Okay, I got back from an awesome trip to Switzerland last week, taking in Chironico and Cresciano.  I probably would have sorted out unfinished business at Brione, but unfortunatley until I bumped into 'Strong' Keith, Char and Neil Kershaw (of the Peak), I was under the impression that it was closed up there (by the way, access is still delicate, so take care where to find out where you can and cannot go!).

The trip started badly with a horrendous cold which knocked me out for 6 days, before I finally came around and sorted out Dave Grahams problem 'Electric Ant' at 101, Chironico, which is 8b.  This was a pretty cool problem in an otherwise disapointing area (not much else here).

Everything kind of fell into place around this time, as the tempratures plummeted, leaving unreal conditions.  I made good use of these early one morning (around 07.45am) to grab my long awaited ascent of Fred Nicole's classic La Proue at Cresciano.  I had spent a couple of sessions over my last three trips to Swiss on this one, thwarted in the first year by strength, second year by conditions, but this year, no excuses!  And it only cost me £2100 in travelling!  Who said bouldering was free?  I was really pleased with this, and its one of those problems which you will remember throughout your career - one word describes this line - Beautiful.

Next up was Schule des Lebens in Chironico.  I had flashed an 8a+ here earlier in the trip (Deliverance 8a+), but this was the line of the area (Area 7).  I really did not think I was going to get this done as the conditions where so cold.  It was'nt getting above -3 during the day (great friction) but during the night it was -12 which is not much fun sleeping out rough.  I was getting a headache most days by 14.00 due to the cold, and had'nt felt my toes for about two days, and so decided to seek solace in the warmth of a begged doss at the Peakies Gite in Claro for a night to warm up (thanks guys).  This made all the difference, and the problem went first go next morning.  I think Schule des Lebens was one of the hardest of the trip, as right after, I was totally wasted, and decided to drive back to Wales early - afer all, it was only a mere 975 miles to Jerrys Roof in the 'Pass - surely it would'nt take me too long?

Again, thanks for the doss, and also, thanks to Lyon Equipment for getting me there, and also for supplying the warmest sleeping bag I have had to date - Cheers!