Matt Croy joined Mark for 5 days of climbing early July. Our original plan was to complete the "Spaghetti Tour" on the Swiss-Italian border. But a somewhat dubious weather forecast suggested we might have more fun in the Chamonix area.

We did begin, however, in the Zermatt area climbing the Half Traverse of the Breithorn. A quick drive to Chamonix followed, then rock climbing in the Aiguilles Rouges (sorry, no photos), then a leading clinic at Les Gaillands (partly in the rain), and finally. on our last 2 days, the Arête des Cosmiques and the Pyramide du Tacul.

Matt, enjoying the well-deserved perfect weather we had on the Arête des Cosmiques.

Here we are on our first day in Switzerland, starting the Breithorn's Half Traverse.

Having fun on the Traverse.

The route was quite snowy, but there were some crampon scratching to be done.

Amazing situations on this climb.

Just finishing the difficulties.

On the summit of the Breithorn.

I have no photos from our rock climbing days, but here, our forth day, we had fine weather on the Aiguille du Midi.

The Arête de Cosmiques on the Aiguille du Midi. Mouse over to see the route.

An "amusing" variation of the Cosmiques.

Enjoying the perfect conditions.

Our last climb was on the Pyramide du Tacul, a satellite peak of Mont Blanc du Tacul. This rock route climbs close to the right-hand skyline in some nine pitches.

This photo was taken on the hike across the glacier after the climb, but shows the approach and the location of the summit. Mouse over to see.

Superb granite on the Pyramide.

Matt on the well-named summit.

Descent via rappel.