1st Day - Mer De Glace

We had anticipated the first day as being challenging and it didn't disappoint, but it was lots more fun than we had imagined.

Our group of four woke early and then headed into Chamonix to take the Montenvers Railway up the mountain to the Mer De Glace to do some training. The temperature was already 25 degrees plus so it was going to be a hot day!

After descending the steep ladders we were rewarded with some amazing views up the Glacier. It was then time to put on our crampons, practice walking in them and get to grips with some basic techniques. Then it was on to the fun stuff where we practiced ice climbing and abseiling.

After about four hours we ascended the steep ladders, the via ferrata type cables and headed back down to the valley. Homemade cake awaited our return and we took the time to relax (jacuzzi) before we then started thinking about our next adventure...a 3 day expedition staying in the huts on the mountain....

Arrival in Chamonix

An early start, one flight and a 1 hour drive later and we have arrived at the foot of Mont Blanc. From where we are sitting, in a cafe cooking in the 32 degree heat, Mont Blanc looks extremely intimidating and very tiring work - not a great mindset to kick start the holiday!

However, the views from Chalet Mcnab (see the pics) along the Chamonix valley are amazing. When we have visited in the Winter you don't grasp the full scale of the mountains, but now, with little snow to hide their height it is awe inspiring with the glaciers flowing down into the valley.

Tomorrow the work starts.......but for now its dinner with our fellow climbers!

A trip to the Altitude centre

As part of our training we visited the Altitude Centre in Covent Garden where Richard Pullen gave us the benefit of his expert knowledge. He gave us some tips on dealing with Altitude some are basic but nontheless very effective eg sucking a sweet to prevent dehydrating faster and drinking a glass of water when you wake up each morning.

He checked our lung function, resting heart rate, got us to hold our breath for as long as possible (45secs) after breathing out and carried out a Hypoxic test to to see how quickly the oxygen in the blood (SpO2) de- saturated to 85% at an inspired simulated altitude of 5090m/16710ft.

He then provided us with a programme to help us prepare for what lies ahead. This session gave us the confidence that at least our body was capable of coping with altitude now all we need is the right equipment and the fitness....

Worrying News

We have just learnt that two Britons have been killed on Mont Blanc and this is tragic news serving as a reminder for how dangerous what we are doing can be. Its not put us off just made us more wary of the potential risks involved

Overcoming the blisters

For as long as I can remember I have suffered with blisters during the breaking in process of new footwear.

Why? My feet are just wrong - mishaped, flat, big and badly constructed, I blame them for my lack of athletic ability when I was young and now they want to stand between me and climbing Mont Blanc.

During my first outing to break in my new La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX boots they managed to break me in! That was 3 weeks ago and since then I have invested in some new smartwool socks, footbeds surgical spirit (good for hardening the skin so I am told) compeed, blister skin and the secret weapon (I hope) Anhydrol Forte a foot roll on that blocks the sweat glands in the feet (or hands or armpits) and will prevent sweating. I wouldn't recommend using it excessively but it may just help over the next few weeks

The Mont Blanc challenge

Over my head, in too deep, what have we let ourselves in for?... Will our fitness carry us through?...When it says it's not a technical climb, who exactly is saying that? These are my (our) thoughts two weeks prior to setting off on our 'holiday' to climb Mont Blanc.

Perhaps a bit of background is required; a little over a year ago whilst at a trade show in Germany (friedrichshafen) with some colleagues, an idea was hatched. The idea transpired from a conversation about Chris Moyles and crew climbing Killi. I, like many others, was impressed by their achievement and wanted to do something a bit different and challenging. Someone piped up that I should climb Mont Blanc, as it would offer a greater challenge than Killi. Now I have yet to confirm this 'fact', but in the months to come I intend to, as we are planning an assault on Killi in November. When I say 'we', it is myself and my girlfriend, of whom I will be sure to mention more.

So the story is as simple as that I have booked to climb one of Europe's highest mountains with McNab Alpine because someone told me it would be a good idea! Those of you who have climbed it or heights higher will now be thinking 'big deal', but if I add that we are both mountaineering novices or rather mountaineering virgins with a fear of heights, you may now think what a wally and to be fair I'd have to agree with you.

Our training has been sporadic at best, but in subsequent blogs I will update you of what we have done, the blisters that I have and no doubt will endure, the altitude centre, the kit required and hopefully if all goes to plan the ascent and descent of Mont Blanc, and the build up for Killi.....