Rob Maloney has recently become hooked on climbing in the Alps; he joined Kathy for a few days of fun in the Chamonix area.

This photo was actually taken on our last day, during our climb of the Index.

We began in great weather, with another nearby rock climb in the Aiguilles Rouges. Rob approaches the final pitch of "Mani Puliti" on the Aiguille de la Glière.

From sunny rock, we moved to soggy alpine conditions on the Tour Ronde the next day. Here Rob begins the sloppy snow descent as the first snowflakes begin to fall.

No views, but Our Lady assures us this is indeed the top.

Just a friendly multi-cultural reminder to watch our step, back at the Hellbronner lift station. We arrived there soaking wet and fairly chilled; after some restorative hot drinks, we returned to Chamonix via the bus/Mont Blanc tunnel, the cable car being shut due to the weather.

Our final day was forecast to be rather mixed. We headed up the Index in the fog, but this soon burned away. We enjoyed increasingly warm sun breaks as we climbed.

Some of the great climbing on the Index, showing why it's such a popular route. Exposed and challenging without ever becoming very difficult.

The views across to the Aiguilles de Chamonix are themselves worth the effort.

By the time we reached the top, the sun was out in full force. A couple of our fellow climbers enjoy a quick picnic on the summit.

After the big rappel off the Index, Rob relaxes for a moment. It always seems too soon to go home, but it's only au revoir for now.