Fortunate Arrival

Day 40 - From Dreamland to Fearland

As the train of Tour Mont Blanc hikers is slowly overtaken on the day's first ascent, overcast skies and gusts of wind make wearing a jacket necessary for the first time in a while. Following a picturesque stop at a mountain refuge, the trail goes over several peaks set to a stunning backdrop, resembling an Alpine version of a famous hike in the Azores.

Though only two brief stops are made all day, these are made to be regretted during the day's final ascent. Progess becomes dangerous and scary as a hailstorm develops into a thunderstorm, with the rapturous sound bellowing down from imminently above. The large quantity of hailstones form a slippery surface on the trodden down mud. The dash to the mountain refuge across a boulder field is met with the best possible outcome, as the hospitable staff accommodate the drenched hiker for the night.

Les Contamines Montjoie - Refuge de Presset