With the scorching heat returning the last few days have been dusty paths on an arid south face, gasping for the next water source while paragliders circle overhead and day trippers step off the top of chair lifts without raising a sweat... The wild camps have been brilliant though, peaceful and with stunning views over the chamonix valley to the mt blanc peaks and glaciers.
The end of a trip is always a bit sad and reflective as I contemplate going back to the normal life which I have successfully managed to not think about for the last two weeks.
Descended into the hustle and bustle if the valley today after witnessing some stunt helicopter piloting delivering supplies to one of the mountain refuges.
After an ice cream I took a trip into chamonix itself which would normally be heaven as it has a branch of every outdoor brand shop under the sun - however this week is ultra marathon week, and today 2000 endurance athletes set off to do a similar 168km route to me but in 24 hours. so the place was a bit mental.
Feeling the need to relax I have taken three trains through the alps (impressive engineering) to end up in Montreux of jazz fame on the shore of lake Geneva.
Immediately after checking in I dived in the lake which was a m a z i n g.

Quick thanks to all those fellow tmb-ers I met along the way, it gives me hope and confidence to know that like minded people are out there and I hope we meet again someday somewhere!