Mark on the Crux of the Cosmiques
Steve and Kenton at the bottom of the Midi Arete
How big is Mark's grin???
Monday, August 10, 2009
kingsmill goes to the mountains
Last week was spent running round the alps with two bakers. Well Mark and Steve are a little more than just bakers, Mark is the CEO of Kingsmill Bakers (they make 7.5 million loaves a week) while Steve is the Director of one of the UK biggest flour suppliers.
We all had a fantastic week, our two bakers were totally mad for it from the outset. Mark had been to the Alps before and knew what it was all about while poor Steve was in at the deep end.
Day 1 was spent on the Cosmiques Arete, the boys letting their bodies get used to the altitude as well as remembering how to walk in crampons. All went well apart from Steve getting his rucksack stuck on the final section and having to pull it up behind him.
Day 2 and 3 saw us all decamp to Italy and to the fine Torino Hut. The first day there we climbed the Aig Du Enteves in marvelous weather, although we all got sunburnt....naughty us. The next day Mark was in charge and he did a great job leading us up and down the Aig Du Marbree before we dropped back to the valley and some fine Italian Coffee.
Our final day together was the lads' first day ice climbing, the mission was to climb the Chere Couloir. It was a tall order but both boys did an unbelievable job. Steve blew me away with his determination and far outstripped all of our expectations. Meanwhile there was no stopping Mark. The route wasn't in great condition but this wasn't going to stop him. I don't think I've ever seen a client beam so much at the top of a route.
I think I speak for all of us but especially myself, it was great week, where the company was fantastic, the weather stunning and the fun levels simply through the roof.
Mark and Steve, a huge thank you from me for making the week so great.
Kenton and the DG team
