This proved to be exciting. It taught us a lot about the need for fast alpine / light climbing (need some light kit). This was just what we needed for our last day of climbing. Good weather and lots of pitches of great climbing. We learnt lots about the infamous Chamonix crack climbing (jamming feet and arms - my sore ankle got a work out lol).
The initial approach from the glacier.
Mixed terrain in the ridge.
Hannah walking into the Valley Blanche, with the camp site well established in the distance.
Abseil around the first Tower. 
A classic route. Starting from the former Simond Hut at 3593m and finishing at the Central Summit of the Aiguille du Midi 3842m. The hardest climbing was grade IV going up the chimney couloir. We used the day to practice fast moving alpine style using short roping and fast belays. It was great except for the loose rock, size of a small fridge (that I didn't even touch) that decided to slip onto my ankle. I thought it was broken and trapped, but after dramatising, realised it was badly bruised and not trapped lol. About half an hour after Hannah managed to climb past it without disturbing it further, we heard a massive rock fall from the gully behind us. The route was busy behind us, we can only hope that nobody was injured. Alps - always exciting ! The result for me was a rest day the following day when I couldn't even walk around the campsite without limping like an idiot.
A great climb. A shorter day for us. Giving us time to plan for tomorrow.
In Chamonix, Hannah and I start our week of climbing with the South Ridge of Chapelle de la Gliere. Above Hannah is on the Slab pitch. For practice we did the route in big boots and did our first multi ab of the week. Many more were to come..
At the end of this great exped we had earnt some quality R and R time. We went to Nasca to see the famous lines. Then headed to the Paracas Nature Reserve, followed by a trip around the Ballestas Islands.
We then made our way to Huacachina to see the Oasis, and the emormous sand dunes. We had fun on a trip in the sand buggies - wow.
Finally the exped came to an end and reluctantly we made our way to Heathrow and an emotional farewell....
We started the day at the Machu Picchu campsite, but quickly made our way back to Cusco. Here the girls outdid themselves to celebrate my birthday, presents, cake, and even a song.
Jen brought the cake out so fast it was difficult to catch on camera.. The cake disappeared equally as fast..
There always needs to be a classic Machu Picture (Picchu).
There has to be an arty photo...
The adventurous photo (I found the Inca Bridge)..
Clouds part to reveal the terraces.
Who's the Llama looking at..
There's the campsite, can you spot our tents, 5 pale blue tents in a line, and 4 dark blue tents in a line. I like lines...lol
After our trek we all decided that we had earnt a hot soak in the Santa Teresa hot springs. Awesome. The scenery was spectacular, and we knew that Machu Picchu was just round the corner (sort of)..
This is our first view of 'Salkantay'. I found out that this awesome mountain has had no / or few ascents - but many people have died trying !! Not today for me then. The trek up to 4600m from 3500m makes my head hurt enough thank you. Lots of us are still suffering from our unwanted bacterial presents from the jungle... Nice.
But, the views are awesome. Thank you to our guides, and arrerios. One lad found us (especially Kirsty hysterical). He was rolling around the floor in hysterics at one point - altitude sickness surely.
Wow, at last heading downhill. My head is bursting after our quick ascent to 4600m - thank goodness for climb high and sleep low. Sleeping at 4000m tonight.
Good morning Salkantay. Time to leave you behind today.
Down in the Cloud forest now - meeting some locals.
It's all about Location, location, location. This is a room with a view, wow..
I had to bail out the canoes. After which we went on our first of several canoe trips into the lakes (ox bows) - we had to keep bailing... Don't jump in, there's pyranha and camen in there...
This was my personal pet tanantula - I found it when I was compromised on the toilet. When I stood in shock, it ran into my shower. Lesson - always chech under the toilet seat and around the back of the toilet first... And finally, don't go to bed until you know where Terry the tarantula is (normally on the wooden ceiling) - check your bed then relax..
A friendly? camen.. Not happy about being caught..
Camen - we see you..
Many many butterflies - I'd never seen any of these before..
So difficult to get a good photo - the monkeys only sat still for a second, then off into the branches again, swinging around like... monkeys.
The canoes sank again.
Always check yourself for ticks in the shower (check eveywhere). This one was on Emily's leg - she wasn't impressed that I wanted a photo.
One of Terry's mates living on the dining room walls. One eye on the soup, another eye on the spider - where'd it go...
Catrin had another terrific Gower climbing day today, 13 climbs and 10 abseils. The highlights for me included 'Superdirect' and 'South Edge'. It took a lot to challenge her, but in the end we managed to find some climbs to match her young talent. A star in the making I think...
