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I recently spent 2 weeks in The Alps for my summer holidays, and wanting to do an alpine trek, I chose the TMB.
I started from the traditional starting point of Les Houches, in the Chamonix valley. I was struggling a wee bit to begin with, took a few days to acclimatise to the warm temperatures (aswell as the altitude), also I was carrying a reasonably heavy pack (around 16-17 kgs). I just took my time and soaked up the beautiful scenery (aswell as the warm sunshine!)
Had great views of Monte Bianco from the Italian side, then experienced a bit of bad weather (some July snow!) on my way into Switzerland. On the Swiss side I took a little side-trip away from the TMB route, up to Cabane d'Orny, a true high mountain hut at the edge of the Glacier d'Orny. After over-nighting at the Cabane d'Orny, I walked up on the Glacier to the Plateau du Trient and from there spotted a do-able peak, the Pointe d'Orny (which I hadn't even picked out on my map beforehand). It was an easy walk/scramble up to the peak, and from there I was rewarded with fantastic views - was well worth the effort.
Rejoined the TMB at Relais d'Arpette, by way of the Col de la Breya, and from there I took the Fenetre d'Arpette (the toughest pass of the TMB), and then up to the Refuge at Col de Balme (enough said!!)
At Refuge Col de Balme I encountered a charming lady from the Isle of Mull, and she kept me company for the remainder of my trip (we both had the same plans anyway). We took a side-trip from the TMB and made it up to the summit of Mont Buet, at 3096 metres not an high mountian by alpine standards, but the highest one in it's group, and a good walk up from Refuge de la Pierre a Berard. Was a shame that we didn't get good views from the summit though.
Our next stop was the Chalet du Lac Blanc, and a good choice that turned out to be - the best hut on the trek, lovely dorms, hot showers, delicious food and views to die for. Stayed 2 nights in this idyllic setting, and took a light-pack day up to Lacs Noirs - amonsgt the Aiguilles Rouges, with plenty of Ibex for company!
For the last few days of my trek I had magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the soaring peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. Stayed high up on my last night there at the Refugr Bel Lachat, was well worth it to see the evening glow and the morning light on the mountains. All that was required of me from here was the final descent to Les Houches, where I bade a fond farewell to my friend from Mull.
To sum it up, the TMB is a good trek, but doing those side trips really made it something special for me.
Here's a link to my my photos from this trek
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=93216&id=652012380&l=825d028f0a