Most Inspirational Moment
This is a hard question to answer because although great views are expected in the Alps, there were inspirational views and sights virtually every step of the way. Our guide, Mel, was inspirational, in her love and passion for the mountains and her knowledge of the local landscape, and particularly the flowers and plants.
Thoughts on Group Leader
As I have said above, our group leader Mel was inspirational. It was obviously not just a holiday for her, it was a lifestyle. She was very encouraging and accommodating, and found ways to coax us up the huge mountains, even in the face of pain and injury. She managed to distract us from the pain by giving us botany 'lessons' as we were going along, and these little talks also enabled her to make the whole group stop and rest to allow the slower members to catch up and rest also. In the end, the whole group were orchid spotting and this gave us a completely new perspective on the Alps, and a depth of experience, which other trekkers walking by at top speed did not get.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a pair of trekking poles, as they were invaluable, since the majority of the trip is either up or down, and you need them for both! Don't rely on being able to wash, and particularly dry clothes. There are washers and dryers at several of the campsites, but the dryers did not appear to work well, and the weather is not stable enough to rely on hanging clothes out to dry. Just take a fresh pair of socks for each day and don't mind wearing other clothes for a few days each.
