Mont Blanc..beaten by the weather

Hello everyone interested in my sponsored climb up Mont Blanc. I'm sat here writing this at exactly the same time I should have reached the top. I have been here for a week, training and aclimatising and getting ready for the ascent. I've climbed peaks near to Mont Blanc, crossed huge glaciers in the dark and slept in remote refuge huts in the process....however, the weather has turned against me over the last days and the Mountain Guides will not allow an ascent due to the real dangers: Nearly a metre of fresh snow (above 3000 metres...Mont Blanc is 4810m) threatening avalanches, High winds (that have previously blown climbers off exposed ridges), Lightening storms (regularly strike and kill or seriously injure climbers) and poor visibily. I was going to stay on for another week but the forecast is the same....too bad for the ascent.

Although frustrating, I've enjoyed the week and will return next year. I am truly grateful for the support and sponsorship pledges before I came here. If you feel able to make a/the donation to lifestart foundation (my chosen charity in Vietnam)THANKYOU VERY MUCH. You can either make your donation online (preferable method) or I can do it on your behalf.

I have provided some photos from the trip for your enjoyment. If you have any questions about the trip...just let me know.

Many many thanks for helping an amazingly worthy cause in Vietnam.

James

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