I woke up in the morning to the sound of cow bells… I was nervous and excited at the same time, but I tried to keep calm and to face the zigzag climb through pinetree forests, up to Col de Balme, with a slow and steady pace.

At the refuge du Col de Balme, I took a break to dry my tent, and shared a soda with other TMB hikers.

We then crossed the “imaginary“ border into France and hiked together to Tré Le Champ, where they stopped and set up camp at the charming Auberge La Boerne. I took the chance for another short break and enjoyed an amazing blueberry pie, before starting my climb to Lacs de Chéserys.

On my way up I got to know Andrea.

We decided to set up our tents by the lake and spend the evening together…

… and what an evening!

As the sun was going down, a magical and quiet athmosphere surrounded the lake, as mountain goats approached the wildcamp site.