The Alpine Finale

Making the most of our last climbing day in the alps! Another early start to beat the heat up at the Col de la Colombiere. 

Did another quality 6 pitch climb, with long (40-50m) pitches.

The climbing was superb and all with good belays to allow an easy way back down once we'd got as far as we wanted to go. The fifth pitch was incredible - really sustained and exposed, but always a good hand hold just in the nick of time! When I reached the chains, I had an overwhelming feeling of needing to rest. Alpine fatigue was setting in and it was time to go down... 

By the time we were abseiling it was around 11am and pretty much too hot to climb anyway.

We did 5 big abseils back to the bags and a quick 10 minute hike back to the car. On the way back down the hill to Marnaz, we stopped off at Le Repisoir for a drink in the little café as a final treat and because the view is so good from the terrace. The comfy seats were lovely too!

After showers, lunch and an afternoon nap, we set about packing up the chalet and generally cleaning up. We've been here about a month and have certainly 'settled in'! Later in the afternoon, we went up to Mont Saxonex, our nearest village, for a final look at the local views.

Then home in time for dinner and the last of the packing. Tomorrow we drive north. What a summer it's been...

Col de la Colombiere Climb:

- Les Gaguistes, 5c*** (4b, 5c, 4c, 5a, 5b) - (Last 5b pitch is fantastic!)