Apparently, others got the memo too. Seems like every climber in Chamonix was there this morning. After an attempt on the Gervasutti pillar start, we encountered tons of nasty rock that seemed to be melted glacier/permafrost détritus.
So in order to avoid getting pummeled by 4 teams of Frenchmen, we decided to try one of the other tasty lines nearby. Voila, une follie pour Umberto Maria. Several pitches of very steep ice and mixed ensued. Good climbing, but the last pitch made us chier nos frocs, so we turned around.
On the right we have the super-fat supercouloir. The line we climbed is the thin upwards-right slanting gash just right of the La Faille, the second most plastered gully on the left.
This was a nice wake up treat. It made sounds when we stepped on it.
Seconding the first of the difficulties.
Me nearing the ice crux.
Tom on the same pitch.
Our top out.
Insane last rap.
