http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KanoMountBlancExpedition
http://www.thekanofoundation.com/
"Keeping Football Free for Kids"
Lorraine has always flaunted the idea of doing something out of our comfort zone for charity, so here we are. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps at 4810m (15,780 ft). Climbing Mont Blanc is the goal of many climbers and is still a massive challenge requiring solid mountaineering skills, good fitness, stamina and acclimatization. The climb of Mont Blanc includes a big summit day where you will travel over everything from scrambling over steep rocky terrain to cramponing across exposed snow ridges at high altitude. There is already a lot of fundraising going on for the Kano at present and the more the better. Having been to the Kano fundraisers, I am over awed at the generosity and kindness in our community for these young children and if we can make a difference to some of these kid's lives then it would be a pleasure to be part of it. We can't think of a more fitting charity to be honest, being big Celtic fans, following the team, home and away in Europe. and growing up going to paradise. Myself and Lorraine are total beginners where climbing mountains are concerned, so this is a big challenge for us. As you will know Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe but also one of the most dangerous and should be treated with respect. This is a different beast from Nevis etc., in fact just short of 4 times higher.You are climbing altitudes of 15,000 ft in snow and subzero temps using ice picks ,crampons , trekking in harsh conditions and scrambling and climbing over glacier rocks. So the training has begun in earnest. Plenty of interval training , climbing , hill walking and mountaineering courses coming up. The climbing season in 2016 starts end of spring and we will be ready. Anyway guys, I will be setting up an online donation page. Please dig deep, one pound, a fiver, a tenner or whatever you can spare will reach the Kano foundation. The cost of the expedition, training and equipment will be paid by ourselves out of our own pocket. Every penny donated will be profit and will be donated directly to the Kano foundation. Even if you cannot afford a donation please like our page to ramp up support and inspire us to do our best. Follow us on our personal page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Lj-Kano-Mont-Blanc-Expedition
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EXPEDITION
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This will be a 5 or 6 day expedition and our itinerary will be something like the following. Day 1 - Arrival Day: Welcome Meeting in Chamonix
Day 2 - Ice skills practice - The day will start with a drive to Italy and a hike through the Gran Paradiso National Park forest, with trails up towards the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuelle II hut (2732m).And climbing to (4061m) the highest peak entirely in Italy and has a spectacular view with a very cool rock ridge on the summit. After lunch you will practice ice axe and crampon skills on the glacier above the hut. If you haven't used crampons or an ice axe before, this is where your introduction will take place. You stay overnight at the refuge. Sleeping at altitude is one of the best ways to acclimatise. day 3 - Aiguille du Midi & the Vallee Blanche or Crampon Skills on the Mer de Glace
We will do 1 of 2 plans, depending on the weather. We take the lift up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) to traverse the Vallée Blanche, in order to gain further acclimatisation and continue your practice with ice-axe and crampons. You will walk on a spectacular glacier to reach the Helbronner, taking the lift back to the Aiguille du Midi in the Panoramic gondola. Or, in the case of bad weather or needing to rest before the Mont Blanc ascent. First day of the Mont Blanc ascent
Now that your training is over, you are ready for the ascent of Mont Blanc. You will walk up to either of the Tête Rousse (3167m) or the Cosmiques (3613mm) huts. You will be at the hut by early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the dramatic location. Day 5. Summit day and back to the Gouter hut
The Big Day! Weather permitting you will aim to summit Mont Blanc today.The ascent and descent takes a total of about about 12-14 hours. You will either return by the same route to the Gouter hut or to go down to the Cosmiques hut. Anything is possible,We are walking into the unknown and we will see how our body reacts to high altitudes. I can only promise we will climb as high as we possibly can and plant that Kano flag with pride. Keep the faith. Lorraine & Jokey
