Thanks so much! We wrote a couple of full songs this winter getting ourselves psyched for this trip, and we just got down from a climb that we specifically wrote one of them for, so look out for that one coming up! ❤️
One reason why your channel is amazing! Arrive in France…what to do first…Eiffel tower, the Louvre, Arc de Triompe…nope…an awesome hike and climb! Reward yourself with a fresh baguette (or 6).
Haha, you know us well! We could not pass up the opportunity of a clear day in the Alps... they're hard to come by! And don't you worry, we've had at least a baguette or two per day to keep us going :)
How fun! You tow have come a long way since you started this journey. You must feel proud! What gorgeous scenery there in France! Love to see young couples living life outside the typical grind.
Thanks very much, Michael. Yes we really do feel proud of how much our climbing and mountaineering skills have advanced. And as for getting outside of the grind, just wait until next summer when we start a full year tour of the best hikes and climbs in all 50 states! That's been a bucket list dream for years, and it starts in July '24!!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Wonderful to have goals and what an awesome bucket list to check off! Look forward to watching but might have to skip the highest peaks in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana 😀
Well we sure hope you're right Robert! The weather might have a thing or two to say about that, but we're going to give it our all to have the greatest adventures ever :)
Thanks very much, and you will not be disappointed -- we are going for best the Alps has to offer on this trip, and if we get a good weather window we're going to go BIG! ❤️
Awesome and super great video footage. It's amazing how much re-climbing you have to do to film the scenes the way you do. You actually end up doing the whole VF twice ( at least). Simply awesomness
Honestly I have to give Adam huge props on that. If you had seen not just the extra climbing he had to do, but also how many times he had to hold himself hanging from crazy positions with just one hand while filming with the other, you would not have believed it! ❤️ --E
Hopefully we can meet up at one of these locations and I can/ will do the extra climbing around and setting cameras, so that y'all can get twice the footage, in the same, or less time. I can bring my cameras and gear, and just help make the joy flow even more. ( decaf only) Jim@@LiveHardxLoveHard
@@aerialrescuesolutions3277 That would be awesome -- having those two photographers help us out on the Skybridge gave us some of the best footage of the whole video!
Thanks very much -- one day we'll have to have someone shoot footage of Adam shooting footage. He hangs off some of the craziest, gnarliest places to get those angles. I honestly couldn't believe on this one how he was able to hang from one hand for so long in order to get some of these shots -- I was just trying to survive the climb itself! ❤️ --E
So glad you're excited for it, and you will not be disappointed. We just got down last night from one of the most epic climbs we've ever done -- can't wait to share it with you! ❤️
Haha merci beaucoup, Thomas! Just wait -- we literally just got down yesterday from one of the most spectacular climbs of our lives. Can't wait to share all this with you!! ❤️
Thanks Joseph! Don't worry, we were a little manic about this one because we saw a rare weather window, but it rains so much here that it's basically like forced rest days. Looking forward to sharing the exciting adventures ahead with ya!
Thanks so much! We are definitely going to be getting into some crazy adventures on this trip -- in fact, just got down from one yesterday that is going to blow your mind!!! ❤️
Yes! Via ferratas are such a great combination of scary views but with relative safety -- let us know before you go to Europe and we'll recommend a few of the best! ❤️
Thanks so much, Mark! Well it turns out the back is an SI joint issue, so it will never be "healed" per se, but in a way that's good because I don't have to worry about making it worse by adventuring. So I've been doing pain reprocessing therapy and it's been a huge help. As you will see with some of the climbs we're doing in the Alps this trip, I am BACK! ❤️ --E
Haha just wait, Scott -- we got down last night from one of the gnarliest and most epic climbs of our lives. Can't wait to share it with you, hopefully next week assuming we can find time to edit amidst all the adventuring! Meanwhile, we'll be posting a truly classic and beautiful alpine hike tomorrow! ❤️
Welcome back to Europe. You were briefly 140km from my place. Geneva 😁. Nasty via Ferrata. Enjoy your stay. Weather looks good especially the incoming weekend.
Thanks Anna! You are right -- we did catch a good weather window, and we didn't waste it. We went BIG, and just got down last night. Can't wait to show it to you -- hopefully next week if we can get it edited amidst all the adventuring. You're so lucky to live here -- every day, even the rainy ones, we're amazed by the beauty. ❤️
Yaaaah!! Was wondering where the hell you guys were! Don’t know how you filmed a video on this climb! Holy crap!!!! Good job. What an adventure! And how beautiful. Thanks so much for filming. My feet were sweating just watching. Be safe you guys, and welcome back🚴♀️🏊♀️🏄♂️🏜🥰
Thanks Mary! I really have to give Adam credit for most of the filming. He had to hang from one hand from crazy places soooo many times to get some of these angles. Glad you enjoyed, and just wait -- we have some HUGE alpine adventures coming up! ❤️
Haha that is actually an incredible idea! 😂 Though you will not be disappointed with what we've been doing in the Alps this week with the good weather window -- we are going BIG, and just got down from a true classic last night. Can barely even move right now, but it was totally worth it. ❤️
Your home away from home! I guess in a way all the places you travel to are that! Haha! But this place though may be one of my all time favorites guys! So intense!!! Thanks a million for the effort you put in for all your viewers and thanks so much for sharing! AMAZING! ❤️
ELISE and ADAM a good morning from France. You have arrived in Europe, and as soon as you have set foot on the ground you are already clinging to the steep walls around Chamonix. Despite the lack of sleep you surpassed yourself in an incredibly difficult hike, but I believe that you did not shy away from your pleasure by offering us great images. I wish you both an excellent holiday enhanced by what you enjoy most, climbing, and without backing down from difficulties. Kisses to both of you. DAN. ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. Vous êtes arrivé en Europe, et à peine avoir mis le pied sur le sol vous vous accrochez déjà sur les parois abruptes des environs de Chamonix. Malgré le manque de sommeil vous vous êtes surpassé dans une randonnée incroyablement difficile, mais je crois que vous n’avez pas boudé votre plaisir en nous offrant de superbes images. Je vous souhaite à tous deux de passer d’excellentes vacances agrémentées par ce que vous appréciez le plus, l’escalade, et sans reculer devant les difficultés. Bises à vous deux. DAN.
