Just Where Did the Summer Go??

Summer-Autumn 2010: ……a quick brief!

June saw plenty of Skye Munros, classic Cuillin climbs and sea cliff adventures. The Old Man of Stoer was summited by Mary n Dafydd before they swapped the Scottish Highlands for the French Alps and some exciting Via Ferrata, multi pitch rock climbing and a wee mountain or two.

On the Cuillin Ridge near Sgurr a Ghreadaidh

Inaccessible Pinnacle, Cuillin, Isle of Skye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The southern section of the GR54 Tour des Ecrins was traversed with a small group in late July. Fantastic Alpine scenery, traversing high cols and eating great food in mountain huts and gites was order of the day here. Flora and fauna in abundance as always in the Ecrins Alps!

High on the GR54 - Tour des Ecrins, French Alps

Refreshments at the Evariste Chancel refuge above La Grave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August saw a return to the UK, starting in Cornwall and finishing with a tour of Scotland. Starting on Skye for some Cuillin classics, then to Torridon for an ascent of the Northern Pinnacles of Liathach….. followed by Aviemore, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glencoe – just some of the places on route back to Chazlelet for Sept.

Rocher St. Pierre, Valloire - Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata on Le Rocher St. Pierre, exposed bridge crossing!

Monkey Bridge on Le Rocher St. Pierre via ferrata, Valloire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn sunshine in the Alps provided many hot rock days and wonderful walks in the tranquil mountains…..and a few paraglide flights.
Now the snow line is creeping down from the high summits and the frosts a regular morning visitor…..soon be winter activity time again!!
BUT………before the Alpine winter I am returning to the south of the globe. Another three months in Antarctica with plans for a ski to the South Pole (arriving around xmas), ascents of Mt. Vinson and further explorations in the Ellsworth Mountains. Great stuff!!!
See you in 2011.

Darren high on the via ferrata at Arsine, La Grave