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Ballesteros wins2019-07-17T11:22:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2019/07/15/and-so-it-begins/2019-07-15T20:43:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2019/06/04/its-real-it-really-is/2019-06-04T12:07:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2019/05/15/where-do-i-start/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/strava.pngstravaThe tale of the tape as at 14th May 2019...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/books.jpgbooksA bit of light bedtime reading....2019-05-15T22:01:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2019/05/09/marathon/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nyc.jpgnyc2019-05-09T13:01:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/25/bolivian-climber-postscript/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7061.jpgIMG_7061...and this.....:)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7049.jpgIMG_7049...to this!......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7048.jpgIMG_7048....to this.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7038.jpgIMG_7038....to this......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7042.jpgIMG_7042From this.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7046.jpgIMG_7046From this point in my flight, it just got more and more amazing.......2018-02-01T23:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2016/08/04/zermatt-day-2/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8894.jpgIMG_8894https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8893.jpgIMG_8893https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8892.jpgIMG_8892https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8935.jpgIMG_8935https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8936.jpgIMG_8936https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8933.jpgIMG_8933https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8929.jpgIMG_8929https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8923.jpgIMG_8923https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dsc02837.jpgDSC02837https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8898.jpgIMG_8898The Stellisee, at 2,537m. I can see why it is so incredibly popular!2016-08-04T21:35:41+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2016/08/01/zermatt-matterhorn/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8882.jpgIMG_8882One of the very pretty hamlets we passed on our way back down towards Zermatt. This is Zmutt, I think.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8881.jpgIMG_8881The Matterhorn looking quite different from Stafel, this it's western face.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8879.jpgIMG_8879Near Stafel - the Schonbielhutte in the far distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8872.jpgIMG_8872Starting the descent, Zermatt a long way down the valley in the distance and lots of 4,000m peaks up above.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dsc02828.jpgDSC02828Just to prove I made it there!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8867.jpgIMG_8867This is the closest to the top I am ever going to get, promise!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8861.jpgIMG_8861...and finally the hut comes into view just in the snowline.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8855.jpgIMG_8855...and there are parts where you have something to hold on to....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_8853.jpgIMG_8853The path starts to wend its way up quite steeply....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dsc02824.jpgDSC02824The path starts easily with a footpath and metal railing2016-08-02T12:35:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/24/bolivian-climber-day-ten/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6138.jpgIMG_6138...and some very special places inbetween. What a journey!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc027631.jpgDSC02763...and my latest adventure in the Bolivian Andes....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02298.jpgDSC02298..to nearly the roof of South America....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02070.jpgDSC02070...to the highest point in all of Europe....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc00671.jpgDSC00671Stood in the shadow of the highest place on planet earth..https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/p1000235.jpgP1000235The roof of Africa.......2015-08-25T19:37:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/23/bolivian-climber-day-nine/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_7002.jpgIMG_7002A better view of the sprawling La Paz.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6998.jpgIMG_6998Although you do eventually get some good views down into La Paz.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6990.jpgIMG_6990This is about as pretty as it gets.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6988.jpgIMG_6988The main street of El Alto.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6981.jpgIMG_6981The last look for me at the Condoriri range. It'd be the last time I'd be there, I knew that much already.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02766.jpgDSC02766Breakfast alfresco. Cold, bitterly cold in fact.2015-08-23T19:57:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/22/bolivian-climber-day-eight/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02767.jpgDSC02767....and that nature usually wins in these situations. https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6979.jpgIMG_6979....and then the realisation that there aren't enough rocks....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6978.jpgIMG_6978.....and then a case of how many rocks.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6977.jpgIMG_6977At first it was a case of how many could hold it steady.....2015-08-22T11:40:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/21/bolivian-climber-day-seven/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6973.jpgIMG_6973And coming down the other side.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6972.jpgIMG_6972Fixed line practice above Base Camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6971.jpgIMG_6971Part of the descent through the scree field.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6958.jpgIMG_6958And my watch says 5,335m, or 17,600 feet.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6964.jpgIMG_6964In fact here's me and Wine Bear, and another nudge for Pete's Dragons, just for posterity......:)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6961.jpgIMG_6961If you zoom in you'll see base camp down there by the lake a long way below.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02763.jpgDSC02763...and me and Wine Bear make it too :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02762.jpgDSC02762Gavin, Alessandro, Patrick and Lotte at the summit...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02761.jpgDSC02761The final slog up the summit ridge.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02760.jpgDSC02760....and the views improving too!2015-08-21T15:52:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/20/bolivian-climber-day-six/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6943.jpgIMG_6943The mules passing us by at their own quite sedate pace, but I would too if I had a table on my back!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6944.jpgIMG_6944And the mule train brings in all of our equipment and supplies.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02741.jpgDSC02741The Condoriri range comes into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6937.jpgIMG_6937Huana Potosi - not looking quite so imposing here, but in real life it is quite a sight.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6951.jpgIMG_6951On our way into Condoriri Base Camp - this lake is at 4,600m.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02747.jpgDSC02747Camp is set again, this time we will be here for five nights at Condoriri Base Camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6932.jpgIMG_6932The llamas meantime, know how to seek out a sunny spot.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6929.jpgIMG_6929And looking up the valley, the sun is about to poke its head around Huana Potosi too.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6928.jpgIMG_6928The sun nearly reaches our tents at our first morning waking under canvas.2015-08-20T21:48:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/19/bolivian-climber-day-five/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6927.jpgIMG_6927Huana Potosi (6,088m), nest week's objective, looms into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6925.jpgIMG_6925If you zoom in you'll see our tents are down there in that valley somewhere.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02739.jpgDSC02739A Trango 3 tent, home for however long it took from here.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02738.jpgDSC02738Time to get camped then.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02735.jpgDSC02735We're in the wilderness now...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02729.jpgDSC02729The boatbuilders cottage.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02720.jpgDSC02720....with the bus following alongside us separately.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6922.jpgIMG_6922And it is back on the ferry again to cross back over the inlet....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6921.jpgIMG_6921And for posterity's sake, this is where we were...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6920.jpgIMG_6920...and this is Peru!2015-08-19T19:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/18/bolivian-climber-day-four/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6905.jpgIMG_6905The Basilica of Copacabana, a 16th Century shrine.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6903.jpgIMG_6903...and trying to fight our way through the hordes....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02706.jpgDSC02706...and a ride on top of the boat lets everyone enjoy the scenery even more.