Day 7 Cabane de Montfort to Cabane St Laurent

Good night's sleep in the bunk room and out before 8 o'clock. Straight up to Col du Mont Gele (2804m). Wonderful sunny morning gave fantastic views down to the hut and across to the Grand Combin and Mt Blanc. Even better views from the top of Mt Gele (3022m) with an Ibex and lots of wild flowers on the way.

Down intially through a boulder field to Phip and the van at Tortin. A very welcome lunch and a beer outside the deserted ski lift building. Changed to my Hitec trainers since the ankle was still killing me.

Walked up with a full load to the dam of Lac de Cleuson, struggled up the very steep track in front of the dam and then along the lake and up to the Refuge St Laurent (2400m). This was an old style hut, with a good atmoshere, belonging to a ski club. The facilites were a little basic, there was one outside loo and washing was at a trough outside. We had a hilarious group wash and wondered how the skiers managed in the winter. Pasta for dinner then fireworks by Bruce overlooking the lake by the original loo. As the rockets showered sparks everywhere we remembered somewhat belatedly it had been the driest summer for many years. Sweatly night up on the third layer in the dorm.

Exodus Trip Notes

Day 7 We start with a very steep but short ascent to the Col du Mont
Gele (2,804 m.). From the col there are splendid views of the Rhone valley, Mont Blanc, the Combins, the Matterhorn and the Bernese Oberland. From here we descend to pass through Tortin (2,040 m.) meet up with our support vehicle briefly to re-supply and ascend again, passing Lac Cleuson to the Cabane St. Laurent (2400m.).

Mountain hut