Emergency Contact Details

Most of us have mobiles with us. We are travelling with KE Adventures and are staying at the Yeti Lodge.

Itinerary

• 01 Sep 07 Rendezvous at the group's chalet in Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley. The guide will chat about the days ahead and check out your equipment before dinner.
• 02 Sep 07 We take the train from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace, where we practice using our ice-axe and crampons. Return to Chamonix on the railway, and back to the chalet.
• 03 Sep 07 Taking the cable car from Le Tour to the Col de Balme, we walk to the Albert Premier Hut (2707m) and have a further opportunity to practice snow and ice skills.
• 04 Sep 07 After an early start, we climb the Aguille du Tour (3542m) for views which extend all the way to the Matterhorn. We descend back to the valley and to our Chalet in Argentiere.
• 05 Sep 07 We take the Aiguille Midi cable car to the Aiguille Midi (3800m). Cross the Vallee Blanche to Hellbronner, return by cable car to Chamonix.
• 06 Sep 07 Climbing Mont Blanc, we can tackle either the 'Normal Route,' via the Dome du Gouter, or the longer 'Traverse Route' via Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Maudit. Overnight in a hut on either route.
• 07 Sep 07 An early start for the ascent to Mont Blanc's summit (4807m). Mostly open snow-slope climbing on either route. Return via the 'Normal Route' to the valley. Chalet.
• 08 Sep 07 Services (?!) end after breakfast.

Too late to do anything about it now

We are off tomorrow morning, meeting up in Chamonix mid afternoon to discover if we have anything like the right kit and to see who is the least fit.

Training is over. The half marathon never happened, nor did the training weekend. Fortunately we can always claim that it was the altitude.

Posting via e-mail

Very impressed by all these new posts appearing!

Quick tip to use when posting via e-mail: Type #end after the text you want to send. This will prevent the blog from beong chocked with confidentiality messages and other interesting e-mail signature items.

High Altitude Fitness - Alternative Regime

The sole piece of advice I have received to date is to encourage some of the aerobic versatility through excessive smoking at sea level. To that extent how about marking England’s further decent into the nanny state with a day in the pub, ashtrays at hand, on Saturday 30^th June thus providing the perfect forum for discussion of alternative altitude busting techniques?

George Crawford

Weekend Trip

I'm a virgin as I have never written on a blog before and it has taken me most of the day to get to this point! Is there a weekend in July/August that suits everyone for a team building/walking weekend. We can either do this in the lakes or Wales or if we were really brave meet up in Scotland. Let me have some dates and I will get something organised.

Calculate how far you have Run

Just found a great gadget based on Google Maps that allows you to plot a run and save the route. James, here is the East Curthwaite block.

Motivation

After the depression of the training schedule, this cheered me up

Training Schedule

Don't know about you but the training is not going so well. Well OK, just not going. So I thought a bit of research was required to find out what my odds are.

Some bad news:

• The big push is a 12 hour day (starts at 2.00am!)
• We have about a 50% chance of making it
• All the below points to having to be fitter than I ever have been

From Mountain Madness:

TRAINING PROGRAM: This trip is physically demanding and we cannot over emphasize the importance of physical conditioning. We suggest you begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and stair climbing are both excellent ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (4-6 hours) several times with a weighted pack (40-60 lbs.) up and down hills or on small mountains (weight your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimize knee stress). Supplement this activity with running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, basketball, etc. for additional aerobic conditioning. If possible try to take at least two longer hikes of 6-10 hours with at least 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Several days before your departure you should rest and drink plenty of water.

The good news is that they use the same text for preparing for their Matterhorn trip so they are possibly bluffing. (the Matterhorn is one of my life time objectives by the way.)