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6892.jpgIMG_6892and it is time to bid the island farewell....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6893.jpgIMG_6893A selection of the local produce for lunch, including the largest corn kernels I have ever seen!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6888.jpgIMG_6888And the main source of water for the islanders, apparently the three outlets come from three different underground springs built by the Inca.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6887.jpgIMG_6887Walking down towards the main port.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6882.jpgIMG_6882Local boy (who very enterprisingly charged me 2 Bolivianos for the privilege of taking his photograph) tasking his Alpaca for walkies.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02702.jpgDSC02702And here is our whole group - from left to right, Lesley, Alessandro, Jim, John 1, Laura, Yours Truly, Gavin, Lotte, Patrick, and John 2.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02701.jpgDSC02701....and South towards Illiampu and the rest of the Cordillers Real, the Island of the Moon in the foreground. I could have stood here forever.2015-08-18T11:19:36+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/18/bolivian-climber-day-four-2/2015-08-18T11:18:08+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/17/bolivian-climber-day-3/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6843.jpgIMG_6843Part of the view out over the lake as the sun starts to go down. It was transfixing, and intoxicating, and not just because of all the smells wafting around on the top of the hill!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6842.jpgIMG_6842...in their masses, to worship at the 13 crosses on the top of the hill.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6839.jpgIMG_6839And this is what they come for.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6838.jpgIMG_6838View back down from the top of Calvario Hill.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6832.jpgIMG_6832Eventually we would begin to wind our way up the hill, even though the people were everywhere.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6830.jpgIMG_6830More llama foetuses and armadillos on display though I'm afraid.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_68261.jpgIMG_6826The Peruvians like to dress up their cars and vans for the part too!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6826.jpgIMG_6826The Peruvians like to dress up their yu7https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6825.jpgIMG_6825Walking back towards the hill in town.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6910.jpgIMG_6910The Ecolodge, a bit of an oasis in the madness of Copacabana, thankfully it was right at the far end of the town itself.2015-08-18T11:12:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/16/bolivian-climber-day-two/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02657.jpgDSC02657...and the view back across the city towards the centre. Illimani dominates the backdrop, even if it is over 50 miles away!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02656.jpgDSC02656View from the cable car up to El Alto...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02655.jpgDSC02655Inside on of the witches shops. Fascinating!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6795.jpgIMG_6795.....most of the shops contain offerings to Pachamama, the goddess of Mother Earth.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6792.jpgIMG_6792These are neither cuddly toys nor fake in any way whatsoever...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6790.jpgIMG_6790....and being shown how to fold and chew them, by Rosemary our Almaya guidehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6789.jpgIMG_6789Buying the abundant coca leaves in a street market....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02654.jpgDSC02654A typical La Paz street market. Note in the background how steeply the houses rise into the hillside.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dsc02653.jpgDSC02653The infamous San Pedro prison. It almost looks nice from here, but believe me it isn't.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6779.jpgIMG_6779They use 'zebra crossings' too, but theirs are a little more animated than ours!2015-08-17T11:22:36+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/08/15/bolivian-climber-day-one/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6773.jpgIMG_6773Another typical downtown city scene. Pacēna is the local beer, meaning "of La Paz".https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6772.jpgIMG_6772Another typical (if quieter) La Paz street scene. The lady wears the bowler hat if she is married.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6771.jpgIMG_6771The streets of La Pax, near the church of San Sebastian https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6765.jpgIMG_6765First view down into La Paz itself from El Alto, at 4,100mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/img_6760.jpgIMG_6760First view of Illimani flying into La Paz2015-08-15T19:51:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/06/04/the-fan-dance/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pen_y_fan_from_cribyn.jpgMINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAPen Y Fan from Cribyn2015-06-10T18:07:16+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/03/15/bolivia/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/huayana-potosi.jpghuayana potosi...and Huayana Potosi looks like it has a bit of an "airy" summit :Ohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/alpameyo.jpgalpameyoAlpameyo has a pretty steep summit ridge....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dsc02436.jpgDSC02436Looking down towards Fort William.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dsc02424.jpgDSC02424En route to the summit of Aonach Mor. Fabulous, isn't it? https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_6137.jpgIMG_6137On top of Aonach Mor, Ben Nevis in the background, January 2015.2015-03-15T22:07:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/02/05/aconcagua-the-trek-down-and-the-final-days/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6076.jpgIMG_6076This is how you cook beef ribs :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6083.jpgIMG_6083The 'last supper', our celebration in Mendoza - probably the best meal I have ever eaten. No, definitely the best!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02343.jpgDSC02343And that's it - we are done!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02340.jpgDSC02340The mules finally catch us up......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02334.jpgDSC02334A river crossing towards the bottom of the trail.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10868103_10153578058591040_2071765994021669767_n.jpg10868103_10153578058591040_2071765994021669767_nMeeting Jo was one of the best moments I had on the trip - I love this photo :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02332.jpgDSC02332Approaching the river close to Camp Confluencia.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02330.jpgDSC02330Heading down towards Confluenciahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc023281.jpgDSC02328We didn't expect to be in down jackets for the trek out, but it made it easier really overall, as it was cool and windy, if a bit dusty.2015-02-05T21:21:29+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/02/05/aconcagua-day-17-january-5th-2015/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0860.jpgIMG_0860And the final sunset over the mountains as we hot our tents. Stunning.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0852.jpgIMG_0852The sun begins to set on the western flank of Aconcagua - maybe the last time I'd see the sun set here, who knows.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0850.jpgIMG_0850Eduardo, Martin the German doctor, Fred and Gary.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0849.jpgIMG_0849A celebratory beer at Base Camp!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02316.jpgDSC02316Plenty of 'penitentes' ice around too, reminding us that despite the sunshine, it is still a cold and inhospitable place overall.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02315.jpgDSC02315This one has quite different views to the Guanacos Valley sidehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02314.jpgDSC02314Base Camp life becomes the norm again...2015-02-05T20:23:25+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/02/04/aconcagua-day-16-january-4th-2015-to-the-summit-or-not/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02310.jpgDSC02310There's even a plastic palm tree at Plaza de Mulas!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02307.jpgDSC02307The view the other side of Plaza de Mulas, looking up to where we had just come down from.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02306.jpgDSC02306Base Camp is a relief, even if I would rather be on the summit.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc02321.jpgDSC02321Base Camp (Plaza de Mulas) comes finally into view.2015-02-04T20:23:35+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/02/03/aconcagua-day-15-january-3rd-2015/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0828.jpgIMG_0828Camp Cholera, 6,000m (19,800 feet) - the summit feels like you can touch it from here....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6038.jpgIMG_6038Time to untie these boulders from the tent then.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6035.jpgIMG_6035Final morning at Camp 2....2015-02-03T22:06:50+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/02/02/aconcagua-day-14-2nd-january-2015/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0824.jpgIMG_0824....but the views over the Andes are utterly spectacular.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_0827.jpgIMG_0827The tents pitched at Camp 2 - there are prettier places to camp.......2015-02-02T19:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/28/aconcagua-new-years-day-2015/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02302.jpgDSC02302.....particularly when the lid of your pee bottle is frozen on!