John Cobb lives in Atlanta. Not typically known as a major center for alpinism, there are, in fact, quite of few climbers there who appreciate all that the Alps has to offer the mountaineer. And John is one of these. He spent about 10 days in the Alps climbing with Mark. Starting in the Chamonix area, we did a few "warm-up" routes, then the Traverse of Mont Blanc, and finally continued on to Zermatt for a few more good routes.

Our first peak was the Petite Aiguille Verte. The right side of the ice face was in good condition and here, John climbs the second pitch on steep snow.

Next, we climbed a rock route in the Aiguilles Rouges, the Nez Rouge route. The Index is in the background, with the entire Mont Blanc Massif behind.

On our third day we moved our base of operations out of the valley and up into the high mountains. Here, we are climbing the Aréte des Cosmiques on the Aiguille du Midi.

And the next day, with an early breakfast we traversed the Vallée Blanche, passing under the impressive east face of Mont Blanc du Tacul as the sun rose, heading for the Aiguille d'Entrèves.

Looking down the Mer de Glace, en route to the Entrees. The Drus and Aiguille Verte are the peaks on the right with the Grepon and the Requin on the left.

And later in the day, climbing on the Aiguille d'Entrèves. Mont Blanc dominates the skyline on the right.

Returning to the Cosmiques hut for the night, the following day we did the Traverse of the Mont Blanc. In this photo we have just passed the shoulder of Mont Maudit, and are heading to the Col de la Brenva. The summit of Mont Blanc looks to be not too far away.

Mont Blanc from the Col de la Brenva.

Another team heading up Mont Blanc.

John starts down off the summit of Mont Blanc. On this particular day, we descended the Goûter route, and returned to Chamonix.

We continued on to Zermatt the following day and with a short walk to the Flualp hut, were in position for the Rimpfischhorn. This photo was taken from the small lake which lies enroute to the hut. The peak behind needs no introduction!

After an early breakfast the following morning, and quite a bit of hiking in the predawn darkness, the sun finally lights up the Weisshorn and other peaks behind.

John on the summit of the Rimpfischhorn. Monte Rosa and the Liskamm behind.

Other climbers on the Rimpfischhorn.

The pleasant walk back to the hut after the climb.

And the next day, something completely different–rock climbing on the Riffelhorn, high above the Gorner Glacier.

The summit of the Riffelhorn with Monte Rosa behind.

Actually, the Riffelhorn has two summits, one of which is adorned with a large cross. John poses with the Matterhorn.

We also did the Half Traverse of the Breithorn, a great route, and always a pleasure to climb, at least on a day like this.

On our last day we opted for a change of pace. The Gorner Gorge is a via ferrata, equipped with cables, several zip lines, and a "Tarzan swing".