July 2026 – 9 days and 70 miles across the Alps: 6 days independently trekking portions of the Tour du Mont Blanc across France, Switzerland, and Italy, followed by a 3-day attempt on Mont Blanc via the Goûter Route with a guide. The journey totaled 19,263 ft of ascent and 23,704 ft of descent, all while carrying a 26-pound pack. During our summit push, we crossed the Grand Couloir just moments before a massive rockfall swept through it, striking the team directly behind us and taking the lives of two climbers. The experience left me with an even deeper respect for the beauty, unpredictability, and power of the mountains.