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02301.jpgDSC02301Not many forays were made outside the tent, but sometimes you just have to go outside......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02300.jpgDSC02300.......and with the clouds came the snow.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02299.jpgDSC02299Storm clouds gathering up the mountain.....2015-01-28T19:59:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/27/aconcagua-new-years-eve-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/acc5.jpgacc5So here is a view from Camp 2 looking northwards over the Andes - the mountains facing us are just under 6,000m in height.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/acc4.jpgacc4Lunch break for the group just before the traverse.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/acc3.jpgacc3A porter passes us on the way up - we didn't have them of course, and I didn't envy them at all!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/acc2.jpgacc2And looking up towards Camp 2 - the top of the mountain is still 6,000 feet away!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/acc1.jpgacc1Looking back down to Camp1 from about half way to Camp 2.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02297.jpgDSC02297The traverse in the background which goes over the shoulder to Camp 2.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02298.jpgDSC02298Looking towards the summit and the Polish Glacier at around 5,500m.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02292.jpgDSC02292All wrapoped up and ready to go - even though the sun had come out this was one cold day!2015-01-27T14:54:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/26/aconcagua-day-11-30th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02291.jpgDSC02291The view up the mountain where we would have headed today ordinarily - maybe tomorrow.......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02288.jpgDSC02288Everyone was hunkered down for most of the day at Camp 1 - this one taken from the 'toilet' rock.2015-01-26T20:45:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/25/aconcagua-day-10-29th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02285.jpgDSC02285With the tents secured, everyone could settle in and get ready for the next couple of days.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02284.jpgDSC02284The tents have to be weighted down as best you can and protected from the high winds by big rocks.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02280.jpgDSC02280Putting up the tents at Camp 1.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02274.jpgDSC02274Still with fairly heavy loads, we head up the steep slopes to our destination just out of picture top right.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02273.jpgDSC02273heading up through the ice pinnacles (penitents) on our way to Camp 1.2015-01-25T20:55:22+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/24/aconcagua-day-9-28th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02266.jpgDSC02266At Camp 1, close to 5km high, it's been a tough day.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02262.jpgDSC02262The ice pinnacles (penitents) come into view as Camp1 gets closer.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02260.jpgDSC02260At a break, the top of the mountain is in sight, and Camp 1 (not yet is in view) is just over the shoulder of the ridge at the top right.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02256.jpgDSC02256Not yet half way, but Base Camp is already a long way back down there.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02255.jpgDSC02255The trail continues, this is hard work, very hard work.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02253.jpgDSC02253....and so am I. This is what you call a brave face when you have 25kg on your back.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02252.jpgDSC02252Kuntal, Pete and Fred are ready to go...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02250.jpgDSC02250I couldn't have packed anything more into here if I tried.....2015-01-25T19:08:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/21/aconcagua-day-eight-27th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02246.jpgDSC02246....and a look up at the slope we'd face early tomorrow on the first of our proper carries.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02245.jpgDSC02245A look down on Base Camp from just above......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02241.jpgDSC02241The rescue helicopter on one of a number of visits to camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02240.jpgDSC02240Down time in the dining tent - we don't look too happy do we!2015-01-21T20:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/16/aconcagua-day-four-christmas-eve-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0726.jpgIMG_0726First dinner on the mountain - the temperature has dropped dramatically by now.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02166.jpgDSC02166The sun goes down over the Guanacos Valley, Christmas Eve - even the mules are still.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02165.jpgDSC02165....and even if you think conditions are good, as much shelter from the wind is crucial.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02159.jpgDSC02159Tents can take some careful rigging when the ground is so dry....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02153.jpgDSC02153We finally reach camp just after the mules do.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02151.jpgDSC02151The dry and dusty first day continues - Pete, Mo and Fred lead the way.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02149.jpgDSC02149We spot the mule train coming up the valley behind us, always best to let them pass :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02141.jpgDSC02141Further up the valley we begin to climb a bit as it opens up, the temperature still very hot.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02137.jpgDSC02137The first break, much needed, in the Guanacos Valley.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02132.jpgDSC02132At the trailhead on the Guanacos route to Aconcagua.2015-01-19T22:07:48+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/19/aconcagua-day-six-26th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02237.jpgDSC02237My tent pitched at Plaza Arentina looking up the valley, where we'd head in a days' time.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02235.jpgDSC02235The tents of Base camp finally come into view. We'd still pitch our own of course.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02234.jpgDSC02234Plaza Argentina is finally here - home for the next few days.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0140.jpgIMG_0140And it opens up more - the day getting really hot now, despite the elevation we were at (about 13,000 g=feet here).https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02219.jpgDSC02219And more of the mountain comes into view - Aconcagua is on the left.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02217.jpgDSC02217A fleeting view of the top of the snowy peak of Aconagua in the far distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02215.jpgDSC02215The path starts to climb fairly steeply in places, and it is still very cold out of the sun.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02212.jpgDSC02212Crossing the river bit by bit, it wasn't deep, but it was mightily cold!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02208.jpgDSC02208A cold start to the day before setting off up the valley.....2015-01-19T22:06:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/17/aconcagua-christmas-day-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_6027.jpgIMG_6027My "Pete's Dragons' Bear, back the day before in the Los Penitentes Hotel.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02204.jpgDSC02204Camp 2 - the stone hut was where the muleteers slept and cooked our amazing dinner in a fire pit outside.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02203.jpgDSC02203Our second camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02196.jpgDSC02196The first sighting of Aconcagua - a great Christmas present!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02190.jpgDSC02190We spot some Guanacos near to camp - these were the only ones we saw all trip.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02185.jpgDSC02185The mules overtake us of course and we end up about half an hour behind them into camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02182.jpgDSC02182Still really hot as the valley opens up - even the mules are taking it easy..https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02177.jpgDSC02177The trek on up the dry and dusty Guanacos Valley continues....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02171.jpgDSC02171it's getting hot already...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02169.jpgDSC02169Merry Christmas - and brrr!2015-01-17T21:54:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/15/aconcagua-day-four-23rd-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02127.jpgDSC02127Assembling the kit in the weighing room underneath the hotel.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02113.jpgDSC02113The ski lifts (no longer used) in front of the hotel. The top of these slopes must have been close on 4,000m, shame about the lack of snow.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02111.jpgDSC02111Plenty of room at the Hotel Ayelena.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_6028.jpgIMG_6028Rooms in the hotel...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc02109.jpgDSC02109Welcome to the Hotel Ayelena!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_6018.jpgIMG_6018The Andes come into view from the vanhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_6008.jpgIMG_6008Bags nearly ready for the off in the foyer of the hotel.