We decided on
a moderately technical day climb of Petite Aiguille Verde near
Mont Blanc. Upon checking the tram schedule, we found out that
it was down for maintenance. We decided that we were too wimpy
to hike in, so we changed plans again.
Thursday was a lazy day as we contemplated our next objective.
Because of the winter conditions, and marginal weather, we ruled
out a climb of The Matterhorn.
We decided on
a moderately technical day climb of Petite Aiguille Verde near
Mont Blanc. Upon checking the tram schedule, we found out that
it was down for maintenance. We decided that we were too wimpy
to hike in, so we changed plans again.
Our
new plan was to take the cog-rail train to the Mer de Glace glacier,
ascend the glacier to some seracs, and do some ice climbing. Thursday
afternoon I found a great pair of Charlet step-in crampons at
a climbing store that I had to have (especially after my old crampons
failed me a few days earlier). Friday morning we took off for
Mer de Glace and had a great time.
In the meantime, Philippe was developing a serious dental problem.
Evidently (according to a Dentist a few days later), the altitude
caused a problem with some previous dental work that eventually
developed into an infection.