The MacWilliams family joined Mark for 4 days of hot, sunny weather in the Mont Blanc Massif. We started with an easy day to the Albert 1er hut, then tackled the Tête Blanche, and the Petite Fourche on our way to the Trient hut. On day three we climbed the Aiguille du Tour, and hiked out. On our last day, John and Mark climbed the classic Arête des Cosmiques.

Hiking into the Albert Premier hut. Mont Blanc behind.

Thomas and Jack relaxing on the deck of the Albert Premier hut.

4 am breakfast. The moon over the Aiguille du Chardonnet.

Another rope team heading up the Col Superior du Tour.

This view is from the Petite Fourche and shows much of our wanderings. The Aiguille du Tour is in the back, our last day's climb. Closer in and under the Tour is the Tête Blanche, our first summit.

Mouse over the image to see some of our route(s).

on the summit of the Tête Blanche.

Looking from the Tête Blanche towards the Petite Fourche, our second summit. You can also see the steep snow descent over the bergschrund to reach the lower Trient Glacier and the route to the Trient hut.

Mouse over for detail.

Tammy getting lowered into the abyss.

Safely down on the lower glacier, we head for the Trient hut. The Petite Fourche is the peak behind.

Tammy relaxing at the Trient hut. There are a number of bronze sculptures by Swiss artist Nikola Zaric near the hut.

Sunset from the Trient hut.

Another early morning departure, this time heading for the Aiguille du Tour.

Moon over the Aiguilles Dorées.

Crossing the Trient Glacier, en route to the Tour.

Arriving on the summit of the Tour.

John, Jack and Thomas on the summit of the Tour.

A quick photo op on the way down.

On our last day, John and Mark climbed the Cosmiques Arête on the Aiguille du Midi. The route starts with an eye-opening descent of the snow ridge on the right.

John, past the difficulties.

Weaving in and out of giant granite towers.

Looks happy.

The final bastion of rock. Mouse over to see the route.

John on the crux face. Mark belays. This photo was taken by fellow guide, Mike Bromberg, who happened to be just behind us.

Above the crux pitch.

The final blocky climbing to the top.

And the infamous "ladder" pitch.

We were greeted by an overwhelming number of onlookers, many of whom wanted to share in the glory.