Splash

It's been a long week, and I'm struggling to put down what days I did what... Infact, I can't be bothered even trying to figure it out, but today I finally got another climb in after a few days of aching after the last big climb. A link up of 2 routes on the Aiguille Rouges, the second being the classic SE Arete of the Index. Excellent climbing, easy difficulty and a fair amount of bolts, some spaces in between that we just ran out as it was mainly easy ground. Overtook lots of beginners who were very polite for a change, a kiwi chap we passed seemed to find our relaxed attitude quite funny compared to the stressed French. I'm not sure why some groups were taking so long on belays, as clipping bolts is pretty straight forward! Got down to Cham for a Midnight Express before the weather came in. Forecast for the next few days is a bit grim. I've spent a fair bit of time chilling at the group's apartment when possible this week - it's been nice sitting on a sofa, eating from a plate and drinking tea from a real cup.

In other news, Ant and his mate Cropper headed up to the Midi to climb a Rebuffat route on the south face of the Aiguille du Midi. After a bit of faff and going off route, combined with maybe carrying too much gear, they managed to miss the last lift down by 10 minutes. That night they had to sleep in the toilets of the Midi station along with 8 other unlucky alpinists during a massive thunderstorm, on cardboard and bubble wrap. Fun!

Also this week, Sam, Phil Booth, and Stuie managed the 3 monts route of Mont Blanc. That being Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc Summit in sequence. From their description, it was a bastard of a slog with lots of punters and guides dragging clients. One woman went mad at Sam when he accidently kicked her with his crampons, but to be fair it's her own fault for trying to shove past when Sam was about to abseil. Ally and Alex got a few big routes in including the Gervasutti Pillar & the north face of the Tour Ronde, epic!

Spent a while having a chat to Phil Booth this week. Phil is a Freelance Photographer and is a few steps ahead of me in the Photography career, exchanged lots of great tips and ideas and we'll hopefully be working on some climbing shots in the future. He also shoots with Canon, and is soon to purchase a 5d, nice! Have a look at his website! - www.philboothphotography.co.uk - He's also suggested www.photobox.co.uk and www.moo.com for making my own prints and business cards, so keep watching this space when I'm back in England.

Other than that, I'm tired and struggling to remember other events this week. There's a few new shots up soon on Facebook of the lads launching each other about in the swimming pool, and a few ok shots I got of the Petit Verte..

I'm 90% decided to go to Paris on Monday via a carshare I've found (www.blablacar.com), and I luckily found €40 today in a wallet on the pavement! Finders Keepers :) Possibly spend 4 or 5 days in Paris depending on cost and transport back, then hopefully for the last week I can possibly get a few more rock and alpine routes in!