Spontaneous Thursday adventure

On this Thursday in May, the work day ends earlier than expected. What allows us to begin the after work at the beginning of the afternoon by going up the Argentière basin on the edge of the homonymous glacier. It is very hot; we sweat a lot. By arriving at the hut, we have the impression to be gigantic Merino’s mop on skis. Fred, the sympathetic guard of the refuge of Argentière, left us water and blankets in the hut. We are not alone in sleeping here tonight. We share a risotto with a guy from Picardie, who comes to ski the local couloirs solo. The digestif is shared with Czech climbers. It's the season where different mountain activities are intermingled. The atmosphere is pleasant until we are informed that someone had an accident in the Couturier - our initial plan - the day before. Although this is an integral part of our activity, we never get used to it. We fall asleep a little chilled.

We go along the moraine; the atmosphere is good. Then, suddenly, a big noise starts 20 meters from us. Big blocks go down the slope at 5 am. We go up the corridor, blocked by the remains of a big avalanche, which pushes us to put the skis on the bag earlier than planned. After 2:30 of ascent, we realize we shall not reach the summit. We redefine then a new and last objective: the bakery of Argentière. The only one which will be reached this time. With a full belly and a smile on our face. Because we were in the mountains riding spring snow with friends in a majestic setting, and also because French croissants are a must.