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_6005.jpgIMG_6005Disclaimer form signed - I still haven't read it!!2015-01-15T21:29:27+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/14/aconcagua-day-twothree-22nd-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0708.jpgIMG_0708part of the food and kit we'd need to take up to the mountain with us.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_5992.jpgIMG_5992Lining up at a kiosk in downtown Mendoza for our Aconcagua passes - bizarre!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_5995.jpgIMG_5995A map on the wall of the climbing shop showed the route to Aconcagua - it didn't mean much as yet...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0134.jpgIMG_0134Kit inspection in the hotel - I passed!2015-01-14T20:14:11+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2015/01/13/aconcagua-day-one-20th-december-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_5986.jpgIMG_5986The Hotel Nutibara, Avenue de Mitres, Mendoza2015-01-13T19:20:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/12/16/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-aconcagua-time/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/aconcagua.jpgaconcaguaAconcagua in all her glory.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kit.jpgkitMost of my stuff laid out ready to pack..2014-12-16T15:52:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/18/elbrus-day-12-day-of-days-wednesday-27th-august-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02069.jpgDSC02069There are no words for moments like this.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02071.jpgDSC02071The summit stone at 5,642m - the second of my Seven Summits.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10646720_10153114678618696_3065842366769913014_n.jpg10646720_10153114678618696_3065842366769913014_nAnd it was the shot we had all been waiting for! From left to right, Viktor, Hui Ling, Steve, Roxanne, Dennis, Katherine, Cormac, Paul and yours trull all celebrate our great achievement.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0045.jpgIMG_0045Just approaching the saddle of Elbrus.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0062.jpgIMG_0062Roxanne heading towards the saddle - the corona we saw is well evident in the background here.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0068.jpgIMG_0068And then into the saddle at about 5,300m, the summit finally in sight in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0029.jpgIMG_0029....daylight appears, although with it a really intense cold wind.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0030.jpgIMG_0030And then from one moment to the next, from near darkness still....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0024.jpgIMG_0024The dawn starts to appear and the clouds start to lift too, although the steepness of the mountain hasn't relented yet.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_0021.jpgIMG_0021Viktor leading our troop, now diminished by three, just before day breaks.2014-09-18T21:53:54+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/16/elbrus-day-11-the-trip-to-the-south-side-august-26th/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_5618.jpgIMG_5618The snowcats - we'd ride in the back of these sometime after midnight to help us on our way a bit.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02059.jpgDSC02059....whilst Viktor and Adele sort out monies to pay to guides, cooks, and snowcat drivers alike.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02057.jpgDSC02057....and the other half of us.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02056.jpgDSC02056We have our last mountaintop lunch together.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02055.jpgDSC02055Inside barrel number 6!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_5632.jpgIMG_5632.....to our home for the evening - the barrels!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02054.jpgDSC02054....and finally arriving at the top station, just glad to have stopped travelling......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_5605.jpgIMG_5605....and riding up the chairlift towards the barrels - some of the chairlifts had a front bar to sort of half hold you in, others did not!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_5595.jpgIMG_5595Leaving the cable car and heading to the chairlift...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_5592.jpgIMG_5592And moving higher still in the second cable car.2014-09-16T22:05:23+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/15/elbrus-day-10-august-25th-back-to-pyatigorsk/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02036.jpgDSC02036On the dirt road out of Base Camp - even Viktor had to hold onto something!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02034.jpgDSC02034Base Camp warmth and happiness!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02028.jpgDSC02028Heading through 'the goge' - Base Camp finally in view in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02024.jpgDSC02024Heading down towards the airfieldhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02008.jpgDSC02008Happy to be heading out and down....2014-09-15T10:43:02+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/14/elbrus-day-9-summit-attempt-2-or-not-24th-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01998.jpgDSC01998The boots and kit from last night get a good airing.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02003.jpgDSC02003Getting ready for Youtube filming, on our final afternoon at High Camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc02001.jpgDSC02001Killing time, dining hut, High Camp.2014-09-14T20:10:17+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/12/elbrus-day-8-summit-attempt-day-23rd-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01995.jpgDSC01995Headtorches on, crampons tightened, we are off!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01999.jpgDSC01999Viktor ponders what to do whilst the clouds begin to gather at pace over the summit.2014-09-12T09:55:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/11/elbrus-day-7-22nd-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p10301631.jpgP1030163Afternoon tea and a debrief of what tomorrow might bring - good hut times :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030163.jpgP1030163https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01987.jpgDSC01987Katherine enjoys that "yay I'm at 4,800m moment" https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01986.jpgDSC01986A we all earned breather at Lenz Rocks, 4,800m, our highest point of the day, the temperatures massively different up here.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01985.jpgDSC01985Looking down towards High Camp from Lenz Rocks at 4,800m, the clouds now starting to roll in up the mountainshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01982.jpgDSC01982Looking East towards Georgia - the pitch of the mountain was consistently steep the whole way.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01975.jpgDSC01975Looking back down towards High Camp from about 4,600m. If you look very closely there are climbers just starting out way down below.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01977.jpgDSC01977Our ten takes a well earned breather while Viktor';s team above soldiers on - the sun beats down still.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01971.jpgDSC01971Setting off up the glacier, but where the heck did the dog come from? https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01970.jpgDSC01970Elbrus reveals her self properly finally, just after sunrise. The West summit is on the right, although is actually out of view here.2014-09-11T09:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/09/elbrus-day-6-21st-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01963.jpgDSC01963And looking back up towards the summit, descending now towards camp.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01965.jpgDSC01965Looking back down the glacier towards our huts, middle left of picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01961.jpgDSC01961A pretty chilled day all round was had.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01958.jpgDSC01958https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01956.jpgDSC01956Everyone getting the hang of their crampons.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01952.jpgDSC01952Heading down the boulder field in search of hidden treasures.2014-09-09T19:10:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/07/elbrus-day-5-20th-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01934.jpgDSC01934Hut life at 3,730m - this was our dining hut - home for all meals for the next five or more days....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01939.jpgDSC01939Our first (almost) clear view of the top of the mountain. The only clear views were at about 6am as the sun rose. The summit (west peak) is hidden behind the clouds at the top right of the picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01949.jpgDSC01949A view towards the high camp toilet (left middle of shot in the distance) - a long walk in the middle of the night (which was never made to my knowledge, al fresco much easier).https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01946.jpgDSC01946High Camp, inside the flappy roof hut - cosy at least!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01932.jpgDSC01932The 'flappy roof' hut on the right, which housed nine of us, the kitchen hut on the left.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01933.jpgDSC01933The glacier leading towards the summit of Elbrus - a faint trail of climbers can be seen on the way up on the left hand side.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01921.jpgDSC01921.....and we are nearly there as the glacier finally comes into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01920.jpgDSC01920The path through the boulders as the climb began to steepen....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc01917.jpgDSC01917Hui Ling tries her best Monsters Inc impression on Adele, who seems somewhat unperturbed :)2014-09-07T20:11:02+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/09/02/elbrus-day-four-19th-august/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030158.jpgP1030158Andy packing everything down (or trying to :)) into his rucksack.