Before heading back to the UK I was lucky to be able to spend some time with this guy. This climb in the Dolomites was on Garry’s 40th birthday. Rock climbing doesn’t get much better.

It also has belting rock routes like this classic 600m outing on Tete d’Aval, Rank Xerox with pitches up to 7a.

Not the worst place in the world! Pete on the NE Ridge od Barre Des Ecrins. Mountaineering in this area of the French Alps is superb and way quieter than the fleshpots of places like Chamonix. It is also blessed with slightly more settled weather.

Dave Sharpe leading on thr infamous Hinterstoisser Traverse on the 1938 Route, Eiger North Face. Although tamed by modern equipment, it was hard not to remember the terrible fate of Toni Kurz and his team on their ill fated attempt back in 1936.

Jules on top of the Bruggenhorn. Brilliant few days touring around Zinal on the Imperial Crown. No lost toe nails this time 😉

Getting involved with the crux pitch of Soul Vacation VIII 8, on North Buttress in the Lakes. Lakes mixed is amazing when you get the right conditions. I’d had laser eye surgery 6 days earlier and was itching to get out!