The next day had much of the same plan, but this time we were a group of three. The day started much later, but was a much better day, at least at the start with a higher base. This enabled a quick flight to the Aravis once we finally launched and made the first slow climb up onto the Aiguille Rouges.
When I launched I was not that sure how I would be in the air, as after three nights of too little sleep in a row, and definitely too much wine while Alex and I were waiting up for Kirby to arrive from the USA. Thankfully after I launched I quickly worked out my stomach was feeling great and thought it would be a wonderful flight.
Unfortunately as we passed Passy we had a miscommunication about waiting before the crossing vs going, which meant that again I was separated from the others. Initially I flew fast down the Aravis but unfortunately ended up low on the lee side towards where I turned around the day before. Despite working hard and almost getting myself out of the poor situation a few times, I didn’t quite manage to get enough height to get established.
I ended up landing on the plateau 1200m above the valley below, very frustrating. I only needed another 100m of height to clear the col and fly down, or perhaps even climb back up in the valley wind. I searched for a launch, but decided the wind was too strong and too cross for a safe launch, so started the long walk down the road hoping to hitch.
After walking for about 20 minutes I managed to get a lift down to the valley, which took over 30 mins in the car! After two more hitches I was then back at a train station, where I got back to Chamonix with only one more change in train…
Comments