Aug. 15, Saturday: climb glacier to Cab. deBertol

Post date: Aug 16, 2009 3:34:24 PM

Big breakfast in Arolla, then ascend from 6500 ft. to Cab. de Bertol (hut at 11,000 feet).

• Arolla (6500') -> Plans de Bertol (8770')
• zigzag up glacier to 11,000 feet.
  • included 2 ladders and 3 chain rails. Spectacular crest.
  • just over 3 hours of climbing time. Nice steps in snow (previous groups).
  • Legs and body held up great. Literally no fatigue. Just kept a slow but steady pace.
  • Cabane de Bertol perched on knife ridge. Dorm on 2 floors. Only 6 in our room.
• Panaroma on Matteral Valley (top 5000' of Matterhorn in view).
• Used bivvy bag and stayed plenty warm.
• Gorgeous sunset and sunrise. Great pics (see Slideshow)
• Dinner: heated can of ravoli (Spaniard climber had a little stove and insisted we use it).
• Met two groups doing the ancient Haute route. They'll head over the next glaciated area very early tomorrow morning and will end up in Zermott (the termination).
• Am reading Treasure of Khan (by Clive Cussler). Fun read.