Alpathon Update–19 Down, 63(!) To Go: A few weeks ago TWC reported on two Wetass Frenchmen–Patrick Berhault and Philippe Magnin–who are attempting to climb all 82 4,000 meter Alps in 82 days. Well, they are knocking them off, one by one, and going strong. Some bad weather has put them about a week behind schedule. But they are already doubling and tripling up on some days. Here’s a somewhat convoluted report which nevertheless will give you sense of what their absurdly exhausting days are like:

“Patrick and Phillip woke up early this night at 2.30 and at about four o’clock in the morning they left in a direction of Emile Rey (4068m) pass in hope to rush by it (and the main thing, by its rockfalls attending the ascent) before the day’s beginning. From there they started climbing Brouillard (4068m) – their first today’s “4-thousand” mountain via the posh mixed ridge… Then they are going on the movement on the ridge up to summit of Baretti (4006m), their today’s second “4-thousand” mountain. ” It’s a very beautiful, pyramidal top, with own charisma. Is a pity, that it is a little far,” – Patrick comments. After Baretti Patrick Berhault and Philippe Magnin are going to descend to Emile Rey pass again to head for their third “4-thousand” mountain of this day – Louis Amedee (4470m). Then they plan to make their trip further on the ridge to the fourth summit – Mont Blanc de Courmayeur (4765m), and, at last, at 17.20 the prospect to Mont Blanc (4810m) will be open…”

Incredible. The more I think about this one the more I love it. Just when you think there’s nothing new to try, a couple of guys sitting around in a bar somewhere come up with something that’s creative, easy to understand, and–most of all–unf*ckingbelievably difficult. Stay tuned. This is a monster project…



Mountain Maniac Magnin: “Look at all these goddamned Alps. What the hell were we thinking, Patrick?”