Oyace - Saint Rhemy.
Peaks/Cols Crossed:
⛰️ Col Brison (2519m)
⛰️ Col de Champillon (2711m)
As I left Oyace, I resolved that this would be my last night out on the trail. My determination was set on reaching Courmayeur before the next nightfall, eager to sleep in a proper bed and bring this incredible adventure to a close. The climb to Col Brison (2519m) was an intense challenge, made even tougher by the fact that it was done entirely in darkness. The climb felt like it took forever, and the wind on the tops was relentless. As dawn broke, I reached Ollomont, where I quickly changed clothes and had some breakfast, fuelling up for one of the final big climbs of the journey. Ascending to Col de Champillon (2711m), I was met with another breath-taking sunrise, yet again stirring deep emotions. The shifting moods throughout this adventure were extraordinary; one moment could feel like absolute hell, and the next, like heaven. The climb, though tough, was made lighter by the beauty of the morning. The second half of this leg passed surprisingly quickly. As I descended towards Saint Rhemy, I felt a surge of motivation and vigour, almost like a different person. The sense of resolve and the anticipation of completing the journey filled me with an incredible energy that carried me through to Saint Rhemy with a renewed sense of purpose.
Challenges:
Physical: The long, difficult climbs, particularly in darkness, were physically demanding and required perseverance.
Mental: The emotional highs and lows were extreme, requiring mental resilience to push through the tough moments.
Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, combined with windy conditions on the tops, added to the challenge.
Navigation: Relatively straightforward but required careful attention in the dark.
This leg was a powerful reminder of the emotional and physical rollercoaster that long-distance mountain journeys can be. The resolve to finish the journey by the end of the day drove me forward, and the experience of witnessing another beautiful sunrise provided a much-needed emotional lift. The rapid pace of the second half of the leg was a testament to the power of determination and the profound impact that the surrounding environment can have on one's state of mind. This leg reinforced my belief in pushing through challenges to experience the ultimate rewards of endurance and adventure.