Sadly though Alpine Guides state the need to be at “fitness level 3” which they define as:

You do cardiovascular sport 3-4 sessions a week. ie you get out every weekend, plus 2-3 times midweek. At this level you are happy doing a 6-8 hr hillwalk, 50ml cycle or 5hr mountain bike ride without being totally cream crackered. If you are into challenges - then the thought of training to do a 1/2 (or maybe even a full) marathon, wouldn't seem too ridiculous. (Should be able to do the full Langdale Horseshoe: Langdale - Pike of Stickle - Angle Tarn - Bow Fell - Crinkle Crags - Pike of Blisco - Langdale in a day without finishing up exhausted.)

Not sure "You" is "Me" unfortunately. Looks like we may have a training walk plan though James? Anybody fancy a half marathon in August? For reference here is a 10 week training program for a half marathon which would be about right if we start now!

The International School of Mountaineering add:

“As a training guideline you need to be comfortable (!) carrying a 10kg rucksack for a full day out in the hills, taking in as much ascent as possible.”

But hey, what would they know. Responsible Travel have these words of wisdom to add to my gloom:

Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months before your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.

Hopefully "responsible" doesn't apply to us.

The site which provided the 50% statisitic ("statistics show an average rate of success of 55 % for roped parties on the Three Mont-Blanc route, and 50 % for roped parties on the Goûter route" offer 5 common reasons for failure, one of which is:

Insufficient training: you must train seriously during the three months before the training course : run 30 minutes three times a week, bike six hours a week, or walk 8 hours each week-end, on routes with a few steep hills.

Don't know about you but the last time I spent six hours on a bike in a week was when I had a Grifter.

So on balance, yes there is a little work to be done. At least I am now sufficiently scared which was, afterall, the objective of doing some research.

Expedition Confirmed & Flight Details

All,

Thanks for getting back to me with booking details and deposits. I’ve submitted a group booking form to KE and have spoken with them to confirmed our booking from 1st – 8th September (http://www.keadventure.com/trip/details/dates.php?r=88). Also the team is now 6 with George Crawford, a good friend of Tim’s, confirming his place as of last week.

So time to book the flights…
I will arrange a bus/taxi’s to take us from Geneva to Argentier leaving around 3:00pm on Saturday 1st Sept. Allowing a max of 2hrs transfer this should get us to the lodge with time to get ourselves organized for the next days walking. On the 8th the KE package finishes after breakfast and will therefore arrange transport to pick us up around 12 noon getting us to the airport around 1.30 / 2pm

At the moment return flights from London range from £65 (easyjet) to £100 (BA), this includes tax etc… Can I suggest you opt for the BA flight (see details below). This allows those coming from Edinburgh to connect and will ensure we all arrive in Geneva at the same time. Once you have tickets sorted can you send me an email to let me know including flight details if they differ from below.

Apart from the final payment to KE (£1199) in mid June that’s it until September. I have attached a Kit list and if you have any questions on the trip or kit required just give me a call. We’ll look to sort out drinks and maybe some walking before the big trip so look forward to seeing you all then if not before.

James


----------------------


BA Flight Details
Outbound
1st September 2007

Depart
Plan to arrive around 2pm and clear the airport by 3pm
London Heathrow - 1140 (BA)
Geneva - 1420 (BA)

Return
8th September 2007
Arrive at airport and check in around 2pm
Geneva - 1515 (BA)
London Heathrow - 1605 (BA)

Details required from the Committed

So, we are beginning to sort out the men from the boys and are now 5 in total

Mont Blanc Sept 07 Expedition Team

• Michael Cowen
• Tim Barlow
• James Mawson
• Max Oatley
• James Cowen

I now want to move quickly to get the admin out the way. With this in mind I have soft booked the 1st – 8th Sept with KE Travel and now need to complete a group booking form. Can you get back to me with the following information (you will need your passport to complete this).