Hi Dan! Thank you so much :) this is Elise, as Adam is already asleep due to his jet lag. But you will be glad to know that his French is working out well so far! We just love this beautiful country and can’t wait to spend even more time here once we retire. ❤️
Well, what a beautiful area, so cool, hope you have a blast in Europe this summer it is so pretty there, ya, the plane trip sounds horrible but worth it, I have one coming up and I am not looking forward to that part of the trip, thanks for sharing Larry Owens
Haha yeah that's the one thing where, if we were rich, we'd probably splurge on a first class ticket so we could sleep in those beds! But even though we didn't get any sleep, it is sometimes fun to be forced to just watch movies and eat snacks for twelve hours straight :) very excited to share all the adventures ahead with you!
Haha yeah that's the one thing where, if we were rich, we'd probably splurge on a first class ticket so we could sleep in those beds! But even though we didn't get any sleep, it is sometimes fun to be forced to just watch movies and eat snacks for twelve hours straight :) very excited to share all the adventures ahead with you!
Aw thanks Patrick! I sometimes imagine you guys cheering us on when things get challenging out there. It's so nice to remember that when I get paralyzed with doubt, and really keeps me going! ❤️ -E
Really interestiing how they set the anchors up over there. I am hitting the restaurants though lol. Climbing out of a taxi next to a burning pile of tires near protests.
Ya Dan, this one was really odd. Did you see that part where the hand anchors were only about 24 inches above the foot anchors going across that long face? You'd have to be 3 feet tall to use those foot anchors properly -- not made for tall people! 😂
Hang in there! Thanks for inviting me along. ps: I love how you bracketed the video with two interpretations of your song. I'd like if you also hummed/whistled it in the middle somewhere.
Thanks so much! Happy you’re enjoying the music and we have a brand new song coming up for you next week, it’s going to be epic because it goes with our ascent of Mont Blanc :)
Right? They do seem sturdy but at the same time I often wonder if I'm being naive just blindly trusting the via ferrata guys... what if one of them got tired one day and took a nap instead of securing that last bolt? So many questions!
Great episode to start the trip! Funny how that adrenaline (and fear of death) can keep you going even when exhausted. Love this via ferrata and can't wait to see what adventures you have coming up! I'm having a large glass of vino in your honor, and hope you got some rest and of course a great meal too. Je leve mon verra a L&H!!
Haha thanks Dan! You are definitely not going to be disappointed. We are shooting for the biggest and best the Alps has to offer on this trip, and if the weather gods cooperate it's going to be truly epic! ❤️
Heyyy guys just got back from doing Ben Nevis here in the uk, what a weekend! keeping the inspiration up by popping this video on! cheers once again, hope you're both doing well!
Congrats, Carl! That is most definitely on our bucket list -- would love to hike and film in the Highlands, and will probably try to get out there next summer. Hope you had some good weather for it! ❤️
Thanks for sharing all these amazing hikes with us. You inspire me to try them if I can. I’m always asking you about your gear, but I love these blue shorts. The shorts on your gear list aren’t offered in this blue color. What brand are they? Thank you in advance!
Thanks I'm glad you like them! I can't remember the brand offhand -- as you know I'm always trying stuff I order online to find what works -- but I will look it up when I get a chance and add it to the gear list! ❤️ --E
Thanks Miguel! Yes you're right -- it wasn't as high as some other via ferratas we've done, but it was so vertical in places that it definitely felt scary -- but so worth it for those views up above the falls! ❤️
Thanks Karl! You would freaking love it over here. Just got down from a true Alpine classic last night -- can't wait for you to see it, higher than anything we've got in the lower 48! ❤️
Looks like a lot of fun. Even being secured to the cable a fall would not be fun. I saw a potential 3 ft or more fall during that vid, perhaps knee and elbow pads would be best. Short fall but whipping you back toward the rockface can still do some damage. Enjoy your trip and keep the content coming.
That is very true, and usually it's the reason why I get scared despite being clipped in! A fall would still not be fun on these. Yet, for some reason, I can't resist coming back for more!
Thanks Earl! I gotta give Adam props on the filming. He was doing some crazy gymnastics up there to get a lot of these angles. We've barely even slept since we've been here, but the climbing is epic. Love you! --E
Ok so we've been learning more about this recently. In a lot of places like Italy and Austria it goes all the way back to WWII, when soldiers installed via ferrata to get strategic positions on the highest mountain ridges. But then it became a thing in Europe, so ones like this one were installed much more recently by France's version of the park service so that people could come and have an epic experience. We gotta get the US park service doing that! ❤️
Haha thanks Joanna! Super happy you saw this one -- we absolutely loved it, and it was such a fun way to shake off our jet lag after a long flight. We're pretty 50-50 about the planning, but when it comes to the ultimate decision it's usually Adam. He's more experienced and also a very confident and decisive person, so a lot of times I'll gather information and give suggestions but he'll make the final decision. ❤️ --E
That's a great question, and maybe we'll do a whole video on it at some point. A lot of it is from you guys just suggesting stuff you'd like to see us do, and then a lot of it comes from research. We both get obsessed with finding really beautiful hikes that are hard enough that we can be basically all alone on them. Then we add them to a big list, and whenever we have a vacation we figure out ways to do a bunch of them during the trip (but still have some off days to relax as well). ❤️
Thanks so much! We're still shooting with just the iPhone and GoPro, but definitely working on our technique and finding good angles. I have to give Adam a lot of props on this one, because he was having to hang for a long time off of only one hand in order to get a lot of these shots, and I was dying just trying to do the climb itself! ❤️ --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHard totally would love that!! I know you guys put the hike names in the description, but i would love to know what goes into picking the places you go, getting from one place to another, general trip planning tips would be awesome 😍
It's a Salomon ADV Skin 12 -- and yes it is super comfortable! Better by far than any other pack I've ever had. There should be a link to it and my other gear on the gear list that's linked at the top of our channel page. ❤️ --E
Our thoughts exactly! It's so incredible that via ferrata are such a part European climbing culture. Such a unique and exhilarating way to get to experience the landscape. Hope you can get out this way - these types of routes are all over this area!
