Just in from a short rock climbing session in the glorious alpine Spring sunshine. The winter is all but over here in Le Chazelet and the annual northerly migration to Skye is fast approaching. One last week for skiing the powder high up on the glacier at La Grave, paragliding and maybe a last speed ride of the season (more of this below).
2009 is rolling by.......however, it has been a short alpine winter for me after spending Nov to Feb in and around Antarctica. The experience was more amazing than I ever imagined and I was fortunate to guide and climb Mt. Vinson twice as well as lead a Last Degree ski trip to the South Pole. I was employed by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE) who provide travel, logistics and support for numerous adventurous polar outings - the guiding side of the company is known as Adventure Network International (ANI). I plan to return again next season and hope to make this a regular part of my calendar.
Many people have asked me about my Antarctic experience so the plan is to make a more comprehensive report which I will post on the website in due course (just in case any of you are interested to hear more about it that is?).
After returning to Le Chazelet in mid-Feb I have been recuperating by learning a new activity called Speed Riding. This involves skis and a small paraglider - sounds an odd mix but it actually adds a new dimension to skiing in the mountains. Skiing off small cliffs may seem crazy but the glider takes over and you can access all sorts of new terrain. A few of my smaller flights/rides can be viewed on Youtube: Video 1 and better still Headcam Video
Back to future plans.... and May is looking busy on Skye but I do have some days guiding available in June before I return to the Alps. July starts off with a walking and climbing trip to Switzerland (working with Hillways) and then after more French Alps activity I will be heading back to Peru in September. I am guiding a group of five around the country, visiting sites including the Nasca Lines, Ballestras Islands, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca before heading for Cusco and the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Peru and the Inca Trail is becoming an annual fixture and I already have provisional bookings for 2011.
As mentioned above I plan to return to Antarctica in late October - so 2009 looks like it will be another exciting year!
Plans for 2010: I will continue to offer guiding in Scotland and France. But in addition to this years schedule I hope to fit in a visit to Nepal in April-May time. This will include the Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak. Anyone interested in joining a small trekking group then please just get in touch.
Hope to see you in the hills and mountains (and maybe South Pole!) soon,
take it easier and cheers for now,
Darren
E-mail: darren@hebrideanpathways.co.uk Tel: (44) 07092 840603 Last Updated: 26 April, 2009
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