Information Required:

• Name: (as it appears on passport)
• Occupation:
• Passport Details
• Number:
• Issue Date:
• Expiry Date (check you have at least 6 month from September):
• Place of Issue:
• Contact address:
• Contact Number
• Email Address
• ALL correspondence by post or email?:
• Any medical Needs/ allergies/history of serious operations:
• Emergency Contact Whilst On Holiday:Relationship:Contact details (Mobile/ Home):
• Dietary Requirements: (I’m assuming none)
• Outdoor Experience (brief summary of experience over the last 3 years, walking, skiing etc)

James

Next Steps

Tim well done getting the expedition Blog set up, I feel we have now passed a significant milestone...

So where are we:
Following my initial mail out to likely candidates, I feel we are now starting to hone in on the movers & shakers:

In for the moment
Mr Tim Barlow
Mr James Mawson
Mr Tom Chapman
Mr Pete Stumcke

On the fence
Mr Ben Potter is still in consultation with his wife, Lisa, as to the risks involved

Out
Our good friend Mr Nick Schutz has declined (for the moment)

Next Steps
I am going to speak to 2 companies offering packages for the treck and get an idea on schedule, dates and prices. Armed with this information we should then be able to start making some firm commitments

In terms of Schedule I know Tom and James M are keen to opt for an extended trip rather than a 3 day rush job. With this in mind I think a few days dedicated to Alpine training / acclimatisation before the big push is the way forward. James M I know you are keen to look into the options of driving to Chamonix so will factor that option in as well. Anything other requirements let me know.

Will get back to you in the next few weeks with packages and prices and will then look for some more solid commitment from the team. In my mind we want to have this pretty much sorted by close of the year.

That’s it
James

Feedback from one Mont Blanc guide company

Thank you for your e-mail. Please find below our information for an ascent of Mont-Blanc.

Please note that the Mont-Blanc is a serious high mountain route and very physically demanding.We recommended that you do a 5 day Mont-Blanc course (information below).

Price: 875 € /person. 2 persons per guide.

Price includes: guides services with an internationally qualified (IFMGA) mountain guide, half-board in the mountain hut during the Mont-Blanc ascent, transport in cable-cars and on mountain railways, group equipment.

Price does not include: lodgings in Chamonix, day food, drinks.

Personal equipment : rucksack, head torch with new batteries, jacket (gore- tex type outer garments), micro fibre, polar-fleece, hat, warm gloves, gaiters, water bottle, sunglasses, sun cream, picnic, hill food.

Technical equipment (ice axe, crampons adapted to mountaineering boots) can be rented in any sport shop in Chamonix.Your guide can provide your harness.

Bookings : from mid-June until the end of September. If you can, do not reserve during august: it is very very busy....we need to reserve the guide and the mountain hut well in advance.

MONT-BLANC COURSE.

Reaching the summit of Mont-Blanc, the highest point in Europe, is a wonderful experience, and one which is accessible to fit, experienced walkers.

In order to give you the best chance of getting there, we offer 5-days course with a 2:1 client/guide ratio. This personalized approach increases safety and allows the guide to tailor his work to meet your needs.

Despite the large number of people who get to the summit, and the reputation Mont-Blanc has for being an “easy tick”, it is actually a serious high mountain route and very physically demanding. Anybody attempting it should be in excellent physical condition.

If the prevailing weather conditions are unsuitable for climbing Mont-Blanc itself, your guide will be able to suggest suitable alternatives (ex. ascents of 4000m peaks in Switzerland or Italy).

The program:Learning how to walk and climb properly on a glacier with crampons and ice-axe.Acclimatizing at altitude on snow or mixed routes; e.g. Vallée Blanche traverse + ascent of the Aiguille de Toule, Petite Aiguille Verte, Mont-Blanc du Tacul (if Mont-Blanc is to be attempt by the Gouter hut), Crochues traverse etc...Ascent of Mont-Blanc.

This program is obviously very weather dependant and subject to change. Your guide may have to modify the schedule so that the summit day coincides with the most favourable conditions.

CLIMBING MONT-BLANC

The ascent during 2 days of the highest peak in Europe (4807 m), a fantastic viewpoint over the Alps.

Technical level :A relatively simple snow route at the high altitude which requires good physical condition.

