Sylvie Phobie, Barberine -Friday 24th July

A change of scenery and a climb at Barberine before the massive storm that hit Chamonix on Friday evening.

Le Grand Bornand - Camping Les Clos du Pins

A lovely campsite with some great views just out of the main village. The village itself seems to have fetes every weekend and market days during the week so it is constantly busy.

Pointe Percee - Monday 20th July - more pics!

Ron's pictures.

Pointe Percee - Monday 20th July

From Col des Annes up to the refuge and on to Pointe Percee's classic climb up the arete to the summit then a long scramble back down. The route was perfect for a hot day as it is mostly north facing and with a bit of cloud around to add atmosphere, conditions were quite pleasant.
The climbing is straightforward mostly then steeper for the last section up the summit. The exposure is immense especially on Le Rasoir, a knife-edge arete!

Ailefroide to Le Grand Bornand - Saturday 18th July

Due to the road between La Grave and Grenoble being closed by the landslide at the Tunnel du Chambon, we chose to drive over the Col du Galibier...long and twisty but very scenic. It was strange seeing the road signs for Grenoble all blacked out and La Meije in summer conditions.

Gap and Lac de Serre-poncon

Friday 11th July

A day exploring, shopping and enjoying the sun.

Ecrins total

Thursday 9th July
One of the older routes in the area so the rock has been polished by the many climbers who have been up this popular route. It made ua appreciate the good friction to be found on the newer routes!

Alambic - Ron's pictures

Some of Ron's pictures.

Alambic

Wednesday 8th July

A new route for the area and one which is not in the local guide book yet. The route description that we found did say to climb the tree to start the second pitch!

Remonte-ponte direct

Sunday 5th July
A climb on the shadier side of Ailefroide! The second pitch was tricky for 5c and the Finnish girl climbing behind us thought it the hardest 5c pitch she had climbed! The pitches above were more realistically graded with a lovely slab and a steep finish on good holds. Then a walk down through the trees and back for ice cream.