A Triumphant Finale

From Jed Milroy,

The morning of the last day of Mont Blanc to Mont Cinto found the Active Earth crew in somewhat more unusual environs. The flaking paint and psychodelic murals of the Port Asco dormitory left some of the group thinking they were still dreaming.

Stunning scenery ! (Photo courtesy of Max)

After a quick breakfast of coffee and croissants we were heading up the trail. The weather looked good with blue skies and cloud capped summits. Spirits were high and plenty of animated discussion was punctuating the stunning ascent. Even as we approached the snow line broad shorts and trainers still seemed appropriate. After a breezy ascent yesterday David had decided to wear trousers today.

The thick fog would occasionally give way revealing the impressive rock faces of Mont Cinto. (Photo courtesy of Max)

This was where the climbing really started scrambling over loose rock and snow towards the daunting ridge line which was mostly shrouded in cloud. Some of the group started to feel the effects of the four hours of climbing and the need for concentration was paramount due to loose scree and boulders.

Scotland (represented by DFP) leading the pack on the non-technical sections. (Photo courtesy of Max)

After a slow climb we reached the ridge and traversed towards the summit. As we gathered the group on the anti-summit, a closeby clap of thunder quickly dampened the europhic atmosphere. Paddy was reminded of the grave warnings of the restauranteer in Asco who had forecast death and doom to anyone climbing Mont Cinto this weekend.

Wet and cold yet jubilant a the summit. (Photo courtesy of Max)

Yves, our resident mountain guide, made the call to turn back just 50m short of the summit. A difficult call but vital in the circumstances.

Meanwhile back in the refuge concern was mounting. Our faithful support crew (Corrie) had taken on the role of calming the local's panic that we were all doomed...

As Tony's concern for whether he would see his family again mounted, Ramseyes (Raja's brother) handed Yves a bible. As we began our descent, some of the hardier Active Earth media types stayed to snatch a brief interview to camera. Mark Beaumont, giddy with the altitude and a little numbed by the cold, found himself once again in an extreme interview situation.

A slippery slope! (Photo courtesy of Max)

The descent like Yves was beautiful yet slimy. Around 5ish the group arrived safely back to the refuge, which was by now full of concerned locals and hot chocolate.

Once again we were reminded that we must always respect Nature. The real achievement of the day was the team work in taking an international team of committed individuals with mixed skills and abilities from Germany, Lebanon, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, England and France on such a beautiful adventure journey Raising Awareness for Peace and Sustainability.