Amy Boebel was back in Chamonix this summer to climb with Kathy again. No Tour de France this time, but plenty of climbing.

Amy bundled up on a cold day on the Petite Aiguille Verte (Amy Boebel photo).

Given a very wet and cold first day, we again headed south into Italy to take refuge on the warm rock of Doctor Jimmy. This is a great and scenic climb, long but moderate and not too hot. Amy enjoys the moves on pitch three.

On the second day we braved a very cold wind for a "grudge match" on the Petite Aiguille Verte, which had been out of condition on Amy's visit last summer. Amy here pauses near the summit on our descent.

One of Amy's iconic self-portraits, with ice hammer. (Amy Boebel photo)

Kathy heads up after another party on the first pitch above the bergschrund. (Amy Boebel photo)

On our third day we headed over to the Aiguilles Rouges, to enjoy the classic traverse of the Crochues. Much better and warmer weather blessed our efforts this time as we looked across at the Aiguille Verte.

Suiting up for the climb, the sun feels great.

Temperatures cooled off as we headed onto the shady north side of the ridge, but still very pleasant. Amy tops out after the first chimney pitch.

This seemed to be the place to be on this day, but all these parties moved along briskly and there was plenty of room and time for us all.

Near the high point, the scrambling just gets easier and even more scenic.

We took time for a nice late lunch at the Lac Blanc refuge before heading back to town.

On our last day we decided to take in an ice climb, Amy's first love, so we got up early to catch the first lift and do the "Chèré Couloir", seen here. One other party on the route (seen beginning the first pitch here) were well away by the time we got to the base, so we had a very rare quiet day with the climb all to ourselves!

Amy sports a piece of memorabilia from Chicks With Picks, the event where we first met. And a bit of product placement for you, Kim Reynolds! I miss you and the gals!

Heading down that famous ridge out of the station, it's exposed up there!

There were plenty of people on the Normal Route of Mont Blanc du Tacul, seen here from the base of our climb.

The route was in great shape, the ice plastic and easy to climb, if a bit thin in places. Amy readies for a move or two of mixed climbing.

Amy tops out and approaches the last anchor before we begin our descent.

Rapping the route...

And arriving safely back at the base. It's time for a cup of coffee!Here's hoping we'll see Amy back again, maybe with her skis next time.