 |
James makes it to the top for his Auntie - August 2009 Heading out to Chamonix not really knowing what to expect. Having spent the previous 6 weeks training hard and getting my fitness levels up I was confident yet a little apprehensive to say the least! Climbing Mont Blanc has definitely been one of the most emotional, physically demanding and rewarding challenges I have ever done. We spent the first 3 days training, learning the needed techniques and rope skills whilst living in the mountain at high altitudes to help with the acclimatisation process. After the 3 days of training it was time to go for the summit. The weather report came in and we got the all clear. Day 1 was an 8 hr walk and rock scramble to reach the pre summit camp. This is a very basic hut 3,800 meters up the mountain. Day 2 began at 3 am in the morning where we would start the 6 hr ice Climb to the summit. Freezing cold and pitch black we got kitted up and began the slow trudge through the ice. After 6 hrs of climbing at a gruelling pace where every step really becomes the hardest and most emotional task. Putting one foot in front of the other should not be this difficult!! At this height the altitude was starting to play a major factor and only 5 of the original 11 were left. The last 100 yds seemed to go on forever but the views and rewards are memories I will never forget. In total I managed to raise £600 for My Auntie's Charity and believe she was with me every step of the way. xx  |
