hiking blog so it's time. However, I won't write much this time, have to do this fast before I change my mind!<br />
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I have just spent 24 days on the trails. The weather has generally been great. Conditions were very snowy to begin with but now the TMB is almost back to normal. <br />
The flowers are late and consequently this last week has seen exceptional flowers at around the 1500 - 2000m level. <br />
I'm going to let the photos do the rest - but here's a quote from some delightful folks who were with me on one of the treks:<br />
"<em><span style="color: purple;"><strong>We wanted to thank you so very much for a wonderful trek!!! We had a fantastic time, saw amazing views, met great people and laughed a lot, learned about the Mont Blanc area, ate great food, and enjoyed great wine and beer. You organized an amazing Tour Du Mont Blanc trek and we are very grateful to you for that! Thanks for all your patience with us. We will definitely be looking into your treks in the future."</strong></span></em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping for joy on the trail: warning, most of us can't do this!</td></tr>
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-62780964432876111682013-06-28T09:34:00.001-07:002013-07-04T07:59:10.184-07:00Goodbye Zig, most beautiful pusscat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am terribly sad to have to report that our beautiful Zig,Trekking in the Alps and Trekking in Provence cat, and great friend to us, died last night. <br />
She was 18 years old and we had had the very best of times. <br />
For those who share my love of pussycats, here she is in photos. <br />
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<br />Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-9546105542772263062013-06-16T01:22:00.000-07:002013-06-16T01:22:16.703-07:00TREKKING IN THE ALPS HAS A BABY - TREKKING IN PROVENCE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR18AklvKzZtv7fRTyfdC1d3cOVme-oUBsmdjgRHw4qB87bcSHNl2Y2R-_XnJYz0py4EhjhLvTRZD4SOTcnHWniZLCzrmbYG_OYQwFt40h-eJFKFBqfTg_hyt_uU6vH7M1uMLCxLyW6u8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR18AklvKzZtv7fRTyfdC1d3cOVme-oUBsmdjgRHw4qB87bcSHNl2Y2R-_XnJYz0py4EhjhLvTRZD4SOTcnHWniZLCzrmbYG_OYQwFt40h-eJFKFBqfTg_hyt_uU6vH7M1uMLCxLyW6u8/s1600/3.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm thrilled to announce that my new additional website is now up and running, go take a look <br />
<a href="http://www.trekkinginprovence.com/">http://www.trekkinginprovence.com/</a><br />
<br />
As well as the Alps summer treks and holidays, and the winter snowshoeing, I'm now offering walking weeks in Provence, and private guiding on a daily or weekly basis. Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986371387035127103.post-23458766904889805222013-06-03T12:20:00.003-07:002013-06-03T12:20:44.141-07:00My first magazine cover shot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the years I've had loads of articles in walking magazines but for some unfathomable reason they've never put one of my shots on the cover - until now. Hooray to Trek and Mountain who rightly claim to be the UK's leading trekking and mountaineering magazine. This mag is a breath of fresh air compared to some of the older rather staid titles on the shelves. <br />
<br />
Take a look at the June isse (cover above) for my major article about the Tour of Mont Blanc trek. <br />
<a href="http://www.trekandmountain.com/shop/issue-40-june-2013.html" target="_blank">http://www.trekandmountain.<wbr></wbr>com/shop/issue-40-june-2013.<wbr></wbr>html</a><br />
<br />
For those of you who've already done the TMB with me you might find your photo in there and for those of you signed up for this summer you'll get an exciting taste of what's in store. <br />
Of course the TMB and all other alpine treks should only be done with me - but you know that already, right???<br />
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Trekkinginthealps.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161573330147804902noreply@blogger.com1