Josh traveled across the pond from the Boston area to climb with Mark for 5 days. Our main objective was Mont Blanc, so we spent the first few days working on training and getting acclimated.

The weather forecast for our first day was anything but good, and, as we met in the morning, the rain was coming down in sheets. So, trying to make the best of it, we spend the first part of the day on the Mer de Glace, reviewing ice climbing skills, followed by a short afternoon session at Les Gaillands, rock climbing. The weather turned out to be perfectly suited to this plan. The rain even let up!

On our second day we moved up to the Cosmiques hut looking for some fun climbing and a bit of acclimatization. We did the Pointes Lachenal on our first day and then finished with the Arête des Cosmiques on our second day at altitude. Following another night in town, we moved up to the Tête Rousse hut, then summited Mont Blanc from there on our fifth and last day.

Josh on the Aiguille du Midi, this photo was taken on our third day, and the first with any very good weather.

Looking across at the Cosmiques hut with Mont Blanc du Tacul behind.

Sunset on day 2, from the Cosmiques hut. The weather is just starting to clear.

And a perfect day on the Arête des Cosmiques.

The final tower on the Arête des Cosmiques.

Josh climbs the ladder of the last "pitch" of the route.

After a restful night in Chamonix, we moved up to the Tête Rousse hut.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset from the hut, and a perfect forecast for the following day.

We began our climb from the Tête Rousse at 2 am. Now, at 4 in the morning we have reached the Gouter hut, some 650 meters higher. Its crampons on as we start up the glacier.

Sunrise coincides with our arrival at the level of the Vallot hut, 4362 meters.

The shadow of Mont Blanc and the setting full moon.

A busy day on the Bosses ridge on the last part of the ascent. Climbing conditions and the weather were ideal.

Josh on the summit of Western Europe.

A close-up (too close?) of Mark and Josh on the summit.

And after a very long descent (2438 meters, or 8000 feet to be exact) we have a moment to take off our boots while waiting for the train at Nid d'Aigle.