birthday climbing

In order to celebrate my birthday Jon Griffith and I decided to climb the Cordier Pillar on the Grand Charmoz, in the Chamonix Aigulles. In oredr to enjoy the day and not be rushed we decided to bivy the evening before under the route and get an early start. The bivy was amazing and we soaked up the evening sunshine before Jon cooked up a great Fondue. Amazing evening bivy The day started early but with a surprise, Jon pulled out a wee cake and a candle, only on your Birthday can you have cake for brekkie! I had climbed the route once before some 15years before and had forgotten just how good the climbing was on the route. Jon and I happily swung leads soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the climbing. The weather was great, even the morning temps weren't too bad and cold fingers were avoided.

Kenton enjoying one of the lower pitches

The day shot by at a pace and before long Jon made the sensible decision to turn around shy of the summit. This turned out to be a shrewd idea as we had a bit of a rope jamming nightmare (more than one if the truth be known) on the way down which would have meant that we would have missed the cable car down.

Pitch after pitch of amazing granite......what a birthday gift!!

Today was spent with Greg from San Fransisco who was visiting Europe for the first time with his wife Ingrid. We managed to slip in a wonderful ascent of the Chere Couloir on Mont Blanc Du Tacul. Greg was totally made up with the climb and even lead the last pitch to the top. It was a great effort from the man who hasn't climbed ice in over 2 years. So a busy few days in all, but I'd just like to say thanks to Jon not only for my cake but also the use of his photos, check out more at his site www.alpineexposures.com

Kenton (looking old) and the youthful Jon Griffith

Have a great weekend whatever your doing. Kenton and team Dream Guides.