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030135.jpgP1030135Climbing on top of the rocks for a better view of our surroundings.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030133.jpgP1030133On the approach to Mushroom Rocks.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030126.jpgP1030126.....and the cache is complete.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030122.jpgP1030122And the cache itself is underway......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030120.jpgP1030120Heading towards the rocks at 3,500m where we would cache our glacier equipment.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030117.jpgP1030117Heading across the flat area known as 'the airfield', actually a German base during WW2.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1030111.jpgP1030111Leaving Base Camp in the early morning rain.2014-09-02T10:15:03+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/31/elbrus-day-three-18th-august-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030104.jpgP1030104....and the 'spa' to which they flocked. It was a little too 'cosy' in there for me to go anywhere near!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5585.jpgIMG_5585The campsite down the valley which brought masses of people to the 'healing' springs....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030106.jpgP1030106Glacial meltwater pours through an opening in the rocks above us....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030098.jpgP1030098Elbrus Base Camp, north side - the boys' hut is on the left.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030095.jpgP1030095Andy didn't seem to be too phased by the bridge :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030086.jpgP1030086Base camp comes into view at 2,500m on Elbrus - that river down there is also the road however....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030079.jpgP1030079The mighty (and that's an understatement) Elbrus comes into view finally.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5557.jpgIMG_5557squeezing in the luggage - it fit, just.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030070.jpgP1030070Our carriages await......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_0045.jpgIMG_0045The somewhat overelaborate breakfast setting at the Intourist Hotel2014-09-19T08:28:36+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/30/elbrus-day-onetwo-16th17th-august-2014/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030069.jpgP1030069Fountain music - a completely unexpected, and actually delightful, surprise.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030067.jpgP1030067The group chill over beer and way too many herbs for dinner.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01909.jpgDSC01909A view over Pyatigorsk from the third floor of our hotel.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1030066.jpgP1030066Mine and Paul's room at the Intourist Hotel, basic, but clean enough, just :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5546.jpgIMG_5546The Intourist Hotel, Pyatigorsk - not the prettiest sight in the world, and a case of 'function over form' for the most part.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5538.jpgIMG_55382014-08-30T19:18:16+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/14/its-elbrus-time/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/mount_elbrus_may_2008.jpgMount_Elbrus_May_2008Elbrus :)2014-08-30T18:00:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/12/mont-blanc-2014-day-4-saturday-19th-july/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5463.jpgIMG_5463....and giving :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5458.jpgIMG_5458And the beauty of the valley kept on giving....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5453.jpgIMG_5453There are about 10 ibex in this picture somewhere. honest :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5452.jpgIMG_5452And about to head down the beautiful valley, bouldering complete.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01908.jpgDSC01908Leaving the Chabon hut for the last time, Sunday morning.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01902.jpgDSC01902Looking one last time up the glacier - various teams of roped-up climbers can be seen in the far distance.2014-08-12T21:49:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/11/mont-blanc-2014-day-3-friday-18th-july/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01901.jpgDSC01901Happy at our return to the hut!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01897.jpgDSC01897And finally upon reaching the bottom of the glacier, our hut appears a long way in the distance, middle of picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5438.jpgIMG_5438And Mont Blanc appears again in the distance. Memo to self - don't stand on the rope!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01893.jpgDSC01893...and trails of roped up climbers ahead of us meander down the glacier.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01892.jpgDSC01892....still above the clouds in the distance.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01890.jpgDSC01890On our way down finally...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5428.jpgIMG_5428And made it :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5430.jpgIMG_5430Looking back down (the trail in the distance) from the summit to where the previous photograph was taken from.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5427.jpgIMG_5427Approaching the summit ridge and the bottleneck at the top of Gran Paradisohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5423.jpgIMG_5423....with crampons on and all well wrapped up - it was very cold!2014-09-19T08:00:27+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/05/mont-blanc-2014-day-2/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01881.jpgDSC01881Looking up the glacier from the Chabon hut - the summit is hidden at the back right of the picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01880.jpgDSC01880The Chabon hut, Gran Paradiso national park.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01877.jpgDSC01877Taking a breather early on the path up to the Chabon Huthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5419.jpgIMG_5419....and the view to the Eastern side, the far end of Mont Blanc peering into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5418.jpgIMG_5418View from the chalet of the western side of the Chamonix valley.......2014-08-05T21:24:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/08/01/mont-blanc-2014-day-one/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01859.jpgDSC01859Looking towards the summit of Mont Blanc, a further 1km above us, from the cable car station, the Dome du Gouter is on the righthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01856.jpgDSC01856The top of the famous Vallee Blanche glacier, looking towards Italyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01854.jpgDSC01854....and stepping out at the top at 3,842m. That's the town nearly 3 vertical kilometres below.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dsc01849.jpgDSC01849From the cable car on the way up...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5415.jpgIMG_5415And the ridge leading towards the Grand Couloir looks menacingly towards town too.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5407.jpgIMG_5407The Aguille du Midi and the Dome du Gouter loom large over the townhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_5405.jpgIMG_5405Looking from town towards the Grand Jurasses2014-08-01T08:55:29+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/07/14/its-mont-blanc-time/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image2.jpgimageThe Bosses Ridge - I'm ready for you, I think!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image1.jpgimageThe final route to the top - the Grand Couloir may well be tricky...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image.jpgimageMont Blanc - beautiful. 2014-07-14T20:07:14+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/06/17/24-peaks-day-two/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/medals.jpgmedalsEveryone happy and descended with medals to show for our endeavours.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/finished.jpgfinishedA celebratory moment atop Peak 24, Watson's Dodd.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ulls.jpgullsView towards Ullswater from Nethermost Pikehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/helve.jpghelveThe view towards Helvellyn, centre in the distance, and Nethermost Pike (foreground) from Dollywagon Pike.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/dollywagon.jpgdollywagonDollywagon Pike - don't ask what we were doing!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/lakes.jpglakesSescending towards Grizedale Tarn - hard work, but helped by the views at last!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5157.jpgIMG_5157Ascending the steep drag up Red Screes - at least it wasn't raining!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5150.jpgIMG_5150....and to the North West.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5151.jpgIMG_5151....and westwards....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5149.jpgIMG_5149Looking south over Windermere, 8th June 2014, 5.30am....2014-06-17T14:58:27+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/06/16/24-peaks-day-one/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5145.jpgIMG_5145The corridor route down from Scafell Pike towards Great Gable - definitely the last time my camera came out ohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5139.jpgIMG_5139Our guides, Kate and Matt, Scafell Pike - they were happy too!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5136.jpgIMG_5136Summit of Scafell Pike (excuse the slightly over the top celebration!), Peter, Margaret and Sener in foreground.