Welcome back to Europe! That was an amazing climb - even my knees were going weak looking at the footholds you were using! Elise, you ask in the video how often they check the metal rungs on the via ferrata - I seem to remember trying to look that up after watching your via ferrata videos last year, and I don't remember really finding any answer. At least through the camera, they don't look rusty or anything 😎. Have fun!
Yay thanks Catherine! We are so happy to be here. Just love all the via ferrata they have here, except it's wild that you couldn't find any info on the maintenance of the routes. We did one the other day where one of the cables was completely broken off a narrow bridge - not chill!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yikes, no, decidedly un-chill!!! As I was watching the video yesterday, I was trying to see if you were hanging on to the same rungs of metal with both hands as you were climbing across those sheer cliff-faces, or if you were spreading your chances by having each hand on a different one - couldn't quite see, but was kind of chanting to myself, "Use two rungs, use two rungs....". 😀😱🙏
Glad you liked it -- it was SO fun!! It took about 2 1/2 hours or so including all the filming. And yes, there is a path down but it def def does not have the same views! ❤️
Wow! How hard is this VF considered? ( I know they have a rating system). BTW Yosemite is insanely gorgeous with unprecedented amounts of water in the falls. Unfortunately, everyone now wants to see it so it would take your crowd avoidance skills to fully enjoy it. (We went earlier before everyone decided they all had to go - right then.)
So glad you got to see those falls, Ellen! We were bummed not to get up to Yosemite, but it was worth it preparing well for this trip because it's already been epic. You are going to LOVE the one we just got down from last night (actually, you probably already guessed we were shooting for it in coming to Chamonix). Meanwhile, the Thermal is rated TD+, which is considered very difficult -- especially after 30 hours traveling with no sleep! 😂
Haha that sounds about right! To be fair, it really did feel totally stable but when you're hanging above a sheer drop the question does sometimes creep into your head. ❤️
Only 7mins... what! I protest!! ;-) Srsly guys pls don't take on challenging stuff without decent sleeps... good heavens! Btw does your emergency beacon work in Europe? In any case, spectacular site!
Ha yeah this one definitely felt 20x dicier without any sleep :P I've been testing the satellite and so far it seems like it's working. Let's just all pray we won't actually have to put it to use out here!
That's my kind of question, Bridget! These are actually classic Anne Kleins from about 10 years ago. Favorite pair of adventure sunglasses I've ever owned, and will be heartbroken when they eventually plummet off a cliff or something -- which is def how I hope they go out rather than getting lost or something equally unglamorous! ❤️ --A
First off, congrats on getting that done. Second, curious how often you slip and fall in general? You have safeties tied in so that if you do fall you are covered, but how often does that occur given you both are quite experienced. Just want to set expectations for us more inexperienced that might try something outside of our comfort zones.
That's a great question, and the answer so far is never. The great thing about via ferrata is that it gives you a lot of protection against plummeting to your death. However, if you did slip and fall you could still take quite a bang depending how and where you slipped. So even though we're clipped in, we treat it as though we're free soloing. Given that Adam does hang from some pretty crazy angles while filming it's of course possible he will slip at some point, but we do our very best to make sure it doesn't happen. ❤️
That's well said -- and the other main rule we'd add is don't drop anything, because there could be another climber 500 feet below you or on some via ferratas even a people on a hiking trail thousands of feet below.
A via ferrata set comes with a shock absorber. But it can only be used once and is for emergencies only. In general you should never fall on a via ferrata. There are different difficulty levels. You should always start at a low level if you're inexperienced.
I'm curious if there are bail out points along the route? I can see it being a real problem if someone get's half way through it and is not able to force themselves forward.
There is a map at the entrance with a difficulty rating on via Ferrata routes. I believe this one is in 3 parts which get harder and harder so you have 2 chances to bail out of this one. People do get stuck occasionally,
That's a great question. There are bailout points on this one, but on a lot of the big classics -- like in the Dolomites -- there really aren't. You have to go up or go back down, which is definitely not easier than going up! ❤️
Exactly right about the bailout options on this one! I wouldn't say that section 3 was harder than section 2 though. I made Elise sit and rest on the bailout after section 2, and found section 3 actually easier than section 2 (though maybe that's because I wasn't hanging from one arm holding a camera with the other!) --A
Great question -- Adam rightly made me stop where you saw us do the wrap-up, after that second gnarly section where my arms got so exhausted. He then went and did the last part while I rested, and it only took him 20 minutes without having to film or make sure I was doing ok 😂. He told me it wasn't nearly as gorgeous as the first parts -- but maybe he was just trying to make me feel better! ❤️ --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHard you should be incredibly proud of yourself Elise. It’s a huge achievement to have completed the sections you did and knowing when to stop is equally important 👏👏👏
Wow! There was a time…. But that time has passed for me! Thanks for taking us old farts along! This was before your wedding or is this a new adventure in Europe?
A whole new adventure, Jeff -- 5 weeks this time! And you are going to LOVE these. We just got down last night from a true bucket list climb, and somehow had perfect weather on the summit -- can't wait to share it with you! ❤️
Those don't look like via ferrata kits to me. If you are going to do more challenging ferratas you should buy a real kit. If you fall on those you will probably die or at least get some serios injurie's. Or maybe I'm missing something and I don't see the shock absorber. The ferrata's in France are checked each year before the season starts.
