Hiking to Refugio Bonatti

After our wonderful rest day in Courmayeur, we woke up ready to hike to the Refugio Bonatti. We took a “hike start” photo in a plaza that overlooks what we would be ascending. 

The first part of the hike was a gradual ascent up through the streets in Courmayeur which gave way to a meadow with the familiar TMB yellow signs pointing to various locations. Shortly after this photo a was taken, we began “a steep and wearisome climb of 3900 vertical feet out of Courmayeur.” (Trekking The Tour of Mont Blanc guidebook by Kev Reynolds)

Here, if you look closely, you can see Courmayeur through the trees as we made our way up the series of steep switchbacks.

We all bought TMB hiking shirts in Courmayeur and our “team” is wearing our shirts today!

Once we broke out of the trees, we got a first glimpse of the magnificent views of Mont Blanc we would enjoy for the rest of the day.

One of the best parts of hiking is the other hikers you meet along the way. When we were in Les Contamines, we met Dave and Patti from California. We had so much fun hanging out and hiking with them for a few days!

After the initial climb, the rest of the day was what is referred to as a “balcony” walk - a lovely walk overlooking a beautiful vista replete with flowers, cows, etc.

At one point, we crossed a rushing mountain stream where someone had built a rock cairn.

At the end of our hike for the day we had one more steep climb up to the Refugio Bonatti (it appears that almost all the refuges involve a steep climb up 😀 My guess is that they are placed high up off the trail for the most spectacular views!)

We enjoyed relaxing on the patio overlooking the mountain range and glaciers - I was able to get a cool photo that is a reflection of the scene in the window at Refugio Bonatti.

Beers outside were followed by coffee inside as well as settling into our “private room” for six. We’ve all agreed we’re now like family 😀 - and certainly, we could have been in a room for 20!

A photo of one part of the large dormitory room - our private room for six was a luxury!

We finished our day with a wonderful dinner with Patti and Dave. Tomorrow we will be parting ways as we are heading back to Courmayeur and they are continuing onto TMB Stage 6 which will take them into Switzerland.