Hiking the E2 trail, a.k.a. the GR5, through the Alps in France:
Trail Identification and Direction Marks
Gear
By David May
Copyright 2004 - 2007, All rights Reserved
Trail Identification and Direction MarksThe GR trails (grande randonées, that is, long distance trails) throughout the Alps all use the same system of trail marking ("waymarking" in British English). A GR is marked with a white rectangle sitting above or upon a red rectangle.(Local, non-GR trails use other color combinations, or a mark of one color.) If two GRs (Grand Randonnées) cross or branch, the number of the GR will be written on each trail. You will find the waymarks on trees, on stones, on signs, on walls—wherever there is any question as to the trail, and often just as reassurance that you are on it. I have found it difficult to get off the proper GR trail, but it can happen. If you do, backtrack to the first visible trail mark, or use a map to regain the correct route. Also, there are a a few spots here and there in the Alps where you might want the reassurance of a waymark, and there is not one. So a map or guide book —while not an absolute necessity—is very helpful.
For those who are following the GR5 from Holland, in Luxembourg and in Alsace there are separate marking systems that predate the GR5. Obtain local maps or guides: In the Vosges mountains of Alsace the maps published by the Club Vosgien are best. Obviously, where the GR trail markings diverge from the trace on your map or Topoguide, the markings take precedence. This means the GR has been rerouted. However, during the Alpine crossing, it is quite unlikely that the GR routing will have changed very much. Gear:Boots I recommend the use of waterproof membrane-lined light weight boots, and not airy low-cut hiking shoes or running shoes. The main reason: the possibility of heavy rain, abut also the need to cross (very rarely) wet, muddy or rock-filled terrain. Whatever boots you choose, do strongly consider replacing the inner soles with a purchased pair that have good arch support and good impact absorption. (If your inner soles are old or much used, the springiness has probably gone out of them, and they should be replaced.) This impact absorption. is very important to help protect your knees on the long steep descents that you will have to make, such as the descent to the Chamonix valley, or the descent from the Valley of Marvels to Sospel on the GR52. Sun Protection If you have a fair skin that doesn't tan well , seriously consider wearing very light long sleeve shirts and pants, rather than short sleeve shirt and shorts. This is particularly true in the southern Alps, where the humidity is reduced, and the sun intense. The alternative is gobs of a good effective suncream. Keep in mind that a couple of tubes of sunscreen can weigh one-half pound. To protect your face from the sun, wear a hat! Also make sure that your sunglasses are dark ones. Eyestrain from too much glare can easily give you a headache. Trekking Poles I recommend you carry these. Trekking poles serve several purposes: 1) Stability on the very few parts of the trail that cross scree or (perhaps) snow; 2) cushioning the stress on your knees on a steep descent; and 3) conserving energy during climbs. It is said, and is true for me personally, that energy expended hiking a given distance is significantly reduced when poles are used. Some of the greatest Alpinists of the world have used them. Packing for the Rain: I have never found a pack rain cover that was effective in heavy rains. To keep one's things dry, in my view the best bet is freezer-weight zipper bags (the type with a plastic slider—test them out, the slider usually comes off some cheaper brands, Zip- Loc® for one). Hefty® is a better bet. These bags also help keep you organized. They are available at supermarkets in quart, gallon, and 2.5 gallon sizes . As an alternative, line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Ultra-light or traditional pack? Depending upon your choices, your full pack could weigh from 15 to 30 pounds (7 -14 kilos). I actually met some years ago a pair of middle-aged GR5 hikers who claimed they were carrying 12 pound packs, but at the time never figured how they achieved this. Now I could do so myself, providing I wasn't carrying any dress clothes. While some packs on the market only weigh 1 pound, I personally do not find them comfortable, except for loads under 15 pounds. For a 1 pound pack, I would forget about a weight-bearing waistbelt. REI, for one, now makes a good comfortable "ultralight" pack, with waistbelt, that weighs about 3 pounds and can comfortably up to 30 pounds. A heavier pack that will itself weigh 6 or 7 pounds, can carry up to 40 - 60 pounds comfortably, but I wouldn't want to carry that much on a hut-hotel to hut trip. Let us take 30 pounds as the upper limit for an enjoyable trip. Subtracting the weight of an "ultralight" pack, we have a 27 pound carrying capacity. You will not be carrying a tent or a sleeping bag; although it is possible to "camp" your way across the Alps (but not in the Vanoise Park!). The assumption here is that you will be staying in refuges, gites, and hotels (refer to the chapter on Accommodations) See what you will be bringing (reference the following table), add up the weights, and see whether you can consider traveling ultra-light or light or medium. There are many books and articles on the advantages and disadvantages of ultra-light hiking.
What to carry? The decision is yours! |
Upcoming
turns of a GR are indicated by four perched rectangles, from top
to bottom white, red, white, red. At the turn it self, an arrow
will indicate the direction of the turn, and usually, should you
miss the turn, the incorrect trail will initially be marked by a
red "x" .