Actually our tethers are, in my opinion, much better than the via ferrata kits marketed by companies. The shock absorption in our kits is built into the tethers themselves. I made them myself from ultra-dynamic tethers used in high-rise construction. They have the benefit of allowing us to film safely by stretching away from the cables while still being safely connected. For most people there is nothing wrong with the kits you speak of, but our tethers are actually much stronger, more dynamic, and better for our safety needs as both climbers and filmers who want more flexibility about how we move. --A
@@LiveHardxLoveHard in construction you also have a shock absorber and you don't have that. Elasticity doesn't absorb a fall and via ferrata kits are also elastic and have a shock absorber. In case of a fall your lines will probably not break but your harness or carabiner will. And that will not really matter because your back will brake well before that as the human body can't take a factor 2 fall on almost static lines. Don't get me wrong, you can free solo them if you want, it's your life, but you are doing a disservice to your viewers who take you as an example.
It's definitely been a little crazy in the cities, but fortunately for us we just stay to the mountain towns where everyone's happy and life just goes on as normal. ❤️
Nah in all seriousness this was intense and amazing to watch, the scenery is so beautiful and you guys see and do some of the best stuff life offersm great video you guys.
I am loving the suspenseful bass lines, so great. As if the visuals are not enough....they are!
Thanks so much! We wrote a couple of full songs this winter getting ourselves psyched for this trip, and we just got down from a climb that we specifically wrote one of them for, so look out for that one coming up! ❤️
One reason why your channel is amazing! Arrive in France…what to do first…Eiffel tower, the Louvre, Arc de Triompe…nope…an awesome hike and climb! Reward yourself with a fresh baguette (or 6).
Haha, you know us well! We could not pass up the opportunity of a clear day in the Alps... they're hard to come by! And don't you worry, we've had at least a baguette or two per day to keep us going :)
@@LiveHardxLoveHard that’s what I like to hear. You have to refuel with the best that France has to offer! Looking forward to seeing more adventures!
Amazing! Can’t wait to see the other videos!
Yay! Very glad you're excited for them, because we have an absolutely huge one coming up next week!! ❤️
How fun! You tow have come a long way since you started this journey. You must feel proud! What gorgeous scenery there in France! Love to see young couples living life outside the typical grind.
Thanks very much, Michael. Yes we really do feel proud of how much our climbing and mountaineering skills have advanced. And as for getting outside of the grind, just wait until next summer when we start a full year tour of the best hikes and climbs in all 50 states! That's been a bucket list dream for years, and it starts in July '24!!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Wonderful to have goals and what an awesome bucket list to check off! Look forward to watching but might have to skip the highest peaks in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana 😀
@@michaelmiller6878 Haha ya we're thinking maybe an Everglades marathon in Florida. Mississippi, we'll have to take suggestions!
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now- by Starship. Nothing is going to stop you two. Have fun in Europe!❤
Well we sure hope you're right Robert! The weather might have a thing or two to say about that, but we're going to give it our all to have the greatest adventures ever :)
Oh boy!! That is gnarly!! Good for you guys! Can’t wait to see what’s next! Happy travels and cheers! Your pal in Pismo Beach!!
Thanks very much, and you will not be disappointed -- we are going for best the Alps has to offer on this trip, and if we get a good weather window we're going to go BIG! ❤️
My Amazing and Fantastic Couple 👏🏿👏🏿
One of the best climbers 😎😎😎😎👍👍👏👏👏
Thanks John! We've been doing some epic climbs over here -- now we just have to find time to edit them between all the adventuring!! ❤️
Awesome and super great video footage. It's amazing how much re-climbing you have to do to film the scenes the way you do. You actually end up doing the whole VF twice ( at least). Simply awesomness
Honestly I have to give Adam huge props on that. If you had seen not just the extra climbing he had to do, but also how many times he had to hold himself hanging from crazy positions with just one hand while filming with the other, you would not have believed it! ❤️ --E
Hopefully we can meet up at one of these locations and I can/ will do the extra climbing around and setting cameras, so that y'all can get twice the footage, in the same, or less time. I can bring my cameras and gear, and just help make the joy flow even more. ( decaf only) Jim@@LiveHardxLoveHard
@@aerialrescuesolutions3277 That would be awesome -- having those two photographers help us out on the Skybridge gave us some of the best footage of the whole video!
Truly amazing!
Thanks Monte! It was a great first day, and def set the right tone for our Alpine adventures this summer! ❤️
You made it to franch. Yes oray oray .looks like a blast.having a fun time.
Thanks David -- yes we are having the best time so far, and already climbing some epic peaks! ❤️
Welcome back to Europe!!
Thanks Lothar! We are so happy to be back, and we're going to go BIG in the Alps this year as long as the weather cooperates! ❤️
Wow you got some freaky cool footage looking down. You seemed to capture it well. Great job.
Thanks very much -- one day we'll have to have someone shoot footage of Adam shooting footage. He hangs off some of the craziest, gnarliest places to get those angles. I honestly couldn't believe on this one how he was able to hang from one hand for so long in order to get some of these shots -- I was just trying to survive the climb itself! ❤️ --E
Can’t wait to see the upcoming epic adventures. Y’all are the best! Have all the fun!🫶🏽🏔💓🌻🌈✨
So glad you're excited for it, and you will not be disappointed. We just got down last night from one of the most epic climbs we've ever done -- can't wait to share it with you! ❤️
Très spectaculaire ! E très dangereux ! Merveilleux ! What a way to make an entrance!
