"Oh, it just gets better and
better..."
(Motty(?), BBC Sport, Germany 1
England 5, 2001)
Again the forecast was for 'trés, trés
bonnes conditions' in the high mountains and the competition was set a task
of 460km into the Maurienne. The Brits launched after the grid into
excellent conditions (base 10,500ft locally) and all set off northwards.
John reached Bardonecchia and then
carried on to the col de Carro where low clouds streamed across the pass.
The base of the active cumulus at this point was over 14,000ft and later in
the day reports were received of cloudbases up to 16,000ft.
Good cumulus lay to the north of Aosta and
John edged his way towards the Matterhorn, eventually finding himself in the
position of being able to fly
around its distinctive peak. Conditions to the north looked more blue but
still active and it would have been possible (for someone who knew what they
were doing) to carry on beyond the Simplon Pass. John, aware of his
limitations, called it a day and visited Mont Blanc to take those pictures
he promised last week.
His return was via La Meije, les Deux Alps
and Obiou, to the north of the pic de Bure.
See here for map
and logger file.
