We have a new guidebook – the new Michel Piola The Aiguilles Rouge (English version) – so we looked for something reasonably short for our first day in Chamonix.

I liked the look of Cocher-cochon on Clocher de Planpraz. I haven’t done any routes up that way before, and it’s only a 45 minute walk from the Planpraz lift station.

It was pretty cold, despite our usual late start. The clouds hadn’t completely cleared and there was a cold wind. However, the route was brilliant and as we got higher the sky got bluer. Lovely climbing. I was very pleased with my two leads… I must be getting better at this game, but no so good that I didn’t come away without any bruises. Somehow (!?) I managed to get a massive bruise on my leg following up the hardest pitch.

Anyway, needless to say, we finished off with cake…. but we forgot to take a picture while it was still on the plate.

Once upon a time there were cakes here!