Haha merci beaucoup, Thomas! Just wait -- we literally just got down yesterday from one of the most spectacular climbs of our lives. Can't wait to share all this with you!! ❤️
You are completely crazy Elise and Adam.. But totally amazing hiking... Thanks... 😘
Crazy is accurate Serge! Looking forward to sharing what's ahead with you!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard just can't wait Elise... 🤗✌️
That was truly amazing but I could never do that so thanks for sharing
Our pleasure, Rick -- this trip is amazing so far, and can't wait to share some of the big mountains with you! ❤️
Ok, I can breathe again. Be safe and have fun!
Love you miss you pops!!
You Guys Deserve At Least a Million Subscribers ❤
That’s so nice of you to say. We really do love our LH2 community and feel very grateful to have you guys ❤️
Be careful you two! Rest and be smart! Don't get hurt! Slow down and enjoy the journey! Good luck! And, have fun!
Thanks Joseph! Don't worry, we were a little manic about this one because we saw a rare weather window, but it rains so much here that it's basically like forced rest days. Looking forward to sharing the exciting adventures ahead with ya!
You guys are insane, and I love it! Love you..
Thanks so much! We are definitely going to be getting into some crazy adventures on this trip -- in fact, just got down from one yesterday that is going to blow your mind!!! ❤️
That looks challenging and fun, but also terrifying when you look straight down. I would love to attempt this myself one day when I go to Europe.
Yes! Via ferratas are such a great combination of scary views but with relative safety -- let us know before you go to Europe and we'll recommend a few of the best! ❤️
Ok, I officially want to join you guys. Love your trips.
That would be so fun! Can't wait to show you what we've got in store next!
Are you two really serious, YIKES down below but the sound and look of nature is wonderful, Thanks for sharing
Thanks Andrea! So excited to share all these Alps adventures with you. We have some truly epic stuff coming up! ❤️
Spectacular! I trust your back is completely healed, Elise? This episode is so inspiring. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much, Mark! Well it turns out the back is an SI joint issue, so it will never be "healed" per se, but in a way that's good because I don't have to worry about making it worse by adventuring. So I've been doing pain reprocessing therapy and it's been a huge help. As you will see with some of the climbs we're doing in the Alps this trip, I am BACK! ❤️ --E
Embrace the Gnar! ❤
Haha just wait, Scott -- we got down last night from one of the gnarliest and most epic climbs of our lives. Can't wait to share it with you, hopefully next week assuming we can find time to edit amidst all the adventuring! Meanwhile, we'll be posting a truly classic and beautiful alpine hike tomorrow! ❤️
Welcome back to Europe. You were briefly 140km from my place. Geneva 😁. Nasty via Ferrata. Enjoy your stay. Weather looks good especially the incoming weekend.
Thanks Anna! You are right -- we did catch a good weather window, and we didn't waste it. We went BIG, and just got down last night. Can't wait to show it to you -- hopefully next week if we can get it edited amidst all the adventuring. You're so lucky to live here -- every day, even the rainy ones, we're amazed by the beauty. ❤️
Such incredible footage! This make me excited for my upcoming Via Ferrata climb at Trolltunga in Norway.
Oh wow! You have to report back - Norway is definitely on our list!
Yaaaah!! Was wondering where the hell you guys were! Don’t know how you filmed a video on this climb! Holy crap!!!! Good job. What an adventure! And how beautiful. Thanks so much for filming. My feet were sweating just watching. Be safe you guys, and welcome back🚴♀️🏊♀️🏄♂️🏜🥰
Thanks Mary! I really have to give Adam credit for most of the filming. He had to hang from one hand from crazy places soooo many times to get some of these angles. Glad you enjoyed, and just wait -- we have some HUGE alpine adventures coming up! ❤️
You guys would be LEGENDARY if you vlogged a run through Paris while the riots are going down in the background!
Haha that is actually an incredible idea! 😂 Though you will not be disappointed with what we've been doing in the Alps this week with the good weather window -- we are going BIG, and just got down from a true classic last night. Can barely even move right now, but it was totally worth it. ❤️
Your home away from home! I guess in a way all the places you travel to are that! Haha! But this place though may be one of my all time favorites guys! So intense!!! Thanks a million for the effort you put in for all your viewers and thanks so much for sharing! AMAZING! ❤️
Thanks so much Hops! So excited to bring you along on this European journey. So much we want to explore, we're just gettin' started!
That looks crazy 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾💪🏾💪🏾
It was awesome, but just wait -- it's only an appetizer for some of the epic Alpining we're going to get up to! ❤️
ELISE and ADAM a good morning from France. You have arrived in Europe, and as soon as you have set foot on the ground you are already clinging to the steep walls around Chamonix. Despite the lack of sleep you surpassed yourself in an incredibly difficult hike, but I believe that you did not shy away from your pleasure by offering us great images. I wish you both an excellent holiday enhanced by what you enjoy most, climbing, and without backing down from difficulties. Kisses to both of you. DAN.
ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. Vous êtes arrivé en Europe, et à peine avoir mis le pied sur le sol vous vous accrochez déjà sur les parois abruptes des environs de Chamonix. Malgré le manque de sommeil vous vous êtes surpassé dans une randonnée incroyablement difficile, mais je crois que vous n’avez pas boudé votre plaisir en nous offrant de superbes images. Je vous souhaite à tous deux de passer d’excellentes vacances agrémentées par ce que vous appréciez le plus, l’escalade, et sans reculer devant les difficultés. Bises à vous deux. DAN.
Hi Dan! Thank you so much :) this is Elise, as Adam is already asleep due to his jet lag. But you will be glad to know that his French is working out well so far! We just love this beautiful country and can’t wait to spend even more time here once we retire. ❤️
Well, what a beautiful area, so cool, hope you have a blast in Europe this summer it is so pretty there, ya, the plane trip sounds horrible but worth it, I have one coming up and I am not looking forward to that part of the trip, thanks for sharing Larry Owens
Haha yeah that's the one thing where, if we were rich, we'd probably splurge on a first class ticket so we could sleep in those beds! But even though we didn't get any sleep, it is sometimes fun to be forced to just watch movies and eat snacks for twelve hours straight :) very excited to share all the adventures ahead with you!
