Rest Day!

Its Sunday and we took a late morning for some well deserved rest. Yesterday was amazing, but really destroyed us. We did a route up the triangle du tacul called the Contamine Grisolle. It was a mixed climb that ascended the triangle and finished on the summit of Mont Blanc du tacul (a sub summit of Mont Blanc). It was at 4200 meters and the tallest we have climbed yet. Fortunately, we are very well acclimated at this time and the altitude was not a problem at all. The route was our first in true Alpine conditions, meaning the snow melted during the previous day, then froze overnight due to the clear skies and cold air up high. This makes travel in the morning much easier as the snow is hard and you can walk right on top of it. The sun was blazing the entire climb and it was a challenge to keep sunscreen on our faces with all the sweating. I have never felt sun so intense as i did yesterday. You will see in the posted pictures that my face is basically white with sunscreen!

Not sure what is on tap for later today and tomorrow. Possibly a hike to a hut for an overnight stay in the mountains. We hope the weather stays nice for a few more days!

Triangle du Tacul. Our route follows the left of the initial rock, angling back right up the snow where it meets the rock, then straight up through the rock until it meets the ridge on the left. Above this, we continued up more snow fields to the summit of Mont Blanc du tacul, which is not visible here. 

Middle of the mixed section about halfway up the triangle. 

Nearing the summit of Mont Blanc Du Tacul. Notice the massive cornice (hanging snow) to the left. Walk AROUND those!

Two very tired Corry Men. Now we just have to get down......