Just had a good rest day and … still feel tired!? However Frank was keen to take me and Mark up to ‘his’ new route above a little place called Buet (a mile or so away). Over the meal last night Frank assured us both that the approach was ‘flat’ and the route was safe. Ho, ho, ho!!!
Arrived at Buet and I was slightly curious as to how ‘flat’ could equate to 700m of ascent (assuming the map wasn’t incorrect) – “Nay bother, its nay tooo baadd” – Ahhh!! For some reason – and I have no logical explanation why – we knew it would be a good day!
After a seeming eternity (I mean it!) of switch back after switch back; warm temps and lots of frenchies overtaking us with ease we got to see THE ice fall. We were all very enthusiastic about the route – it looked really fantastic – apart from the spontaneous avalanches that kept sweeping the slopes above the route. Errmm … me and Mark were definitely in the ‘wimpyalpinism’ camp and preferrred not to get too close … Frank agreed.
Team ski (compeed) before the ava ...
It was about the same point in time that 3 french skiers up to our left had a ‘underpant changing’ experience as the slope they were on avalanched in a big way. No-one hurt thankfully. Okay – time to go down!!!
Being a bit of a wimp I put my climbing helmet on (just in case a tree jumped out in front of me!) to descend via the switchbacks. Unbelievably it was great fun!
Anyhow to finish here is a ‘nice’ picture of Mark’s foot after a few days ski-ing. Admittedly he needs a good pedicure but he does have an impressive blister too!!
Ugghh ... and the blister isn't very nice either.
wimpyalpinism 
Yet another stunning and sunny day I see! How much longer can it last? Glad you didn’t go for that route. Trust your instincts! Rachel
All sounds very exciting apart from the blisters… Photos are great …look forward to seeing more.. Rx
That foot does look seriously painful