Haha yeah that's the one thing where, if we were rich, we'd probably splurge on a first class ticket so we could sleep in those beds! But even though we didn't get any sleep, it is sometimes fun to be forced to just watch movies and eat snacks for twelve hours straight :) very excited to share all the adventures ahead with you!
Elise is like "I don't know if I can to this". All of us here at home sitting here are like, "yeah you can".
Aw thanks Patrick! I sometimes imagine you guys cheering us on when things get challenging out there. It's so nice to remember that when I get paralyzed with doubt, and really keeps me going! ❤️ -E
Truly stunning!
Thanks very much, and just wait -- this is merely an appetizer to what's coming up. We're going for some true alpine classics this summer! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Can't wait!
Really interestiing how they set the anchors up over there. I am hitting the restaurants though lol. Climbing out of a taxi next to a burning pile of tires near protests.
Ya Dan, this one was really odd. Did you see that part where the hand anchors were only about 24 inches above the foot anchors going across that long face? You'd have to be 3 feet tall to use those foot anchors properly -- not made for tall people! 😂
Hang in there! Thanks for inviting me along.
ps: I love how you bracketed the video with two interpretations of your song. I'd like if you also hummed/whistled it in the middle somewhere.
Thanks so much! Happy you’re enjoying the music and we have a brand new song coming up for you next week, it’s going to be epic because it goes with our ascent of Mont Blanc :)
@@LiveHardxLoveHard 🎵🎶
Yikes, that’s way up high. Great scenery. You just have to trust that those steps and handles are fully secured in the rock.
Right? They do seem sturdy but at the same time I often wonder if I'm being naive just blindly trusting the via ferrata guys... what if one of them got tired one day and took a nap instead of securing that last bolt? So many questions!
Great episode to start the trip! Funny how that adrenaline (and fear of death) can keep you going even when exhausted. Love this via ferrata and can't wait to see what adventures you have coming up! I'm having a large glass of vino in your honor, and hope you got some rest and of course a great meal too. Je leve mon verra a L&H!!
Haha thanks Dan! You are definitely not going to be disappointed. We are shooting for the biggest and best the Alps has to offer on this trip, and if the weather gods cooperate it's going to be truly epic! ❤️
Heyyy guys just got back from doing Ben Nevis here in the uk, what a weekend! keeping the inspiration up by popping this video on! cheers once again, hope you're both doing well!
Congrats, Carl! That is most definitely on our bucket list -- would love to hike and film in the Highlands, and will probably try to get out there next summer. Hope you had some good weather for it! ❤️
Thanks for sharing all these amazing hikes with us. You inspire me to try them if I can. I’m always asking you about your gear, but I love these blue shorts. The shorts on your gear list aren’t offered in this blue color. What brand are they? Thank you in advance!
Thanks I'm glad you like them! I can't remember the brand offhand -- as you know I'm always trying stuff I order online to find what works -- but I will look it up when I get a chance and add it to the gear list! ❤️ --E
Wow, definitely the scariest climb... I can feel the nerves! Great job guys! Keep rocking!!!
Thanks Miguel! Yes you're right -- it wasn't as high as some other via ferratas we've done, but it was so vertical in places that it definitely felt scary -- but so worth it for those views up above the falls! ❤️
My hands were sweating just watching you. Have fun and stay safe 🎉
Thanks very much, and we promise we will stay safe -- but, as Adam always says, not TOO safe 😂
What's really crazy, is the peeps that put all the iron on the walls!!! YIKES!!!
I have so much respect for the people that built these ferrata! So incredible!
Super cool! Elise seems quite loopy 😂🎉
Haha, beyond loopy on this one! Couldn't tell if I was dizzy because of the heights or the lack of sleep, but probably both!
That looks so fun! All the exposure,adventure and 25% of the risk, way cool! Great job!
Thanks Karl! You would freaking love it over here. Just got down from a true Alpine classic last night -- can't wait for you to see it, higher than anything we've got in the lower 48! ❤️
Awesome video!
Glad you both are doing great and no protesters there! 😂
Thanks Dave! Ya the mountain towns seem totally unaffected by all the craziness -- at least so far! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard great to hear that your trip is going smoothly! Enjoy!!
Looks like a lot of fun. Even being secured to the cable a fall would not be fun. I saw a potential 3 ft or more fall during that vid, perhaps knee and elbow pads would be best. Short fall but whipping you back toward the rockface can still do some damage. Enjoy your trip and keep the content coming.
That is very true, and usually it's the reason why I get scared despite being clipped in! A fall would still not be fun on these. Yet, for some reason, I can't resist coming back for more!
Wow you guys are brave! Looks amazing!
The most exhilarating type of adventure! Can't wait to go back for more :)
This was awesome 👍🏽
Thanks Edu, and just wait -- much bigger adventures coming up in the Alps the next few weeks! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Any plans to visit Portugal?
@@eduard05ilva Yes, we're hoping to visit next year!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard That's awesome...
What an epic start to your trip!! Idk how you film and climb at the same time 🤪 very glad you are strapped in! Hope you two get some rest 😘😘
Thanks Earl! I gotta give Adam props on the filming. He was doing some crazy gymnastics up there to get a lot of these angles. We've barely even slept since we've been here, but the climbing is epic. Love you! --E
That is intense! Wow, great video, good job guys!
Thanks so much! Intense indeed - pretty sure that the lack of sleep made it feel 20x sketchier. But what a way to kick off the trip :)
@@LiveHardxLoveHard haha 😄 awesome!
Again!! Totally unbelievable!! My original question STILL 'hangs on' ( sic) How did those 'steps' get there ?!?!
