Tom Rasmussen, from Washington State, join Mark for four days of climbing. Unfortunately, these four days coincided with one of the many storms that hit the Alps in August. Our original plans of the Eiger were thwarted early on. But we did manage a few good climbs, in occasionally "interesting" conditions.

The Lauterbrunnen valley, our base for the first couple days of the trip.

Our first climb was the Mönch, via its SW Ridge. Though our views never did penetrate the thick surrounding cloud, climbing conditions were surprisingly good, with lots of snow and little rock.

Tom on the summit of the Mönch.

With more poor weather forecast for the Berner Oberland, we decided to head west, to the Chamonix valley. Our first climb here was a traverse of the Aiguille Crochues. This photo was taken from the approach to the climb and shows the Chamonix Aiguilles and the Mer de Glace.

The Aiguille Crochues from our approach. The route stars from the prominent notch, then traverses the ridge crest to the summit (the shark fin) and then down out of sight on the other side.

Tom on the Crochues.

On our last day we, climbed the Arête des Cosmiques, again in blustery conditions. Here, we are descending the snow ridge that leads down from the Aiguille du Midi and gives access to the route.

The Aiguille du Midi with the Arête des Cosmiques more or less forming the left-hand skyline.

Climbing the snowed-up rock on the Cosmiques.

The classic view on the Arête des Cosmiques. Another party following u on the route.