If you have spent a lot of time on your Mt. Whitney efforts, why not consider a little more adventure in the European Alps? Perhaps some of you have already done so.

The International School of Mountaineering, in Leysin, Switzerland, is one of the best of its kind in the world. I took their basic mountaineering course there in 1974 (gee, that's a long time ago), climbing with instructors Joe Tasker and Dugal Haston. Great instruction and good Rhone Valley wine. It's now managed by Pat Littlejohn, a famous English climber. www.alpin-ism.com

To maybe whet your appetite for adventures in the Alps, check out tvmountain.com, a French site. The knowledge of French is not necessary as the videos speak for themselves. There is a search option for most European peaks. Great winter evening viewing. Sorry, no Mt. Whitney info here...