More From 5th August. Catrin

A great day of climbing. Well done.

16th Aug. Aiguille De L'M

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).

A great week.

Chamonix better be there next year - I plan to go back to advance my alpine climbing...

15th Aug. Petite Aiguille Verte

The initial approach from the glacier.

Mixed terrain in the ridge.

We decided upon this next classic. From the col des Grande Montets 3233m we climbed up to the true summit of the Petite Verte at 3508m. A great climb.

13th August. Cosmiques Arete.

Hannah walking into the Valley Blanche, with the camp site well established in the distance.

Abseil around the first Tower.

Below - 2 other climbers have just finished the route - which followed the ridge to their left.

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.

12th August. Aiguille De L'Index

A great climb. A shorter day for us. Giving us time to plan for tomorrow.

11th August. Chapelle de la Gliere

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..

Time For R and R At The End Of A Great Exped

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....