Rob added a few days of climbing to his summer France vacation. Unfortunately, the weather was in its decidedly changeable late season mood. We started well, but by the end were scratching around looking dry rock.

On our first day we climbed the superb "Cocher-Cochon" in the Aiguilles Rouges. One of the best routes in the Rouges, this 9-pitch climb has several 5c sections on one fantastic and final 6a pitch on the tower of the Clocher de Plampra.

Looking up at the Clocher from the descent.

For days 2 and 3, we decided to climb the Aiguille du Moine, a rocky summit in the very heart of the Mont Blanc Massif. Here, Rob descends the ladders to the Mer de Glace, the start of the approach to the hut.

Arriving at the Couvercle hut. The peaks of Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc in the background.

The original Couvercle hut, and the reason for the hut's name. Couvercle means cover, cap or lid.

Rob waiting for dinner in the hut.

After dinner, the moon rose over the Leschaux Glacier.

Sunrise over the back side of the Aiguille du Plan.

Rob on the South Face of the Aiguille du Moine

Another party on the South Ridge route. The Mer de Glace behind.

On the summit of the Moine.

A smaller version of the next image.

A 360 degree view from the summit of the Aiguille du Moine.

Move the scroll bar for a 360° panorama.

Descending the ladders back down to the Mer de Glace and a long walk to Montenvers and home.

Our day 4 was a complete weather washout. However, on Day 5, a more northwesterly flow to the storm produced a rain shadow effect in Italy. We drove through the Mont Blanc tunnel and climbed a fine route near Machaby. As the sign says "Lo Dzerby" is 12 pitches, 400 meters, with a difficulty of 5a (though all the guidebooks, as well as us, say it is 5c), with obligatory climbing to a 5a standard.

The gnome at the top of pitch 3. His hat reads "I'm free".

Typical climbing on well-featured rock at Machaby.

A short movie...the Via Ferrata Curalla, near the town of Passy. Our last day offered few options, as it was raining nearly everywhere. But we had a good time none-the-less.