Norm and Karen Numerof of Vail CO, were back in the Alps for another week of climbing with Kathy. Hot weather and runny, gray ice with high rockfall hazard thwarted some of our hoped-for objectives, but others were in great shape, and the weather was all one could hope for.

We began with a morning climb, "Mani Puliti", in the Aiguilles Rouges, before moving up to the Torino hut in the afternoon.

The family that climbs together..... well.... climbs together!

The following day we were up before dawn for the Rochefort Arête. Just post-headlamp on the approach walk up the glacier.

The morning was beautiful, clear and warm.

Behind every great woman is a strong man, seemingly in her shadow in this case, but don't be fooled!

We joined several locals, sunning themselves like gore tex-clad seals on the aptly named "Salle à Manger", or dining room.

On day three, Kathy and Norm headed up for a rather obscure ice climb to the Col de la Fourche, but the snow being quite sloppy and the weather warm and threatening, we opted instead for an ice climb on "La Toule". Looking back at the E. face of Mont Blanc du Tacul as we head toward our climb.

Norm taking the lead on the Toule. Note to Karen, this wasn't quite as steep as it looks in this photo! Steep enough though.

Views down the Mer de Glace from the top of the Toule.

Moving over to Zermatt, Kathy and Norm got on the Breithorn Half Traverse in good, if occasionally misty, weather.

The following day, we climbed Pollux and descended to the Ayas hut. Norm here on the famous "chain pitch" of Pollux.

The summit of Pollux, looking toward Liskamm and Monte Rosa in blazing sunshine.

From the Ayas hut, Castor was the next objective. Approaching the glaciated west face at sunrise, a few wisps of cloud drift through the col.

The clouds quickly cleared, and we climbed in calm, cool air.

Looking up the summit ridge at the gathering crowds!

This view down the "Italian side" of Castor, was taken from the summit.

Working out right-of-way rules on a busy morning in the mountains.

Finally, we ended the trip with more rock climbing on the Riffelhorn. Ladies first!

A lovely day to end the week with. Hopefully they will be back next year!