Purchased a Full Front Zippered Hoodie with Pockets.

In a roundabout way, I came upon Skygoat. I first visited a site from the PCT site called Halfway Anywhere

Which then led me to SenchiDesigns

Where I came upon Garage Grown Gear

Where I then went direct to SkyGoat website to check out other products that they might have. I ended up liking what I saw in this hoodie.

Possibly the original trend setting company https://melanzana.com/shop/

The Tour de Mount Blanc

 The Tour de Mont Blanc is a classic multi-day hike that takes you through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world. On a beautiful day, the hike is a truly unforgettable experience. The trail winds its way through meadows filled with wildflowers, past crystal-clear alpine streams, and up into the heart of the mountains. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys, with an ever-changing landscape that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just out for a leisurely stroll, the Tour de Mont Blanc is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

In Pirate Talk

Ahoy matey! Let me tell ye 'bout a swashbucklin' adventure on the Tour de Mount Blanc. On a sunny day, this hike be a true treasure for any landlubber lookin' to set sail on a grand journey. Ye'll hoist the Jolly Roger and journey through fields filled with bloomin' wildflowers, cross crystal clear alpine streams and climb to the very peak of the mountains. Ye'll catch a glimpse of snow capped peaks, glaciers and valleys that'll take yer breath away. With each step, the scenery be changin' before yer very eyes, providing a never endin' source of wonder and excitement. So gather yer crew, tighten yer ropes, and set sail on a journey ye won't soon forget! Yarr!

Good sirs and madams, allow me to regale thee with a tale of a grand excursion upon the Tour de Mont Blanc. On a day fair and bright, this hike proved to be a wondrous adventure for all who didst embark upon it. Through fields a-bloom with wildflowers, one didst wander, and across streams clear as crystal, one didst cross. Upward didst one journey, to the very heart of the mountains, where breathtaking vistas didst await. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers and valleys, all didst vie for thine attention, and the ever-changing landscape didst keep thee entranced from start to finish. So, grab thy walking sticks, lace up thy boots and prepare for a journey unlike any other, fair friends!

Weekend Hike Claremont Wilderness Park Loop

 The five-mile hike included rain today. When we set out for the hike the sky did have clouds but the iPhone was saying no rain until late in the day. Well, the rain came about 2 miles into the hike. I discovered that my rain jacket is no longer fully watertight.

Rifugio de la Flegere Booked!

 Since we began our discovery and bookings de la Flegere remained elusive. During the winter one company has control of the building and in the summer a different company does. There are listing for the Refuge on the main TMB site but the links were not working. I was able to make contact with someone from the Refuge on FB but the return message said no reservations would be made until after the new year.  Beth had got us another book on the TMB that had an email address for the La Flegere. I wrote a message at 9 pm one night and by 2 AM we received an answer!

Trekking Poles

Santa got me Trekking poles from Cascade Mountain Tech. The poles are telescopic and foldable. I had requested that the poles be foldable so they would fit inside the pack during air travel. They have to be checked.) 

A New Year

So we have begun training for the TMB. As part of the training, we each downloaded the App Strava to monitor our progress. Where we live we have a hiking trail near our home. The loop is 5 miles long and has about 1,000 vertical feet. Our current goal is to break in our new boots and establish a routine and attempt to get to the hiking trail two times a week. By the time of the TMB we hope to be taking the hiking trail twice in a day.

Trekking Poles

 Trekking Pole Review 2022

Check List Items for TMB 12 Day Hike

We are entering the trip as older hikers. While young did many family backpacking trips in the Sierras of California. Now in our early 60s, with the means to purchase better equipment than when younger we will be evaluating the equipment, we currently have acquired based on the needs of this trip. 

Backpack 40 to 45 Liter lightweight w/ rain cover

Clothing

Long Sleeve quick dry x2 each of the ones I own has hoods

Smartwool short sleeve x2

Lightweight fleece top x 1 (hood optional)

waterproof shell w/ hood x 1

waterproof pants x 1

Convertible hiking pants x 2

Casual Pants x 1

Casual button down long sleeve shirt for in-town x 1

Thermal bottoms x1

moisture-wicking socks x 3

Quick dry underwear x 3

Lightweight gloves x 1

Warm hat - beanie x 1

Baseball cap x 1

Dry bag

Hiking poles

Hiking boots

Gaitors

Hut shoes

Night gear

Sleeping bag liner

Water Bladder/bottle

Electrolyte tablets

Water filter

Medication

Blister pads

Plastic bags

Quickdry towels

Map(s)

Travel Power Adapter

Mini First aid kit

Toilet paper

Toiletries

Earplugs

Headlamp

Laundry Soap

Sun Glasses w/ straps

Sun Glass wipes

Sunscreen

mask (COVID)

Whistle

Cell Phone - Contact carrier for service in European countries

Camera

Battery charger, cords, portable solar panel

Backpack Search Begins....

For the TMB trip, a 45L backpack is the recommended size to carry clothes from Refuge to Refuge. So the search has begun to find such a pack. I currently own a 65L backpack that I use camping in Wyoming and California. With the 65L I can carry a sleeping bag, tent, camp stove, kitchen setup, clothing and misc.  Almost all of which I will not need on the TMB. Since I own a backpack for camping I am now looking for a backpack that is lightweight. My son Cameron was on a search for such a backpack not too long ago and found one called Gossamear.

Gossamear  Around $146  21.6 ounce

REI 40L Around $129 3 lb 1 ounce (L) 49 ounces

Features: Entire main compartment unzips for easy access

High Sierra  $89

Northern  Ultra light only $390

LooWoko 50  $49

Weather Chart for the Charonix Area

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