Chamonix - Mont Blanc at New Year
Alex Ravanel
I needed a break after the shock of Chris and the avalanche horror. My son Laurie and I grabbed a plane at Liverpool’s John Lennon airport and touched down in Geneva, where my good friend and ace French guide, Alex, was waiting to drive us to Argentiere, Chamonix, for a week’s skiing and snowboarding.
Laurie ready to board
Thanks to the kindness of my friend and Client, Bernard, accommodation was very close to the Grande Montet ski station, so we had five wonderful days on the slopes around this great alpine valley. I knew I was escaping the tragedy of Chris, and often through the week I wondered how Jo was coping. News that I would not miss the funeral gave me some comfort.
Scotland gripped by snow
The journey back to a UK gripped by snow was less simple. Snow-bound airports all over Britain were causing travel chaos. Instead of three hours of simple flights, we spent three days holed up at two airports and finally arrived in Inverness to a wintry wonderland.
The funeral was to be the 21st January, and with only a few days of guiding to cater for, before going south again, I had a second holiday. Later, driving down and joining Doug Scott in the Lake District for the travel to Nottingham, we a good chance to make up lost time and
Doug's place
reflect on the loss of our friend. Funerals are not my cup of tea at the best of times and when a close friend is involved, it’s worse. Meeting up with Bill in the pub after the ceremonies was a pleasant surprise and I thanked him for making the effort to come a long way north to see Chris off.
The young Astills
Jo, Rachel and her mother and sister were all strong and with half of the UK climbing world seemingly there, it was a terrific send-off for a smashing lad.
Bill & Smiler at Chris' wake
I drove back from Doug’s on the Friday morning and
Doug Scott and Bill in the crowded wake
looked forward to the coming weekend’s snowcraft course. However, another task lay before me on entering the Highlands. Now Ed was in deep trouble with cancer and was back at home from the Glasgow clinic. I had to call and see him and Rona.
Ed Grindley at Rieff
Ed was better than I’d expected, but no-one knew what would happen, and we are all still waiting and hoping for the best. Only time will tell now.