Page 42 - Wish Stream Year of 2017

team chose to introduce crisps into this delicious equation. From the view at the top of our 1070m climb we marvelled at the view of the Mer de Glace, with OCdt Smith and Thorne pointing out climbing routes that we should pursue upon a return trip. This started the forever present prop- aganda campaign by the two Cadets, to per- suade the rest of us to return and risk our lives climbing on the mountain range.
Arriving in Chamonix, having left our ‘Base Camp’ at the usually early time of 0600hrs after a won- derfully cooked breakfast of egg and some inter- esting pain au chocolats, our group headed up to the Plan D’Aiguille via the Aiguille du Midi cable car service. The day was to focus on footwork and moving over grade 1 scrambling terrain whilst taking in some of the Alpine flora and fauna.
It’s important to note that there was little energy expenditure getting up to the 2100 metres ASL, so as a group we enjoyed the chance to focus heavily on technique rather than physical fitness. It was a change of pace to spend time looking at the flowers that were on show atop the alpine peaks.
The weather was rather humid but surprisingly dry given the showers the night before. We enjoyed our usual ‘continental’ lunch of a large ham and cheese baguette and a variety of pas- tries to share amongst the groups.
We drove for about twenty-five minutes to the car park in Argentiere at the base of the climb to Lac Blanc. We started the climb at 0800hrs and climbed for four hours up relatively steep rocky terrain, reaching Lac Blanc for lunch just after 1200hrs. The total climb was 1100m.
The sun was shining and it was very hot, so fre- quent water breaks were a must on the climb. The views were astonishing, with clear view over the mountains above Argentiere and onto Mont Blanc.
At the top we had an extended lunch break and enjoyed the views over the lake and mountain range. On the climb back down we went a differ- ent route, which was a little bit steeper in places with more extended flat stretches. It took us 3 hours to get down, returning back to the car park at 1600hrs.
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