highs and lows

We got a place to stay in Argentiere in the Belvedere. Very basic but nice people. The rooms are all based around 4 bunks so it would have been better if Matt was with us. We have a different guest every night but there you go.

A good day practicing skills near the Lognan and Grand Montet. Skinned up about 900 meters and practiced avalanche rescue skills

The weather is not in our favour but we are setting off tomorrow anyway from Chamonix. The plan is to go to the Argentiere Hut at 2700 m to assist with the altitude training. We will then ski down to the Chardonnet Glacier and move on to the Trient Hut. The following day we will go to Champex and then on to start the Verbier route proper.

At lot of snow is forcast but we might get to Verbier before it or we will be beaten back by the weather.

The training and the nights sleep at the Argentier Hut will hopefully mean that we will be in good nick for the Chardonnet Glacier but we are prepared to back off if the conditions aren't correct. We are adding 2 days to the Verbier route by doing it this way but that is not an uncommon option.

On our way

At the Airport now and ready to roll. Met Danny Fenton on the bus. He is heading off to Berlin to do a marathon. He reminded us that we started out together 25 years ago in the Reserve. Feeling a bit old after that :-) but hey, at least we are all still doing something and each to his own. Best to luck to Danny

Bad news

Bad news today before the trip even starts. Matt was involved in an accident and has broken bones in his foot effectively putting the kybash on the trip for him. Everyone is gutted for him. Especially after all the training, investment and build up. We will keep him up to date on whats happening and no doubt think of him when the going is good and envy him when the going gets rough!

Pre trip thoughts

Looking forward to the trip in the Alps. Wondering if I'm fit enough though just haven't got as much training as I would have liked. Pre trip nerves?

Bags packed (almost) and everything weighed and discounted if judged too heavy. Tiny amount of spare cloths as almost everything is technical gear. The pack is down to about 11 Kg and I don't think I can get it any lower than that!