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5132.jpgIMG_5132Great Gable (right) and Green Gable from just below Scafell Pikehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5128.jpgIMG_5128This is actually one of the last pictures I took all day, somewhere around Broad Chttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5120.jpgIMG_5120And towards the top of Bowfell, looking towards Scafell Pike in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5119.jpgIMG_5119And looking back down from the top of the Band towards the Langdale valley.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5116.jpgIMG_5116Ready to go! About 5.55am looking towards the Band, and Bowfell, unseen in picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5155.jpgIMG_5155Ambleside Youth Hostel - a really great location overall - I stayed there only once before, when I was 16!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5111.jpgIMG_5111View over the north side of Windermere towards the Langdales upon arrival at the YHA.2014-06-16T21:06:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/05/27/the-welsh-three-peaks-done/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01819.jpgDSC01819At the finishing point, with our finishers T shirts.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01818.jpgDSC01818The Lake at Llanberis, and our finishing point, come finally into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01789.jpgDSC01789...until finally we made it to the top!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01781.jpgDSC01781The cloud just kept coming in....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01775.jpgDSC01775Kuldeep tries to imagine how big or how far the summit is away....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01766.jpgDSC01766Looking south over the Snowdonia National Park.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01747.jpgDSC01747Setting off up the Pyg Track, Crib Goch in the background.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01744.jpgDSC01744The steep path down to join the earlier path we came up on - hard going on the knees!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01742.jpgDSC01742Taken from just below the summit of Mynydd Moel, the horseshoe walk that we have just undertaken comes into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dsc01738.jpgDSC01738Looking up to Cadair Idris from Mynydd Moel, the Irish Sea in the distance.2014-06-02T19:54:29+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/06/01/the-24-peaks-are-getting-too-close/2014-06-01T20:05:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/05/12/brecon-four-peaks-done/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4944.jpgIMG_4944And finally Cribyn, Pen Y Fan, and Corn Ddu, as seen from the top of Fan Y Big.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4936.jpgIMG_4936Pen Y Fan and Corn Ddu as seen from the top of Cribyn.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4928.jpgIMG_4928The path back up Pen Y Fan from the Storey Arms centre.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4908.jpgIMG_4908The view from Pen Y Fan towards Cribyn (foreground) and Fan Y Big (just over and beyond from Cribyn).https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4915.jpgIMG_4915On the top of Pen Y Fan, the highest point in South Wales.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4905.jpgIMG_4905A closer view of Corn Ddu and Pen Y Fan (right).https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4902.jpgIMG_4902And then towards the peaks - Corn Ddu on the left, Pen Y Fan in the middle, and Cribyn on the right.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4901.jpgIMG_4901Looking back down towards the Neuadd Reservoir....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_4897.jpgIMG_4897Start of the walk near the Neuadd reservoir, the Brecons in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_3811.jpgIMG_38112014-05-14T06:07:27+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/05/02/the-brecon-four-peaks/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1010654.jpgP1010654The Diving Board, Fan Y Big..2014-05-02T19:47:03+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/04/22/the-yorkshire-three-peaks/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4875.jpgIMG_4875My finishers certificate - we were in the first group to finish on the day. 'Average' time is apparently around 12 hours.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4873.jpgIMG_4873From the trig point on top of Whernside. in the far distance below you can just make out the Ribblehead viaduct.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4866.jpgIMG_4866Underneath the mightily impressive Ribblehead Viaduct.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4846.jpgIMG_4846Starting the long trek to Whernside (far right) - Ingleborough can be seen in the far (centre left) distance too.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4845.jpgIMG_4845And finally on the very top, just to prove I made it :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4841.jpgIMG_4841And getting closer now to the very summit.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4840.jpgIMG_4840Towards the top of Pen-Y-Ghent - they have done a good job with paving these areas to help stop erosion.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4836.jpgIMG_4836The trig point on Ingleborough, adorned with QR code - an interesting blend of the old and the new.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4835.jpgIMG_4835From near the summit of Ingleborough, looking back down towards Whernside and the Ribblehead valley.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4819.jpgIMG_4819The churchyard in Horton in Ribblesdale, Pen-Y-Ghent in the background.2014-04-22T21:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/04/17/its-nearly-time/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yorks3peaks-chapel-le-dale-anticlockwise-688x194.jpgYorks3Peaks-CHapel-le-Dale-anticlockwise-688x194The 'wrong way round', apparently....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yorks3peaks-horton-anticlockwise.jpgYorks3Peaks-Horton-anticlockwiseThe accepted route....2014-04-30T22:07:10+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/04/08/peaks-peaks-peaks-and-more-peaks/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ingleborough.jpgingleboroughhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/whernside.jpgwhernsideWhernside, North Yorkshire's highest point.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pen-y-ghent.jpgpen-y-ghentPen-Y-Ghent - doesn't sound like it belongs in Yorkshire to me...2014-04-10T19:57:47+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/03/22/more-mountains-are-a-coming/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/aconcagua01.jpgaconcagua01Aconcagua - so far away still......but getting nearer.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/795262.jpg795262The Bosses ridge on Mont Blanc.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/e7849ce6f900fec4e10368a8b7f553eb_large.jpege7849ce6f900fec4e10368a8b7f553eb_large2014-03-30T16:11:58+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/03/09/a-march-update/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc01638.jpgDSC01638Deer in front of the Abbeyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc01632.jpgDSC01632The deer at Woburn Abbey2014-03-09T20:54:23+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2014/01/05/new-years-resolutions/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3891.jpgIMG_3891And displaying quite proudly my finisher's medal :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3894.jpgIMG_3894A happy finisher complete with medal :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/orig-rlbf7443.jpegorig-RLBF7443Too many jelly babies on the way round perhaps?2014-01-05T20:45:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2013/12/13/life-is-oh-so-short/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/elbrus2.jpgelbrus2Mount Elbrus2014-01-05T18:59:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2013/05/20/im-back/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/aconcagua1.jpgACONCAGUA1Aconcagua 2013-05-20T20:56:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2013/01/02/day-9-khao-lak-to-surin-beach-phuket/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/dsc01475.jpgDSC01475The (very) end of the road - the Manathai Hotal, Surin Beach, Phuket.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_3300.jpgIMG_3300....and then onto the quieter back roads down to Surin Beach.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_3299.jpgIMG_3299On the north of Phuket at last......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_3295.jpgIMG_3295A brief stop for a group shot on the bridge over to Phuket.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_3287.jpgIMG_3287The police boat that was carried onshore in 2004 at the scene of the Khao Lak tsunami.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_3282.jpgIMG_3282The tsunami warning station just north of Khao Lak, quite a sobering sight.2013-01-02T19:38:16+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/31/day-8-kuraburi-to-khao-lak/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3269.jpgIMG_3269The very lovely and stupidly quiet beach at Khao Lak on the Andaman Sea.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3267.jpgIMG_3267The Takolaburi Resort, Khao Lakhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3262.jpgIMG_3262Our lunch spot, strangely and also very sadly deserted.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01472.jpgDSC01472The memorial wall commemorating the dead at Ban Nam Khem.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3259.jpgIMG_3259These boats are a stunning 2km inland.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3255.jpgIMG_3255The entrance to the tsunami cemetery....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3248.jpgIMG_3248One of so many rubber plantations we cycled through en route.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3228.jpgIMG_3228A morning feed stop - and an always welcome selection of fruit and cooling drinks etc.2012-12-31T20:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/27/day-7-ranong-to-kuraburi/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01457.jpgDSC01457The pool at the resort.