Luc Fortin
If you lived in Alberta, Canada, most would say "Move to Banff, Jasper, heck even Calgary would do". But to some, Edmonton has been a home base I am one of those.
We have perfected the art of the "Alpine Blitz".
First, conditions must be right. Word of mouth and some websites help alot, but an open mind is even more important. Once you get there, things might have changed and plan B must always be in the workings.
Second, you must stay in physical prime from late July till the end of October if you really want to reduce that "tick list". When the call comes "Hey man, I heard the Beckey-Chouinard was bone dry yesterday" you must be ready to step up to the plate.
Third, make sure your vehicle of choice is tip top. Don't forget to check for a jack and spare. You won't get anywhere without a car there.
Now, leave work early. A suden illness is a good one, just remember wich one you used last time. Pack the car, hopefully done the night before but if it's a true blitz, just trough it all in the trunk. You'll probably use it all anyways.
Fight to get out of the city then line up for a coffee. You ain't making it without one of those either. Drive between 3-4 hours. Park, eat, sleep , climb, descend. Eat, sleep, drive 5 hours (it's always slower coming back).
Regardless of the outcome of the climb, the look on your face at work the next day will make anybody believe you could've been sick yesterday. Exagerate for effect, words of diarhea are a good interogation ender.
Repeat next time a high pressure ridge comes in.