Day 11 Tré-Le-Champ to La Flégère

We were the last to leave the refuge today and at breakfast our table sang 'Happy Birthday' to Peter from Sheffield who was 73 and completing the TMB with his friend, also called Peter. Laurence and one Peter headed off to go up the ladders leaving me, Nigel and the second Peter to take the alternative route. We agreed to meet at the Têtes des Vents. Laurence was really happy to be given the opportunity to do the eschelles. I knew that I would not enjoy that route, too exposed for me, so I was relieved to be able to miss it out without disappointing Laurence.






Nigel, Peter and I had a lovely walk up Col des Montets with great views down into the Chamonix valley. Nigel spotted an ibex less that 5m above us on the path. It showed no fear and ambled away.



The wind, which was cold from the start, became very strong as we joined the Grand Balcon Sud. We met up with Laurence and Peter, who had both enjoyed the popular ladders section, as planned but did not linger on the tops because of the wind. Têtes des Vents is aptly named.



We arrived at the refuge very early in the afternoon and sat drinking wine and beer with Peter and Peter. It was relaxing watching the clouds in the valley way below form then clear only to form again all within the space of a few minutes.

The sunset from the refuge at La Flégère, facing Mont Blanc, was spectacular.



At dinner Véronique organised a cake and candle for Peter.



Can't believe that tomorrow will be our last day on the TMB.

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Location:Refuge La Flégère