Episode 13 COMPLETING THE TOUR DE MONT BLANC
In this episode you will hear poems about the completion of the Tour de Mont Blanc, which is about 120 miles long and as you might have guessed from episode 12 the vertical ups and downs make this route seem a lot longer. One of the beauties of this walk is the opportunity to go through 3 different countries and experience the different cuisines and languages.
NEXT STOP ITALY
A benefit of rain
with a splash of sun
a brilliant rainbow
ends yesterday’s walk
Today is the longest day
Soon there is Thomas again
yellow jacket and tripod
dedicated photo guy.
He carries his tent
we will keep crossing paths
with other walkers too
each at our pace, a
somewhere on the circle.
Over the final climb of today
arriving unannounced in Italy,
bonjour becomes buongiorno.
walking along the glacial stream
wetlands and stunted trees
lead to a simple decision.
The high road, up and over,
The low road, steeply down,
along the rushing river
to the optional bus ride.
No pride here,
ready for massage.
Rest day in Italy
Courmayeur nestled in mountains
painted by brilliant flowers
resplendent gardens
overflowing window boxes
Pasta con fungi
talliatele and porcini.
As the daylight fades
Watching the white water
rushing down from melting glaciers
sunset painting alpine peaks
shades of pink and gold
now I am ready for the next country
INTO SWITZERLAND
Up through Mist and clouds
past grazing sheep
roofless stone houses.
Sun breaking through onto shining glaciers
as the bikers stride up the hill
to complete their 2 day TMB circuit.
Overlooking the gentle downhill
watch them zooming down.
At last,
the snowy peak of Mont Blanc
appears through white clouds
above a field of white puffy flowers.
Making good progress,
time for a Swiss farmers lunch
cheese from the cows
Ringing their bells
In the field below me.
Loping into La Fouly
happy feet in soft sneakers.
Swiss flags fluttering
In this spotless village.
Old dark wooden chalets
Framed by red and white flowers
Switzerland’s colors.
WALKING IN WOODS
Alpine views disappear behind trees.
Moving down through forest,
Intent on the next destination.
I am walking around Mont Blanc.
Wait, my heart calls me
into the beauty of the woodlands
Pulls me into the present moment
Noticing the streams of light
illuminating beds of ferns
intricate glistening spiders’ webs
with sparkling water droplets
in the shadows, architectural mushrooms
with cantilevered tops
red berries hanging low
passer by says: they make good jam.
Purple, grey, and blue Lichen,
tiny white flowers peek out
through Soft mosses
Subtle shades of green
and yellow striped beetles.
Now the family of trees
invites me into their blanket,
their pure silence.
Leaving the forest’s shade
bright sunlight cannot erase
the magical memory
of the forest.
GETTING LOST
I am a technology sceptic
walking for me is following my nose
and hoping for sign posts.
Starting as a group
guided by Andre’s phone
we got lost.
Its not unusual for me
to add extra miles
by dropping a lens cap
or leaving a pole.
This was a new shared experience.
Including my short cut
discovering electric fences work.
OUCH!
Another day,
I go it alone
no technology, just my nose.
Dreaming of tea time at Lac Blanc
you have to earn it.
Climbing the ladders straight up
don’t look down too soon
views are superb and panoramic.
Watching paragliders
in Chamonix
I’m ready to fly
Up, up and away
but
the strong winds seem here to stay
and I cannot wait another day.
A walk through lilac bushes
above a buddhist garden
following the rushing river
soon the last day ends early.
Back where we started.
Has time expanded?
was it a lifetime ago?
Check out
YouTube “ladders on Mont Blanc.
Photos on thewalkingpoet.net
©MartinStrasmore2021