Now more than ever, I believe in the power of a long distance trek. And I’m not being cheesy or gimmicky, but I think the Tour du Mont Blanc is the trip everyone needs right now.
The last time I hosted the Tour du Mont Blanc, I took a group of 11 other folks. While the group was diverse, each day, hiking and chatting with different people from different walks of life, I discovered there was one unusual thread— everyone in the group had faced death in one way or another— they had either lost someone to cancer within the last year, were a cancer survivor themselves, or had other terrifying near-death experiences.
I found this out all by day 2 of the trip. Day 2 is, by far, the most challenging. Day 1 is difficult, but there are many variants to catch a ride with the porter if one is not up for it, so it is considered a “test day” for day 2. Day 2, there is only one direction, and no option to take the van. Lots of elevation gain with some technical footwork.
Every one of us were challenged in different ways. But it’s the kind of hike that forces you to cherish every single breath you take. On this trip, I witnessed a strength in each person that transcended their physical body. ____ This trip is not for anyone who is looking for a “vacation”. Yes, you’ll be in a beautiful locale and you will eat some incredible food and stay at adorable chateaus. You will have time to relax and time to reflect. But you will also work very, very hard. You will know what it feels like to push yourself physically and emotionally. And you’ll do this with a group of complete strangers. Maybe even people who don’t believe the same things as you.
This is a trip for people who are too resilient to quit. And boy, have we faced a lot these last few years. For me personally, there is something transformative about a challenging hike. And even more so when you hike in community with others. After coming onto our third spring of a pandemic, I suspect I’m not alone in needing a change in my routine.
Do you need something to shake off these last few years? Come take a walk with me.
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