Move up higher.

So having been based in Guillestre it was time to move to La Grave to get a bit of altitude in us In preparation for India.

Whilst in the Alps best way to get up high is to take the lift! So early start to get the first lift, (almost got it , but someone who will remain unnamed forgot there socks and had to run back to the campsite to get them) . Our goal for the day was to be the 'Pic De la Grave' Lara setting off up the glacier. We went as two parties, me and wife roped together, and Scott Emma and Matt roped together. The first part of the walk was fairly flat on the glacier, a certain huffing and puffing coming from behind us as certain people had not been at altitude and poor Matt was a little worn from his run to the campsite (whoops did that slip! :) sorry Matt).

Lara crossing over the bergshrund on the Glacier De La Girose, a definite don't look down and run moment.Scott contemplating his turn to cross it as well. didn't know he could move so fast.Matt and Emma safely over the big hole and on way up the snow slope. From here it was fairly straight forward for a whileLooking back down to M,E & S on there way up. We had a little bit of difficulty getting up a icy pitch as a french guy on the way down had lost his crampon and was making all sorts of issues and blocking the way, so having to climb around him was "interesting"Once we got to the Col it was just a little rock step to get to the top. Above is Lara moving up to be the hero she is by reaching the top.Lara standing on the Summit of the Pic De La Grave at 3672m high. We were greeted with some incredible views of the Ecrin, over to Italy, Mont Blanc Massive and all of the Vallouise regionThe obligatory cheesy photo of us!Scott and Lara Walking off from the small rock step from the top.Matt and Emma did a brilliant job getting up, especially as it was Emma's first alpine route. She was rightly happy with herself, and soon got over her initial fear and 'female emotional outlet' of earlier on.

We decided that the icy pitch at the top was too steep to down climb, so abseiled down it, and then had a walk back down

Then the last difficulty was to just get back over the bergschrund and back onto the glacier where it was a simple walk back down to the telepherique and back down for a beer.A great day with the only issues being we all ended up with burnt noses even with lots of factor 30 being applied. I think i might invest in some of the Ozzy cricketers zinc nose paint!

We are now back in Gap to sort some bits and pieces out before we go to India. Only ten days to go now until we are off, getting very excited and worried for my poor bowels!!!!!