Bob Shea and Rodger Bivens
Bob Shea
Please join SaddleBrooke Hiking Club members Bob Shea and Rodger Bivens as they recount their experiences hiking the 102 mile Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the world’s classic treks. Bob and Rodger spent a total of 11 days on the route in early September 2015. The very scenic route circumnavigates the 15,771 foot glacier covered Mont Blanc Masiff, Western Europe’s highest peak.
They started their journey in Chamonix, France, which hosted the very first winter Olympic Games in 1924. The town is known for its alpine skiing as well as hiking, mountain biking, hang-gliding and rock climbing. The trek takes hikers through the picturesque French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Most hiking days featured a challenging climb to a mountain pass, then lunch at a mountain refuge followed by a steep rocky descent to the next valley. Awe-inspiring mountain views were the highlight of each hiking day.
Lodging was found in small auberges and refuges along the way. These accommodations typically included Half Board, which is code for breakfast and dinner with the room. A layover day was spent in the lovely medieval city of Courmayeur, Italy, enjoying delicious pasta meals and regrouping for the remainder of the journey.
Bob and Rodger, both avid photographers, are anxious to share both their memories and images from the adventure. Rodger will relive his encounter with a herd of stampeding mountain sheep which almost ended his hike on the first day out. You’ll hear stories of the interesting, multinational groups of hikers that they met and hiked with while covering the 102 scenic miles.
The program is open to all SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch residents. After the talk attendees are encouraged to attend a social hour in the Agave Lounge. For more information about the programs, contact Mary Croft at 651-270-1660 or [email protected].