Ok so we've been learning more about this recently. In a lot of places like Italy and Austria it goes all the way back to WWII, when soldiers installed via ferrata to get strategic positions on the highest mountain ridges. But then it became a thing in Europe, so ones like this one were installed much more recently by France's version of the park service so that people could come and have an epic experience. We gotta get the US park service doing that! ❤️
Маршрут в ущелье 🏔️- супер❗️👍
Опоры покрашены специальной краской или это нержавеющая сталь❓
Thank you -- that's a good question. The supports are all stainless steel. No rusting or breakage, so we felt confident on them. ❤️
How do you decide on trail and destination? Who is the planner? I am obsessed with your adventures. This one would NOT be on my list...lol
Haha thanks Joanna! Super happy you saw this one -- we absolutely loved it, and it was such a fun way to shake off our jet lag after a long flight. We're pretty 50-50 about the planning, but when it comes to the ultimate decision it's usually Adam. He's more experienced and also a very confident and decisive person, so a lot of times I'll gather information and give suggestions but he'll make the final decision. ❤️ --E
How do u learn about these unique places???made my day
That's a great question, and maybe we'll do a whole video on it at some point. A lot of it is from you guys just suggesting stuff you'd like to see us do, and then a lot of it comes from research. We both get obsessed with finding really beautiful hikes that are hard enough that we can be basically all alone on them. Then we add them to a big list, and whenever we have a vacation we figure out ways to do a bunch of them during the trip (but still have some off days to relax as well). ❤️
Elise & Adam go missing from the channel for a few weeks ... comes back, posts a banger! Wow ya'll! This was freaking incredible!
Just wait, Jamie -- that was a mere appetizer. We came over here to go BIG, and the one we just got down from is gonna knock your socks off!!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I'm so excited! 😍
Did u guys get some new camera gear? This image quality was excellent
Thanks so much! We're still shooting with just the iPhone and GoPro, but definitely working on our technique and finding good angles. I have to give Adam a lot of props on this one, because he was having to hang for a long time off of only one hand in order to get a lot of these shots, and I was dying just trying to do the climb itself! ❤️ --E
What a great adventure. A 'how to' vlog about this climb would be very helpful - fees, how to reach etc. Looking forward to the rest of the trip :)
Franco that's a great idea. In fact, maybe once we're back from this trip we'll do how-to's about a bunch of the climbs if you guys are interested! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard totally would love that!! I know you guys put the hike names in the description, but i would love to know what goes into picking the places you go, getting from one place to another, general trip planning tips would be awesome 😍
Which backpack does Elise use? Looks very comfy and lightweight ❤
It's a Salomon ADV Skin 12 -- and yes it is super comfortable! Better by far than any other pack I've ever had. There should be a link to it and my other gear on the gear list that's linked at the top of our channel page. ❤️ --E
Wow guys! Super cool! Isn't it amazing that someone created all that? I would love to get out to spots like that.
Our thoughts exactly! It's so incredible that via ferrata are such a part European climbing culture. Such a unique and exhilarating way to get to experience the landscape. Hope you can get out this way - these types of routes are all over this area!
Welcome back to Europe! That was an amazing climb - even my knees were going weak looking at the footholds you were using! Elise, you ask in the video how often they check the metal rungs on the via ferrata - I seem to remember trying to look that up after watching your via ferrata videos last year, and I don't remember really finding any answer. At least through the camera, they don't look rusty or anything 😎. Have fun!
Yay thanks Catherine! We are so happy to be here. Just love all the via ferrata they have here, except it's wild that you couldn't find any info on the maintenance of the routes. We did one the other day where one of the cables was completely broken off a narrow bridge - not chill!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yikes, no, decidedly un-chill!!! As I was watching the video yesterday, I was trying to see if you were hanging on to the same rungs of metal with both hands as you were climbing across those sheer cliff-faces, or if you were spreading your chances by having each hand on a different one - couldn't quite see, but was kind of chanting to myself, "Use two rungs, use two rungs....". 😀😱🙏
This is SO COOL!!!! How long did the via ferrata take? And please tell me there's another way down....
Glad you liked it -- it was SO fun!! It took about 2 1/2 hours or so including all the filming. And yes, there is a path down but it def def does not have the same views! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard amazing, that's not too bad then, you were only hanging for less than 3hrs 😂
@@katiirabbi Haha exactly!
Wow! How hard is this VF considered? ( I know they have a rating system).
BTW Yosemite is insanely gorgeous with unprecedented amounts of water in the falls.
Unfortunately, everyone now wants to see it so it would take your crowd avoidance skills to fully enjoy it. (We went earlier before everyone decided they all had to go - right then.)
So glad you got to see those falls, Ellen! We were bummed not to get up to Yosemite, but it was worth it preparing well for this trip because it's already been epic. You are going to LOVE the one we just got down from last night (actually, you probably already guessed we were shooting for it in coming to Chamonix). Meanwhile, the Thermal is rated TD+, which is considered very difficult -- especially after 30 hours traveling with no sleep! 😂
I'm pretty sure they check to make sure it's stable at least every time someone plummets to the bottom
Haha that sounds about right! To be fair, it really did feel totally stable but when you're hanging above a sheer drop the question does sometimes creep into your head. ❤️
Only 7mins... what! I protest!! ;-) Srsly guys pls don't take on challenging stuff without decent sleeps... good heavens!
Btw does your emergency beacon work in Europe?
In any case, spectacular site!
Ha yeah this one definitely felt 20x dicier without any sleep :P I've been testing the satellite and so far it seems like it's working. Let's just all pray we won't actually have to put it to use out here!
Pardon my french but holy shit guys that was scary
Haha just wait, Jennifer -- we are going BIG in the Alps this year, and the one we just got down from you're not going to believe!! ❤️
Do you plan on doing the Tour du Mont Blanc while in the area?