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01454.jpgDSC01454view rfom by room at the Greenview Resport, Kura Burihttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3217.jpgIMG_3217It's easy to smile, even with a puncture, when you have a friendly man in a support van to come and repair it for you!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3205.jpgIMG_3205.....and geting closer to Phuket (our final destination) all the time - we've now done 600km already!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3204.jpgIMG_3204We're on the road to somewhere....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3200.jpgIMG_3200Sunrise from the Tinidee hotel in Ranong.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3210.jpgIMG_3210Another delicious lunch stop.2012-12-27T10:03:50+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/21/day-6-chumphon-to-ranong/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3190.jpgIMG_3190Lunch on the river, which river I'm not sure, but the food was fabulous.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01448.jpgDSC01448The Isthmus of Kra - Burma is the other side of the river from me. Goodness knows what the sign says!!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3166.jpgIMG_3166My last view of the Gulf of Thailand as the early morning rays shone through from the beach.2012-12-21T20:05:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/20/day-5-ban-krut-to-chumphon/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01440.jpgDSC01440This was the hotel taken from the beach - Spiceroads had done us proud again.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01439.jpgDSC01439.....but the pool was much cooler thankfully!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3155.jpgIMG_3155The beautiful unspoilt beach at Chumphon.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3149.jpgIMG_3149Another day, another great lunch stop.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3152.jpgIMG_3152Following Esso down another really busy Thai road :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3137.jpgIMG_3137....whilst others try their luck from the jetty.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3136.jpgIMG_3136The fishermen unload their catch......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3117.jpgIMG_3117....and then the whole sky is awash with colour as the sun itself peers over the horizon.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3108.jpgIMG_3108The sun begins to light up the eastern sky over the Gulf....2012-12-20T19:18:14+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/18/day-3-prachuap-khiri-khan-to-ban-krut/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3098.jpgIMG_3098My bedroom for the next day and half was an individual bungalow - bliss :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3056.jpgIMG_3056https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01421.jpgDSC01421.....and looking up the coast from the same spot - the temple we just came from is in the distance on the hill.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01420.jpgDSC01420The Keeree Waree Resort and Spa, Ban Krut, from the beach....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01411.jpgDSC01411....and the southbound view. Our resort was slap bang in the middle of this long bay :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01408.jpgDSC01408The view north from the temple......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01413.jpgDSC01413And at the front of the temple itself.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01406.jpgDSC01406Just walking up these steps was a tough ask in this heat - what the heck were we doing cycling!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3085.jpgIMG_3085.....and onto a more typical quiet road heading now back down towards the coast. The roads were almost always as smooth as this one is.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3080.jpgIMG_3080Cycling through a fairly typical Thai town...2012-12-18T17:13:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/17/day-2-hua-hin-to-prachuap-khiri-khan/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3055.jpgIMG_3055Not entirely sure what to make of some of the contents of the mini bar though - clearly the last two items weren't meant for Westerners, whatever they were!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc013831.jpgDSC01383The Hadthong Hotel, balcony view over the Gulf of Thailand.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3048.jpgIMG_3048Entering Prachuap Khiri Khan - this time monkeys stop play!!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3040.jpgIMG_3040......some very very odd cows came and stared us out!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3036.jpgIMG_3036Just as the scenery starts getting a bit more varied......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3031.jpgIMG_3031And the food was fantastic too - this was flaked deep fried fish - delicious.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3032.jpgIMG_3032Our table for lunch, not a bad spot I'd sayhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_3027.jpgIMG_3027I didn't stop to either feed it or find out what sort of monkey it might be......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01386.jpgDSC01386https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01385.jpgDSC013852012-12-17T20:04:24+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/16/day-1-petchaburi-to-hua-hin/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_2987.jpgIMG_2987At the night market, Hua Hin. Fascinating!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01374.jpgDSC01374View at front terrace of hotel overlooking Gulf of Thailandhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01373.jpgDSC01373Pool view from my room at the Putahracsa Hotel, Hua Hinhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_2971.jpgIMG_2971Our lunch stop.....delicious food was had.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc013661.jpgDSC01366And we are ready for the off!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dsc01366.jpgDSC01366https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/day0ne-001.jpgday0ne 0012012-12-16T17:20:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/12/13/one-night-in-bangkok/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-565.jpgthailand 565https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-558.jpgthailand 558https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-551.jpgthailand 551https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-535.jpgthailand 535https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-526.jpgthailand 526https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-517.jpgthailand 517https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-514.jpgthailand 514https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-513.jpgthailand 513https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/thailand-511.jpgthailand 511https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/iphone-1415.jpgiphone 14152012-12-13T17:42:44+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/10/16/setback/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/unsaved-preview-document1.jpegUnsaved Preview DocumentMRI scan of my right foot.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/unsaved-preview-document.jpegUnsaved Preview DocumentMRI scan of my right foot.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/553567_3780553028042_42114788_n.jpg553567_3780553028042_42114788_nMRI scan of my left foothttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_2715.jpgIMG_2715Myself, Dan and good friend Mel immediately prior to the Great North Run.2012-11-23T15:25:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/09/03/medical-screening-on-aconcagua/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/aconcagua.jpgaconcagua2012-09-03T12:21:54+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/08/13/berchtesgadener-alps-the-final-day/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-041.jpgberchtesgaden 041Westerly view over Austria from the terrace at the Ingolstaedterhaushttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-036.jpgberchtesgaden 036...and finally we are there :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-033.jpgberchtesgaden 033The Ingolstaedterhaus looms ever closer.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-029.jpgberchtesgaden 029And finally the Ingolstaedterhaus comes into view in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-028.jpgberchtesgaden 028Another snowfield to cross.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-022.jpgberchtesgaden 022The mood lifts with the cloudshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-020.jpgberchtesgaden 020And Anna putting on a very brave and happy face as we headed off up on one of so many snowfields.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-018.jpgberchtesgaden 018Having a bit of a lark around as the snows came down....2012-08-13T10:32:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/08/08/berchtesgadener-alps-continued/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/tm808204.jpgtm808204The Riemannhaus in sunnier times, not quite the view that we got.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fred-077.jpgfred 077Heading up a snowy gully in the Steinernes Meerhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fred-073.jpgfred 073but entering the Stony Sea it sooned turned cold and wet.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fred-071.jpgfred 071Setting out from the Karlingerhaus before the weather got bad....