Akbar, from St. Paul, joined Mark for four days in the Chamonix Valley.

Our original objective was to be Mont Blanc. However, the recent heat wave, and continued hot weather made the ascent to the Gouter hut too dangerous. In fact, on our second day the rockfall hazard in the Grand Couloir caused the Gouter hut to close for the second time this summer.

So, on to Plan B...

We decided to emphasize the rocky side of things, contrasting with Akbar's mostly snowy past accomplishments.

First was Mani Puliti, a 7-pitch rock route in the Aiguilles Rouges. Mouse over the photo to see the route.

Akbar on the steep Pitch 5.

Traversing the small tower on Pitch 6. In the background on the left are the Aiguille du Chardonnet, and the Aiguille d'Argentière. On the right are the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus.

On day two, we were off to the Franco-Italian border on the spectacular Panoramic lift.

The needles of Les Périades, with the Grandes Jorasses on the far right.

Our objective was a traverse of the Aiguille d'Entrèves. We start with an easy glacier walk up to the pass to the right of the peak, then traverse the summit Right to left.

Mouse over to see, more or less, the route.

Akbar on the summit rocks.

Day three was the always classic Arête des Cosmiques.

Akbar on the mid-route "viewing platform" just after the crus section.

Day 4 found us back in the Aiguilles Rouges, this time on the Index SE Ridge.

The summit of the Index.

The lower off the top.

Mont Blanc will be waiting for another visit.