Yesterday, just back from a 4 days trip on skis, I was dreaming of a rest day. In the evening a good friend asked me for a "mountaineering day" for himself and his two kids. We have had very good time in the mountains during the last few years, and I could not just say : "sorry, I'm tired !". We went for the very classic Arête des Cosmiques, an excellent short alpine climb starting from the top of Aiguille du Midi. At this season it is particularly enjoyable and quiet. The conditions were perfect, with quite a lot of fresh snow, a sea of clouds below us and no wind. A real pleasure for Jean Marc Boucansaud and I to guide this family in such a nice climb ... with this rather strange "last pitch" up a ladder to the tourist's terrace !