Monday, June 30, 2008

South Ridge Aiguille de Gliere

Possibly the best alpine rock route I have ever done: beautiful solid
gneiss. 14 pitches long. Fantastic views. Exposed. Three eagles
soaring overhead and chamois dancing on 5.8 rock. Memorable pitches
like the razor, double cracks, initial layback, 60 meter corner, and
5.10+ technical dance to a TINY summit. (Truth in advertising ... I
took a point of aid carrying the pack and so call it 5.9 AO for me.)