The AMC held a trip from 27th August to 10th Sept to Chamonix in the French Alps. At least that was the plan!

Poor conditions reports and a flotilla of solo van drivers meant a measly four of us met at the perfectly positioned, but a bit rough Camping les Arolles in Cham. Next time i’m taking a stick on shower head holder.

Day one Peter, Lisa and I headed up the Cosmiques Arete on the Aigulle Du Midi.

Luckily for us the next day a large chunk of the route decided to fall down with no warning, we didn’t find out until a few days later- (swearing in clip)

Blissfully unaware we collected Robin and walked in to the Couvercle hut to climb the Aiguille Du Moine. A fantastic classic alpine route that in true fashion isn’t done until its done-

We then headed off for a few days cragging. Lisa and I went up Ex Libris on the Brevent, Peter and Robin Les Lepidopteres on the Peigne.

The next day Peter and Robin ticked off the traverse of the Perrons, which sounds like the route of the trip.

Lisa and I went for a route on Plan praz.

A few pitches up Lisa took a bad lead fall swinging on to a slab and very quickly and accurately self diagnosed that she had broken her ankle.

Phone-had signal

Dial 112

“Chamonix Du Mont Blanc”

“Chamonix valley Gendarmerie du haute Montaigne”

Location- route name- how many pitches up- our description

Silent prayer for BMC insurance.

No shock, steady flow of sarcastic humour alternating with swearing.

And finally- Ketamine : )

Robin headed home as planned on a late flight with a 100% successful trip under his belt!

Peter heroically packed down mine and Lisa’s kit and met me at a campsite close to the hospital.

Then ticked off the Aiguille Du Belvedere the next day to pass the time. A full early withdrawal back to the UK ensued.

(Should have gone to the effing Dolomites …)