View near gouter hut

We reached the gouter hut and stocked up on water and fluids whilst we had another rest. We had booked the tete rousse hut for a second night as a back up but we knew we weren't needing to stay there now so we cancelled the booking over the phone during our break. Our throats were feeling a bit sore now. Probably a side effect of breathing in the dry air at altitude for more than a fortnight. We left the gouter hut and continued our climb down the gouter ridge for a couple of hours. The ridge was busier now than it was during our ascent so we were mindful of our route choice to try to avoid any rocks being knocked down by other climbers. Eventually we reached the couloir. The last hurdle before we were on safe paths back to the tram station. It seemed fairly quiet but I did see a couple of fist sized rocks fizz across the snow at the bottom of it. There were also a couple of 'rock' shouts from above as we approached it. We readied ourselves for another danger dash. Ready.. Go!! another short dash about the length of a rope with the head down. When we arrived at a safe rock ledge on the other side I swore in triumph and relief. Job done. We were now effectively out of danger and could relax a bit. It was a fantastic feeling. We were grateful for our window of luck. Another break at the tete rousse hut offered us the chance to put more fluid away. I texted Diane to let her know I was safely off the mountain. Folk were piling into the hut in preparation for a summit bid the following day. It was great knowing that our shift was nearly over. Our legs were still working.