Bob travelled from a very dry California to enjoy 5 days of climbing with Mark. Our original objectives included the Dent du Géant and the Mittellegi Ridge on the Eiger. But recent snowfall suggest other options might be a better choice.

With poor weather on the Chamonix side, we decided to visit Italy and see if we could find some dry rock. We climbed Topo Pazzo, a very fun 3 pitch route near Machaby. No sooner had we rappelled back to the ground than the rains began.

Bob finishing the first pitch.

Happy at the belay.

Our day 2 was very wet indeed. With a vague hope of climbing something near the top of the Index chairlift, we headed on up. But light rain and dense fog suggested a walk instead. We continued down to Lac Blanc, enjoying a bowl of soup and a tart.

Pretty, but wet.

As we passed the Aiguillette d'Argentière, we found some dry rock, and also a few other climbers.

Bob on the Aiguillette.

Another view of the Aiguillette. We continued our walk down to Montroc le Planet, the took the train back to Chamonix.

The weather on the 3rd day was finally clear.

We head up the Aiguille du Midi, out of the valley fog and into the sun.

Mont Blanc, with the Arête des Cosmiques in the foreground.

We climbed the Traverse of the Pointes Lachenal.

The route climbs over these two towers.

Bob rounding the first tower.

And here on the second as we traverse to the north side of the peak.

Day 4 was rather cloudy again. But dry, at least. We started with Mani Puliti, a 6-pitch route in the Aiguilles Rouges.

Then with time and dry weather in abundance, we climbed the South Ridge of the Index.

Bob and the Index.

Our timing was nearly perfect. Riding the lift back down as it starts raining.

Our fifth and last day again was forecast to be poor on the Chamonix side. So back to Italy. Climbing Dr Jimmy.

The last pitch of Dr Jimmy.

On the way home we stopped to appreciate the vineyards. Nebiollo grapes, a sign tells us.