Another fund few days with Michele and Craig. Central Switzerland offers the most delicious smorgasbord of alpine rock one could possibly imagine. The new guidebook to this area, "Dreams of Switzerland" is well named.

On this trip we had a bit of dampness to contend with, but our luck with the timing was good, and we managed to climb ever day.

Craig an Michele, looking fit as ever.

Our first route, a "warm-up" was a slabby affair in the Gertstenegg area near Grimsel Pass. The route is called King Albert, and climbs these clean slabs for some 10 pitches.

Mouse over to see the line.

"Hiking" up the last pitch.

On day 2 we wanted something short before our hike into the Albert Heim hut. Steingletscher was the ticket. We climbed Jugendweg, an easy route in the center of the photo.

Mouse over to see Jugendweg (in red) and Plattenweg (magenta), which we climbed on our last day.

Craig scampers up Jugendweg.

And Michele follows suit.

In the afternoon, mostly in fog, we hike up to the Albert Heim hut, where we will spend 2 nights.

Our first objective, the Gletschhorn. The amazing South Ridge is the left skyline.

Another view of the Gletschhorn, from the other side of the ridge.

Mouse over to see the loop, counter clockwise.

5:30 (more or less), leaving the hut.

Our morning's approach was mostly in the mists.

But, as hoped for, we climb through the cloud and into a perfect day.

Emerging from cloud level.

Typical climbing on the Gletschhorn.

The ridge is amazingly sharp, with perfect rock.

On the summit of the Gletschhorn.

Relaxing in the sun, after our ascent.

The next day, we wanted only a morning's climb. The Strahlengrätli was the perfect choice. It is the small ridge poking out of the snowfields just above Michele.

The morning's approach.

Almost there.

The fist pitch, a super clean, friction affair.

Though short, this route had some spectacular settings.

And immaculate rock.

Super fun climbing.

Almost to the top.

For our last day, we also wanted a shortish option. Back to Steingletscher, this time for Plattenweg.

After a tricky start off the ground Michele cruises up easier rock

Thanks again Michele and Craig.