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Report From Switzerland - November 2004

In September we had snowfall in the Alps and mountaineering above 2700 metres was quite limited. The beginning of October was very sunny, quite hot.  This was mostly because of the Föhn; a wind, which blows from the south.

Tuesday morning the 5. October, the weather forecast said it was going to be a sunny and warm day. We drove for one hour towards the Alpstein until we arrived in Wildhaus. Because the day’s altitude difference (gain) was going to be 1300 meters, we had to make sure we carried light back packs. We packed: food and clothes, helmet, one 60m rope and only the necessary climbing things.

Our goal was the “Alter Mann”, which means “Old Man”. If we were in good shape, we would be able to walk up to the west ridge in about two and half hours, otherwise…well you know. I can proudly report, that we reached the base of the ridge at 11:00PM. No clouds or wind, just perfect to climb. The first three rope pitches were the most difficult ones. The climbing guide showed a 5+ rating, which meant we were going to go to reach our limit.

The limestone was warm and friendly.  All the grips while climbing were solid and to touch the warm rock was a pleasure. The shape of the ridge was exposed and after the first two rope pitches we felt the strong squalls of the Föhn. Once when we tried to throw down the rope it didn’t fall, the wind blew it up, towards us again!

After three hours of fantastic climbing, surrounded by most beautiful scenery, we reached the top of the Old Man. There were two happy guys, not to old to do something they did about ten years ago.

Happy hiking to all of you, greetings Marcus

Photos (click on photo to view full size) from Marcus:

Report From Switzerland  

Webmaster's Note: Club member Marcus has recently returned to Switzerland after his stay here.  He passed along this report of a recent trip to Kesch Peak.  The photos he sent with the report could not be done justice in the club newsletter so I have posted his report and photos here.

Just scroll down the page on the website for Marcus’ message and photos (click on them so view full size).  I have only made minor editing changes to the message as it was received from Marcus. 

NVOC Webmaster

Marcus writes:  

Hello Phil:

I`m almost on month at home and I think of you people. I have adjusted to my work quite well; for each month I spent in Vancouver it took me about one week! Last weekend I went for my first time since I arrived to a major mountaineering trip. With my friend Robert I climbed on Sunday up to Kesch peak. The mountain high is 3417 metres (about 10000 feet). Because on Saturday we had one foot of new snow, the climbing part of the trip turned out to be quite challenging. On Saturday we walked up to the SAC-House, pushed by rain and wind in our umbrellas. On Sunday morning we had excellent weather and surprisingly a white mountain ahead of us. But the snow turned out to be helpful, because we were able to walk on the glacier without the climbing iron. On the top of Kesch peak I thought of you guys and I decided to send you a few photographs of our trip.

I hope you will enjoy them and you can put them in the next newsletter of the North Vancouver Outdoors Club. Greetings to all of the people I know.  I appreciate your reply and thank you for your work.

Sincerely Marcus Frohlich, a member of your club.

Photos (click on photo to view full size) from Marcus:

La Conner (Washington): 17 April 2004

Photos as taken on the club trip to La Conner, Washington (Tulip Festival).

Photos submitted by Bob