No set plans yet about the TMB, BUT we do have some other quite insane and lofty goals if weather and logistics work out in our favor... stay tuned :D
How old are you Adam and Elise ? This channel is amazing…..awesome couple
Thanks Keri! Elise is a millennial, and Adam is Gen X -- but a millennial in spirit. ❤
I've always wondered what are the glasses you are wearing Adam?
That's my kind of question, Bridget! These are actually classic Anne Kleins from about 10 years ago. Favorite pair of adventure sunglasses I've ever owned, and will be heartbroken when they eventually plummet off a cliff or something -- which is def how I hope they go out rather than getting lost or something equally unglamorous! ❤️ --A
i'm afraid of heights. could NEVER do that
OMG yes this is definitely not the hike if you have a fear of heights -- so vertical the whole way!! ❤️
First off, congrats on getting that done. Second, curious how often you slip and fall in general? You have safeties tied in so that if you do fall you are covered, but how often does that occur given you both are quite experienced. Just want to set expectations for us more inexperienced that might try something outside of our comfort zones.
First rule of via Ferrata, don’t fall.
That’s also the second and third rule.
That's a great question, and the answer so far is never. The great thing about via ferrata is that it gives you a lot of protection against plummeting to your death. However, if you did slip and fall you could still take quite a bang depending how and where you slipped. So even though we're clipped in, we treat it as though we're free soloing. Given that Adam does hang from some pretty crazy angles while filming it's of course possible he will slip at some point, but we do our very best to make sure it doesn't happen. ❤️
That's well said -- and the other main rule we'd add is don't drop anything, because there could be another climber 500 feet below you or on some via ferratas even a people on a hiking trail thousands of feet below.
A via ferrata set comes with a shock absorber. But it can only be used once and is for emergencies only.
In general you should never fall on a via ferrata. There are different difficulty levels. You should always start at a low level if you're inexperienced.
I'm curious if there are bail out points along the route? I can see it being a real problem if someone get's half way through it and is not able to force themselves forward.
There is a map at the entrance with a difficulty rating on via Ferrata routes. I believe this one is in 3 parts which get harder and harder so you have 2 chances to bail out of this one. People do get stuck occasionally,
That's a great question. There are bailout points on this one, but on a lot of the big classics -- like in the Dolomites -- there really aren't. You have to go up or go back down, which is definitely not easier than going up! ❤️
Exactly right about the bailout options on this one! I wouldn't say that section 3 was harder than section 2 though. I made Elise sit and rest on the bailout after section 2, and found section 3 actually easier than section 2 (though maybe that's because I wasn't hanging from one arm holding a camera with the other!) --A
Did you complete all three sections? 😮
Great question -- Adam rightly made me stop where you saw us do the wrap-up, after that second gnarly section where my arms got so exhausted. He then went and did the last part while I rested, and it only took him 20 minutes without having to film or make sure I was doing ok 😂. He told me it wasn't nearly as gorgeous as the first parts -- but maybe he was just trying to make me feel better! ❤️ --E
@@LiveHardxLoveHard you should be incredibly proud of yourself Elise. It’s a huge achievement to have completed the sections you did and knowing when to stop is equally important 👏👏👏
@@embunchofnumbers Thank you! 🙏❤
To be far it would take serious weight to dislodge those foot/hand holds. Nobody over a certain weight would be using them anyway.
Well I sure hope you're right! Guess we should lay off the baguettes and cheese, just to be on the safe side...
Wow! There was a time…. But that time has passed for me! Thanks for taking us old farts along! This was before your wedding or is this a new adventure in Europe?
A whole new adventure, Jeff -- 5 weeks this time! And you are going to LOVE these. We just got down last night from a true bucket list climb, and somehow had perfect weather on the summit -- can't wait to share it with you! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard that’s freaking awesome - I’m looking forward to it!
A little bit scary
Yes Andrew -- it wasn't as high as some VFs we've done, but it was SO vertical that there were definitely a few trembly moments, at least for me! ❤--E
nuts
Haha just wait -- this was only an appetizer to what's coming up in the Alps! ❤️
Well that wasn’t scary , dicey, knarly.
Haha just wait, Werner -- that was just an appetizer. We're going all out in the Alps this summer! ❤️
NOPE!
Haha wait until you see the ones we're doing in Austria!!! ❤️
Those don't look like via ferrata kits to me. If you are going to do more challenging ferratas you should buy a real kit. If you fall on those you will probably die or at least get some serios injurie's. Or maybe I'm missing something and I don't see the shock absorber.
The ferrata's in France are checked each year before the season starts.
Actually our tethers are, in my opinion, much better than the via ferrata kits marketed by companies. The shock absorption in our kits is built into the tethers themselves. I made them myself from ultra-dynamic tethers used in high-rise construction. They have the benefit of allowing us to film safely by stretching away from the cables while still being safely connected. For most people there is nothing wrong with the kits you speak of, but our tethers are actually much stronger, more dynamic, and better for our safety needs as both climbers and filmers who want more flexibility about how we move. --A
@@LiveHardxLoveHard How much force does your system absorb?
I don't have the figures in front of me, but it is a massive amount -- many times more what you would get in a via ferrata lanyard.
@@LiveHardxLoveHard not talking about breaking point.
@@LiveHardxLoveHard in construction you also have a shock absorber and you don't have that. Elasticity doesn't absorb a fall and via ferrata kits are also elastic and have a shock absorber. In case of a fall your lines will probably not break but your harness or carabiner will. And that will not really matter because your back will brake well before that as the human body can't take a factor 2 fall on almost static lines. Don't get me wrong, you can free solo them if you want, it's your life, but you are doing a disservice to your viewers who take you as an example.
France huh? Hope youre armed lol.
It's definitely been a little crazy in the cities, but fortunately for us we just stay to the mountain towns where everyone's happy and life just goes on as normal. ❤️
Nah in all seriousness this was intense and amazing to watch, the scenery is so beautiful and you guys see and do some of the best stuff life offersm great video you guys.
Aw thanks so much! We do it so you don't have to :D