2. 2009

Mt Blanc in July.

In summer I enrolled in a five day mountaineering course, aimed at climbing Mt Blanc - Europe's highest mountain at 4,807m - via the 3 Monts route. Whilst significantly more vertical than the standard Gouter track, this route is considered more aesthetic. I discovered that in the mountains, this can also mean 'terrifying.' Don't miss the published story of this adventure!
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    Coming over the shoulder of Mt Blanc du Tacul.
    Final stretch leading onto the summit
    Mt Blanc summit, 4,807 m - the highest in Europe. Due to insufficient acclimatisation and fitness, the altitude hit me 200m below the summit. I suddenly felt very light-headed, almost asleep, and exhausted from the endless vertical stepping with very few breaks. My guide - to whom I was roped - refused to stop(!) so I twice had to sit and briefly refuse to move. The wind was gusting 60-70 km/h and the T was probably around -10C - fantastic conditions for Mt Blanc. Finally, I emerged from a haze of misery onto the summit.