(From Brenda) …Cordon bleu cookery in a mountain hut… how was it possible …Sylvia and Shirley you worked miracles! Even the weather behaved. Glorious sunshine on Friday, followed by wild winds, torrential rain and sleet overnight. Martin mastered the coal burner giving a roasty toasty warm welcome for 15 of us who’d all arrived by the evening. On Saturday, Flo’s alternative to Great Gable summit suited the weather perfectly – a delightful walk to Keswick via Grange followed by tea/cake and a taxi home. More winds and heavy rainfall came in mid-afternoon catching a few out….soon forgotten when mulled wine and mince pies were served. With meal preps underway, fairy lights (and Rudolph) festively decorating the hut, the table was set for the communal banquet. Silly Santa songs pursued – who would have believed you’d get a group of hardy mountaineers singing along at the top of their voices!…childish games followed on – Happy Valley will never seem the same (Umm…!), and then an amusing raffle (thankfully only for 15)…giggle, giggle, hiccup … a jolly time was had by all 
On Sunday groups took differing routes over Glaramara on Sunday in very challenging icy conditions. Thanks to Dave for the pies and dessert, to Chris and Paul for the games, and to everyone for embracing the festive spirit (and my songsheet)! It was a wonderful weekend. Merry Christmas everyone.

Just to say thank you to those who went on the Alps trip to Vallorcine from 7th to 21st July, and who made it such a great and varied trip. Many thanks to Fiona, Hanne, Pete, Paul, John, Andy and Dave for your high levels of energy and motivation, and opening my eyes to the potential of the area.  Also many thanks to Alan and Jesse who gave us very valuable advice before and during the trip!

Although we were a small group, we notched up a lot of rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, via ferrata and walking….  as well as a lot of chilling at the wonderful Camping des Montets…..  I very much appreciate the advice shared by everybody, which not only resulted in us staying at a super campsite, but also helped us to make the best use of the time and have some great mountain experiences.

Suggestion for next year!? – Pete has suggested Innertkirchen in Switzerland, which apparently has similar variety as Vallocine. Bring it on!

Thanks again

Jon

If you haven’t sorted out your summer holiday then look no further….

We have 7 people definitely going (Pete Corrigan, Paul Fairburn, Shirley Emptage, Andy Barton, Hanne Barton,  Dave Hunter, Jon Lury) and another 4 potentials. I get the impression that most people would like to do “a bit of everything” including walking, biking, rock, classical alpinism, VF, eating a lot, lying in the sun, etc, if the opportunity arises.

Campsite website:  http://www.camping-montets.com/vallorcine

Guidebooks: For the walking the cicerone walking guide by Hilary Sharp has got lots of superb walks starting more-or-less from the campsite. For the rock and alpinism the recent rockfax guidebook is great and has fantastic photos, and there is climbing near the campsite. For easy alpinism there is a lovely book called “Mont Blanc – easy ascents and glacier hikes”.  IGN 1/25000 map 3630 Chamonix covers pretty much everything we need.