Via Ferrata - 20 Aug

Via Ferrata (Italian for "Iron Way") is a protected climbing route with steel cables, iron rungs, steps and other aids. This is an amazingly fun, no-fly activity, as long as it's dry. It's safer than climbing around on roofs and not much more difficult than climbing a ladder, but it's far more fun than what Reaper does for a living. Our first day in France was just this kind of day; dry and windy. You need a harness and a special two-carabiner, energy-absorbing arresting device. They are widely available to rent if you don't have your own. We had a great 2.5 hour climb on sheer vertical rock walls with tremendous views very near the La Clusaz monkey apartment. It was difficult dealing with the eventual flyable conditions at the top - with no wings on hand. Even more difficult was Aurelia's hike down. Laura had a double blow-out on the soles of her shoes at the top of the climb. For the hike down, Aurelia gave her the shoes she was wearing and hiked down barefoot. Amazing! On the climb:  Sylvain, Aurelia, Scrappy, JK, Laura, Don, Mad Dog & Jeannine leading the way. For the hike up: Serena, Tommy, Paul (Maui) & Yolie.