The « Lac Blanc », located in 2352 meter, is one of the most renowned hike in Chamonix. The access is really easy and if you want to have a look on many of the mountaineering legendary summits of the French Alps, this is one of the right place.
Its amazing views let us think about hectic stories and introduce interesting debates on our way to «live the mountain».
This is the end of the afternoon, we are in November. The place is peaceful and already dropped of snow. There isn’t lots of tourists during this period of the year. That’s why I sometimes deeply appreciate relaxing there in fall. I enjoy this simple beauty : the snow shining with the sun and the frozen lake surrounded by the mountain ranges. This is a permanent treasure.
After a great session of rock climbing this morning in the « Aiguilles Rouges » in Chamonix, we are now here : seating in front of the
« Lac Blanc » (still in Chamonix), enjoying the moment. We are in front of a wonderful scenery. This is a good place to share mountain stories because you are just in front of a lot of famous summits already climbed or dreamt to be one day. It is difficult to explain why we are so attracted by the mountain. For the aesthetic ? The escape ? The self-improvement ? This is so personal but also what gathered us.
The passion.
I was sharing this moment with a guy met on the rocks. He is definitely kind of a part of every summits he had climbed. He shows me the “Aiguille Verte” and tells me how it happens the last time he was there. His friend and him were totally alone on the mountain because the storm just went away the day before. They had slept a few under a boulder in the Jardin de Talèfre, waiting that the wind finally calm down and the clouds disappear. The weather was with them ! And they could summit through the Whymper couloir, a famous route. The relation to mountain is complex. We can’t cheat with it. It decides to let us leave or not. There is a lot of respect and fair play in this kind of relationship. That’s what it’s interesting and captivating too.
The moon rises now and our minds wonder. We are discussing about the very high attendance of lots of touristic mountain places and how it could affect their integrity. We see the rock erosion due to the men passes, the trails which distort the ground… I will never forget what he says at a time : « You know, I truly love the mountain and I can’t continue seeing that people destruct it. If the only way to preserve it is to stop going there, I agree to do it. »
Whatever if we agree or not, one thing is sure : the commitment that a passion gives is a so beautiful motivation in life.
And you, how far are you ready to go for what you love ?
