Once again, John Cobb, from Atlanta, joined Mark for a week of climbing in the Alps. We had the usual mix of September weather, but managed to match objectives to reality, happily adjusting plans as needed. It all worked out reasonably well, as you can see.

For a "warm-up" and to have a look at conditions up high, we chose the Traverse of the Pointes Lachenal as our first adventure. As it turned out, conditions were remarkably good on this route. Often, in the tail end of the season, this climb gets too icy. But recent snowfall helped cover the grey ice and other nasties.

Mouse over the photo to see the line.

Another view of the Traverse. This photo was taken from the first snowy bump on the route.

Again, Mouse over for the route.

Having made quick work of the Pointes Lachenal, we finished with a fine scramble up the Arête Laurence on the lower Cosmiques Ridge of the Aiguille du Midi.

Walking back up the final snow ridge to the Aiguille du Midi, and our ride back to Chamonix.

Our Days 2 and 3 were on the Aiguille du Tour, Table Spur. But given the beautiful weather, and the short hike to the Albert 1er hut, we began with a quick rock climb in the Cheserys. The route EMHM was our choice. Here, John climbs the 4th, and best pitch of the route.

A favorite spot with ibex and climbers alike.

John takes a break on the famous "Table".

Interesting climbing on the ridge between the Table and the summit.

Looking back at another group on the Table.

The final bit of scrambling to the summit.

On day 4, we took it easy, climbing a route in the Aiguilles Rouges called Crakoucass.

Amazing light coming in under the cloud.

John on Crakoucass.

Another team on the fantastic last pitch of the route.

We added a couple "bonus" pitches by including the last 2 rope lengths of "Somone".

Day 5 was the Goulotte Chèré on the North Face Triangle of Mont Blanc du Tacul. This photo was taken on our first day, when the weather was clear.

Mouse over to see the route.

On the actual day of ascent, the weather was quite cloudy, but thankfully dry.

John on the second of four pitches.

Finishing the last pitch. We rappelled from the top of pitch four, having completed the most interesting climbing.

Coming down the last pitch.

And the last pitch to the glacier. The Goulotte is in the middle.

A cloudy walk back to the Aiguille du Midi.

A team of Swedish photographers at work.

And their subjects. The fellow on the right is a Swedish Mountain Guide. And on the left, well, we are not sure. Perhaps Swedish Princess Madeleine?

On day 6, we headed south into Italy to escape the cloud and cold of Chamonix. John on the first pitch of Diretta al Banano on the Corma di Machaby.

And on Pitch 8, almost to the top.

Our last day, day 7, began with rain showers. With a late start we decided to do a leading lesson at Les Gaillands.

John on one of his many leads that day.