Open mind
16-06-07
They came to reach the top of Mont-Blanc. They were
in shape, well prepared technically and well
acclimatized to altitude. When the weather obliged
us to give up during our attempt on Mont-Blanc,
they were disappointed, but it lasted only a few
minutes. They had enjoyed what had been possible,
and they were thinking of the next opportunity to
come again. We had one day left together. Rainy,
cold. We proposed to climb indoor, experiment
something new for them. Climb, belay, lead. Their
enthusiasm was the most beautiful gift they could
give to us, the guides. Thank you !
.
.
The Mont Blanc did not want
14-06-07
Wednesday night at the Tête Rousse hut, we were
facing the beauty of the world. Thursday morning,
2am, clear weather, we climb the long ridge to the
Goûter Hut, 3 hours in a mixed terrain, it is
exceptionally safe today, and in very good snow
conditions. We may believe that the Mont Blanc is
at hand, but it is not the way it works in the
mountains : at 5pm a cloud covers the Mont Blanc,
and a strong southwest wind kills our dream. We
wait, hoping for an improvement of the weather, but
unfortunately it tends to be worse. We decide to go
down, taking care of everybody because the
motivation is not the same now. Jean Marc and I
appreciate the spirit of our team, the way our four
icelanders understand and accept this decision is
remarkable.
First step to Mont-Blanc
12-06-07
June 11th. The weather is good
enough to attempt the ascent of Mont Blanc du
Tacul, the most accessible 4000m peak in the
Mont Blanc range. It is a very good
acclimatization. Due to the weather forecast
for the next few days, we decided to climb it
and stay in the refuge des Cosmiques after the
climb. A perfect way to get used to altitude.
We were two guides : Jean-Marc Boucansaud
joined us. In the hut, ou icelanders could
dream on the map ! Now, let's hope for good
weather.
Icelanders
10-06-07
First day of a Mont-Blanc course : I go training on
the Mer de glace with Hulda, Anna, Helena and
Linda. From cautious steps to a steep wall, we get
a basic technical preparation, in order to feel
easy on the slopes of the "Big White"