Eaux Rousses - Cogne.
Peaks/Cols:
⛰️ Col Loson (3294m)
The leg from Eaux Rousses to Cogne featured the challenging climb to Col Loson (3294m), one of the most beautiful yet demanding sections of the Tor des Géants (TDG) route. The ascent was breathtaking, but as I entered the 3000m realm, I began to feel the effects of altitude, making it increasingly difficult to maintain a steady pace.Navigation became easier as dawn broke, and I was greeted by a magnificent sunrise as I crested the col. The combination of the stunning view and the emotional toll of the previous days left me feeling overwhelmed but grateful for having pushed through the challenges. This moment was a highlight of the journey, providing a sense of accomplishment and renewal.The descent on the other side seemed endless, with the heat intensifying as the day wore on. To manage the heat and prevent excessive sweating, I adjusted my pace and took advantage of any available shade. The descent was tough on the legs, and the relentless heat added to the challenge.Arriving at Cogne was a huge relief, marking the end of a physically and emotionally taxing leg. The combination of high altitude, long descent, and heat made this one of the most challenging parts of the route so far, but also one of the most rewarding.
Challenges:
Physical: Managing the effects of altitude, fatigue, and heat during the climb and descent.
Mental: Coping with the emotional strain and maintaining focus despite exhaustion.
Terrain: Steep, sustained ascent followed by a long, challenging descent.
Navigation: Easier with daylight, but still required attention during the early morning.
The climb to Col Loson was both a physical and emotional test, pushing me to my limits. The stunning sunrise at the col was a reward for the effort, and it provided a much-needed boost of morale. The descent into Cogne was tough but manageable with the right adjustments to pace and hydration. This leg reinforced the importance of resilience, pacing, and adapting to the environment, and it left me with a deep sense of accomplishment.
