STUNNING FINAL DAY IN THE ALPS

After a very wet and thundery evening yesterday we had a gorgeous, stunning day today. It was the groups last day on the TMB and because they don't particularly like walking in rain and because we had yesterday as a rest day in Chamonix we had the luxury of choosing an alternative walk. The beauty of picking a private guided tour. So we traversed from Plan Praz to the Grand Montets, taking in Lac Blanc. The morning low cloud burned off and we had fantastic views all afternoon. The air was crisp and vis crystal clear in the cooler conditions. The mountains looking superb in a dusting of fresh snow that fell last night. So the family's final day and sadly my final day's work this season un The Alps. It's been a cracking summer. Home tomorrow.

WINDING DOWN

End of day 5 on the final TMB this season and the final 2 days get easier. We've been enjoying fabulous weather and even with yesterday's forecast of thunderstorms we still managed a lovely weather day. The family have been making good times everyday, finishing mid afternoon, they don't like to stop for lunch longer thsn 15 mins! I've never had a group who haven't stopped off at any refreshment establishments on the tour-until now! Maybe with rain forecasted tomorrow they may enjoy some shelter. Photos from Monte del Saxe yesterday, the finest day on the TMB. Eidelweiss still in flower.

THE SUN SHINES MERRILY IN THE ALPS

Three days of hot sun and clear skies over the Mont Blanc area. Very busy on the TMB, La Nova refuge packed out, September is usually quieter. Many groups of bikers seemed to enjoy carrying their bikes all the way up & over both Col de Bonhomme & Col de Croix de Bonhomme yesterday. Great views as always over the Col de la Seigne today. With the cold and snowy Spring the flora has been around 3 weeks behind so we are still enjoying lots of flowers along the way. Good at the moment is Purple Gentian, Varous Mouse ear's, Fragrant Orchid & Alpine Aster.
Sun all the way through till the weekend, the odd afternoon thunderstorm no doubt.

FINAL TMB THIS SEASON

Day one of my final TMB this season. My small group this week is a family of four from Seattle, USA. A lovely temperature with clear skies today. Looking set to be excellent weather all week. Great views of the Domes de Miage, it's well worth the extra 10 minutes uphill walk to the wee Truc summit for even better views down the valley to Miage.

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MOUNT ELBRUS SUCCESS

Well done to Scott B, Scott S, Mitch & Jim who all climbed to the summit of Mount Elbrus on 28th August. We had fabulous weather conditions for our summit attempt. From our high camp at 3760m on the north side of the mountain we had a big 1800+m climb.  More photos when I return.

CHEGET & FIRST VIEWS OF ELBRUS

After a long journey of several planes, buses & taxi we finally made it to Cheget on the south side of Mount Elbrus in the Basken Valley. For our first day of acclimatisation we headed up to Cheget Mountain at 3071m. Fantastic views of Elbrus and the Caucasus mountains to the south which looked very impressive. The actual summit of Cheget lies at 3450m but at the moment there is restricted access and it is out of bounds. Off on the 5 hour drive round to the north side of Elbrus and setting up basecamp tomorrow.

MOUNT ELBRUS

Away for a couple of weeks guiding four guys on a wee jaunt up Mount Elbrus (5642m) which is the highest point in Europe and one of the ' 7 Summits'. Elbrus lies in the Caucasus Mountains, Russia. Scott B, Scott S, Jim & Mitch have all been out with me on a winter skills course in preparation for their big challenge. They are also raising funds for their charity. Like all big mountains across the world, the chances of success are hinged on acclimatising well and the weather. Elbrus is renowned for it's bad weather and high winds. Lets hope we get a good spell. Rather than taking the option of ascending from the southern side of the mountain which is the route the vast majority of people take, we will be attempting from the northern side. The southern side has more infrastructure, a form of accommodation in huts and even a skidoo service (if that's what you want?!). Where as we will be tenting it from the word go at 2400m  which is the 'basecamp' and much quieter. Blog posts will be a bit sporadic over next couple of weeks.

BACK HOME & BORING VISA APPLICATION FORMS!

Grandes Jorasses from Refugio Bonatti

The final slopes to Grand Col Ferret

Mont Blanc from Lac Cherysses

Grandes Jorasses from Monte del Saxe

The view from Aiguille du Midi

Monte Bianco from Col de la Seigne

Back home from a fantastic summer in The Alps. The weather up last week has been amazing. My stint  started cold and sunny with a lot of lying snow from the end of June up to mid July then we had sizzling heat of 30 degrees plus in Chamonix. 4 Tour of Mont Blanc's finished and some very nice folk from all over the world including the USA, Canada, Romania, Korea, Australia, Germany, France and the UK. A few days at home and filling out Russian Visa application forms (yawn, yawn and very time consuming!). Guiding on Mount Elbrus from 18th August. Hope to get a few days out in the hill before that, if the mountains of paperwork get flattened that is!