Cocher-Cochon, Clocher De Planpra, Les Aiguilles Rouges

Alison heading off into the mist at the beginning of the route

So it rained quite a lot yesterday, but stopped late evening so the rock got a chance to dry overnight and in the morning. We decided to head for the Aiguilles Rouges, and a route neither of us had done before - Cocher- Cochon on Clocher de Plampra. It had 5c and 2 6a pitches, so would be good after yesterday. The weather took us by surprise and we ended up climbing in the mist for the day, and it got pretty cold. The team in front of us had down belay jackets on, and looked snug. We decided, after dressing for the sun, that our method of keeping warm was to keep moving.

The route is great fun with some brilliant climbing. Pitches 4 and 9 were my favourite, although I had to do some determined hand warming by the end of the climb.

We got home for tea and cakes - and the cakes in France are pretty amazing.

Alison working out a sequence on pitch 4

Pitch 4

Alison pulling a move on pitch 4

Alison high on pitch 5

Alison on pitch 7

Alison on pitch 8

Alison found a great belay at the end of pitch 8

Alison on enjoying the final moves of pitch 9 to the top