John and Fionnuala were with Kathy on the Breithorn last year. Apparently bitten by the mountaineering bug, they came back this season with their two sons, Ashley and John, to introduce them to the drama of high glaciated peaks. We fit in an ascent of the Allalinhorn, between the many storms of this cool and wet summer season.

Mixed sun, cloud, wind, and fog were the order of the day. In a sunny break, from left to right are John (the younger), John (the elder), Ashley, and Fionnuala.

After an hour or so of steady going, the summit comes into view.

Nearing the summit, the previous group makes way for us.

And a lucky break in the clouds! Great timing.

The happy summiteers.

Other climbers coming and going on the snowy summit ridge.

One of the views from the top: other arrivals wtih the glacier of the Strahlhorn far below.

On our descent, the sun dominated once more, giving tantalizing glimpses over to the peaks above Zermatt in the distance.

Descending once more into mists...

Nearly down now; the séracs of the lower part of the route.

And the end is in sight. Back to the Alpin Metro! Congratulations to the Woottons for their good effort, and thanks for sharing another fine summit day with Kathy.