The Mao/Zhang family were back in the Alps again this year, including Yibing's sister Yichie. The goal was for the Mao sisters to warm up and acclimatize with both Mark and Kathy, then to climb Mont Blanc with Kathy alone. Alas, conditions were too dangerous on Mont Blanc (heat wave, rockfall hazard and ultimately "official" warning!), so we made the Gran Paradiso our consolation prize. And David decided to join the party, so double the fun!

Day 1, from left to right, Yichie, Yibing, and Mark. We headed to the Grands Montets for some initial training for Yichie with Kathy, while Yibing and Mark did a nearby ridge climb.

Kathy and Yichie ready to head up the glacier.

Mark and Yibing's ridge objective.

Yibing topping out.

Mark's view down at Kathy and Yichie's playground.

Meanwhile, Yichie worked on cramponning skills...

... as well as some more advanced techniques.

We were not alone, a great place to be on this hot day!

Day 2, we all headed over to the Aiguilles Rouges to do some rock climbing.

Yibing joined Mark on the always rewarding "Mani Puliti".

Meanwhile, Yichie and Kathy were hard at work over on the traverse of the Crochues.

Yichie enjoying the sunshine near the summit.

Our descent took us past the justifiably famous and popular "Lac Blanc". The Sunday crowds were out in force.

Heading in back down the chairlift.

Truth in advertizing! Sometimes it can be busy in August!!! We did get on the cable car before the storm arrived.

Day 3: Kathy, Yichie and Yibing headed over to the Petit Flambeau for a bit more acclimatization to the altitude. Rain was in the forecast, but the weather wasn't so bad as we started up the ridge.

Looking a bit more threatening as we got higher!

And getting thoroughly soaked on the descent!

It's OK, we're not the only ones, and there's a great drying room at the hut.

The next morning dawned beautiful, cooler and clear.

Joined at this point by David, we hiked up to the warm and welcoming Chabod hut.

Dark and early as usual, we gulp a quick breakfast.

And we're out the door by headlamp.

Glossing over several hours of glacier trekking, we stand on the summit by mid morning!

Time to head home. Mont Blanc beckons in the distance, waiting for another time.

Thanks for another wonderful few days in the mountains! Until next time.