In order to increase your chance of success, we recommended that you also do a snow route or a few hours of ice-climbing training beforehand. The ascent is not recommended for people under the age of 18.The guide can take a maximum of two people on his rope. This rule is a judge of quality and security and therefore an extra chance of success for this ascent.

Personal insurance :We advice you to take a personal insurance (for instance a C.A.F. insurance card).

Normal route

1st day:Bellevue (1850 m) by the les Houches cable car, Nid d’Aigle (2372 m) by the Mont-Blanc tramway, Tête Rousse hut (3167 m) : 2h to 2h30 then to the Goûter hut (3819 m) : 2h to 3h.

2nd day:From the Goûter hut to the dôme du Goûter : 2h30 then to the Vallot hut (4362 m) : 1h, followed by the Bosses ridge to the summit : 1h30 to 2h.

Descent : By the Aiguille du Goûter or by the Grands Mulets hut (3050 m) on the Plan de l’Aiguille.Eventually the descent can be made by the traverse of Mont-Blanc, Mont-Maudit, Mont-Blanc du Tacul and return by the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Traverse of Mont-Blanc

The Cosmiques hut allows the ascent of Mont-Blanc, climbing successively Mont-Blanc du Tacul, the Mont-Maudit and the Mont-Blanc per a logical and beautiful route.

1st day: From the summit of the Aiguille du Midi cable-car, a short walk (less than 1 hour) allows us to reach the Cosmiques hut (3613 m).

2nd day:Ascent of Mont-Blanc du Tacul (4200 m), then the shoulder of Mont-Maudit (4280 m), the col de la Brenva and the summit of Mont-Blanc (4807 m) after 6 to 8 hours of ascent.

Descent by 2 routes:Grands Mulets hut or Goûter hut depending on snow and glacier conditions, approximately 4 to 5 hours of descent.

James

Feeds

Thought I try and give myself a quick teach in on some of the tech. I am trying to subscribe myself to the site feed. This allows anyone who cares to be automatically updated to subscribe to the blog and be auto-notified of any new posts. I have just included a link to two different feed codes - Atom and RSS in the right hand menu of the site. Frankly I know next to nothing about them but what I do know is that this helps someone subscribe.

I am trying to subscribe in two ways (either of which should do the trick):

1. Using the automatic facility in my Firefox browser. Click on little orange icon in bottom right hand corner.
2. Through Newsgator - which I am going to attempt to get linked up to my Outlook. I believe this will allow me to read posts as I do e-mails form within Outlook

Fingers crossed

Tim

What the Hell do we Want a Blog For?

In short: James and I decided we wanted to work out what all the fuss about blogging is about.

We have this sneaking suspicion that blogging has all sorts of applications for the business world (where we spend most of our time). OK, we know they do but don't have any first hand experience of it - yet.

This blog will hopefully get us up to speed with the basics as well as find out just how useful a blog is for project management or otherwise.

Who knows, it might even provide some amusement to family and friends as we attempt to send pictures from our mobiles whilst suffering half way up the mountain.

Tim

The Challenge

Whilst getting off to a rather slow start I am proud to announce that the Mont Blanc Expedition in now off the ground – at least I’ve started to do some digging in terms of prices and general approach/logistics to climbing Europe’s highest summit!

Initial thoughts

1. We need a guide!
2. Whilst not hugely technical, basic experience using ice axes, crampons and basic rope work is required. With this in mind I think it would be sensible to take an extended trip which provides some training before the big climb (would assist with acclimatization)
3. Each of us would need to be pretty fit and have the right gear
4. Season is from mid June – End of September - Think we may struggle to be ready this year, damn the ski season!!

What next

Whilst we may have missed the boat this year I still really want to do this, having been to Chamonix and seen the thing as well as listened to others who have done it, it sounds like an incredible mountain to climb. It may well be that we kick this thing off again in a couple of months, however I would like to start to get an idea of who’s interested and you views the approach to take.

Let me know

James