Susan Lowery was once again back in the Alps. She joined Mark for 6 days of alpine climbing, starting in France, migrating to Switzerland and finishing again in France.

These 6 days were really just a warm-up for her Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route the following week. Photos of that trip soon.

Susan, still smiling.

Our first day offered one of those opportunities where the weather was decidedly better on the "other side" of the mountains. With cloud and showers coming in from the northwest, Italy remained sunny and warm. It didn't take us long to determine that a quick trip through the Mont Blanc tunnel was the best idea for the day.

Here, we are climbing "Dr Jimmy", a fun 8 or 9 pitch slab fest.

Our original plan was to head straight away to Zermatt and continue on the Spaghetti Tour. However, a malfunctioning Klein Matterhorn lift, in combination with a windy forecast, suggested an alternate. We ended up rock climbing on the Riffelhorn, doing a route called Kante.

This photo shows another climber on "Egg", along with the Breithorn on the left, and Klein Matterhorn (the top station of the broken lift) just left of center.

Susan, climbing on Kante with the Gorner Glacier below.

The lift was finally repaired. However, very high winds meant the Breithorn Half Traverse, our first objective for the day, was not to be. We consoled ourselves with an ascent of Pollux. Here, Susan tackles the first of three short pitches with "artificial aids".

On the summit of Pollux.

Our last two days in Switzerland were up near the Almageller hut, in the Saas valley. With an early start to the day, we were able to complete the traverse of the Dri Horlini, a fine rocky peak, or rather three peaks, just above the hut.

And the next day, under clear, but breezy skies, we traversed the Weissmies.

The Weissmies summit.

A view of the glacier on the normal descent route.

With one more day of climbing, we decided to head over to Chamonix and the Aiguille d'Entrèves. This is a rock traverse. Mouse over to see the line.

Another day of winds and rather amazing clouds.

Looking towards Mont Blanc.

Another party on the glacier.

"Claw clouds" over the Dent du Géant and Grandes Jorasses.

Almost to the summit of the Entrèves.

With the weather quite pleasant we also included a climb over the Aiguille du Toule, enjoying one ice pitch as we climb up the NW Face.