Rush Hour

FC Express just came in the mail and I’m so excited. This morning, I did my last movie edit with IMovie (see below); from now on, the editing process should be much easier.

It has taken me three tries to get this darn video on YouTube properly. For some reason, YT wouldn’t read all of the audio channels therefore it was eliminating the music. So, here I am on the second half of the glacier as it curves down into the Mer de Glace. I was so tired at this point that my legs got really stiff! It wasn’t the difficulty of the descent that got to me; it was my own tenseness because I kept expecting it to be a lot harder than it actually was. It’s been raining here in Chamonix for the past week, so I imagine it is snowing on Mont Blanc….I am hoping to get in one more ski down the Vallée this season before rock climbing season begins.

I haven’t been skiing for very long, however, this has been a dream of mine ever since I first climbed the Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles all around it about 20 years ago. I didn’t start skiing seriously until we moved to Chamonix two years ago, so you can imagine the excitement and trepidation. I was very lucky to have gone with a good friend and a great (and patient) mountain guide, valdotaine Ezio Marlier. Here’s the first part of my descent down. What I lack in skiing, I hope to make up for (in part) with the video and music. I had such a great time and that is the most important thing.

I have been ‘training’ for the past two years to be able to ski down the legendary Vallée Blanche and today is the day. I am calm and happy. I should be back by noon and in my office after lunch to show you pictures and videos. Wish me luck. If you want to see more photos of the ‘White Valley’ look here.