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/berchtesgaden-013.jpgberchtesgaden 013https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/berchtesgaden-0101.jpgberchtesgaden 010The Karlingerhaus, by the Funtensee, Bavaria2012-08-08T13:15:09+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/07/24/berchtesgadener-alps-day-one-or-part-of-it/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/berchtesgaden-058.jpgberchtesgaden 058Looking back down at our initial path up into the mountainshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/berchtesgaden-007.jpgberchtesgaden 007On our way down the lake on the boat, St Bartholoma in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/berchtesgaden-010.jpgberchtesgaden 010The Karlingerhaus, by the Funtenseehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/4448-berchtesgaden_germany_europe_14-01-2012_1.jpg4448-Berchtesgaden_Germany_Europe_14.01.2012_1Berchtesgaden with the Watzmann in the backgroundhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/dsc01215.jpgDSC01215Our boat arrives on the Konigsee to take us to St Bartholoma2012-07-24T14:37:55+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/07/17/karwendel-alps-final-day/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/920.jpg920The vewi back up to the Goetheweg from Rum, Innsbruckhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/9191.jpg919The walk down to Rum from Rumer Almhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/919.jpg919The walk down to Rum from Rumer Almhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/910.jpg910.......sitting on my backside!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/909.jpg909....even if I sometimes ended up......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/904.jpg904.....which brought Innsbruck ever closer.......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/908.jpg908Scree-skiing down the mountain....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/894.jpg894The beginning of the descent, Innsbruck in the valley far belowhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/890.jpg890At the top of the pass immediately before the descent to Innsbruck.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/888.jpg888The top of the pass on the Goetheweg trail towards Innsbruck2015-08-15T19:14:24+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/07/06/karwandel-alps-day-two/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/955.jpg955Sunset over the Karwandelhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/822.jpg822And a closer look at the Hallerangerhaus, our destination for the night.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/815.jpg815From the top of our ascent for the day, at about 2,200m, looking down towards the Hallerangerhaus in the distance in the valleyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/793.jpg793Looking south from the approach to the Hallerangerhaushttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/786.jpg786An alpine meadow looking in the direction of the Stempeljoch, which would be tomorrow's destination.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/770.jpg770The climb up towards the Bettelwurfhuttehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/769.jpg769The trek started up a steep road at first...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/763.jpg763Ringing ahead to hopefully get us some beds for the night.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/759.jpg759The Karwandel Alps - the trail would start here2012-07-11T10:36:38+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/07/10/karwendel-alps-day-3/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/882.jpg882Kaiserschmarm - food of the gods!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/878.jpg878The path down to the Pfeishutte, shown in the middle of the picture.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/874.jpg874I bled a lot for this photograph :) The view behind shows the path that we used to ascend.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/865.jpg865The final path up to the Stempeljoch from the Wilde Bande Steighttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/851.jpg851Close up of the path on the other side of the valley, it looked a bit precarious to me...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/8481.jpg848Crossing a snowfieldhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/857.jpg857Making our way along a tricky section of the Wilde Bande Steighttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/848.jpg848A snowfield crossing, but no problems encounteredhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/843.jpg843A closer view of the Wilde Bande Steig path on the right of the picturehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/841.jpg841About to set off along the Wilde Bande Steig - our path would take us up the snowy col in the distance eventually.2012-07-10T16:21:33+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/07/04/karwendel-alps-day-one/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/dsc01036.jpgDSC01036Verena and Susanne in front of our hotel in Maurach,https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ach.jpgachAbove the Achensee, Austria.2012-07-07T22:06:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/06/25/the-alps-await/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1258035861pleisen_karwendel.jpg1258035861Pleisen_KarwendelIn the Karwandel range, this may be the Pleisen.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/berchtesgaden-3.jpgberchtesgaden.3The Watzmann mounatin, towering over Berchtesgadenhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/karwendel.pngKarwendelThe Northern Limestone Alps2012-06-25T21:02:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2012/03/26/aconcagua/2012-06-21T15:27:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/12/02/himalayas-day-20-the-final-day/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00781.jpgDSC00781And finally, walking back out into the madness that is Kathmandu traffic.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00776.jpgDSC00776One of the many amazing Stupas in Durbar Squarehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00766.jpgDSC00766And a plaque describing how it all came about.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00760.jpgDSC00760And the local trader's markethttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00753.jpgDSC00753And anotherhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00748.jpgDSC00748One of the many temples around Durbar Squarehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00743.jpgDSC00743Old Alfred Hitchcock movies, anyone?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dsc00739.jpgDSC00739The start of Durbar Square, Kathmandu2012-02-15T16:47:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/12/01/himalayas-day-19-lukla-to-kathmandu/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/151111-117.jpg151111 117The Everest Summiteers Board in the Rum Doodle - Chris Bonnington's name up there amongst many othershttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/151111-116.jpg151111 116The Rum Doodle - never has a beer been more welcome!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/151111-115.jpg151111 115Back in the welcome but almost shocking bedlam of Kathmanduhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-718.jpgNepal 718Approaching Kathmandu from the air at last.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-713.jpgNepal 713..And finally I get into one too - get out of my way!!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-708.jpgNepal 708The plane before us gets ready to hurtle down the hill......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/151111-112.jpg151111 112This felt like a winning lottery ticket, believe me.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-706.jpgNepal 706And we can see the runway - yippee!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-705.jpgNepal 705Waiting excitedly now to escape.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/nepal-701.jpgNepal 701It's a miracle - there is actually a sky up there!2011-12-02T19:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/30/himalayas-days-17-and-18-still-in-lukla/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-102.jpg151111 102The view down the mountain from Lukla, the tents in the foreground the sleeping quarters for the Island Peak returnees.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-6921.jpgNepal 692This plane (the only one here) has been here since last Tuesday and not moved.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-692.jpgNepal 692https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-101.jpg151111 101The odd break in the clouds offers a bit of a glimpse of the runway.2011-11-30T13:14:16+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/28/himalayas-day-16-lukla-bored-now/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-100.jpg151111 100Evereyone else is just hanging around in the rain.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-0951.jpg151111 095Horse getting a bite to eat from the Organic Food Store was one of the highlights of my dayhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-095.jpg151111 095https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-090.jpg151111 090The runway, or all you can see of it, at Lukla.2011-11-28T16:04:38+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/25/himalayas-day-15-lukla-to-nowhere-at-all/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-694.jpgNepal 694Wandering around aimlessly, Lukla stylehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-106.jpg151111 106Hanging on in quiet desperation, North Face Lodge, Luklahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-089.jpg151111 089My slightly less than salubrious, and a bit damp, room in Luklahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-698.jpgNepal 698My slightly less than salubrious room in Lukla2011-12-07T20:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/24/himalayas-day-14-kyangjuma-to-lukla/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-697.jpgNepal 697Lukla - not really much happening under the clouds at all.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-685.jpgNepal 685Following Saroz down the path from Kyangjuma - the clouds now below us...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1644.jpgIMG_1644This place at least offered me something to while away the odd hour or three.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc007011.jpgDSC00701The North Face Lodge, my home for the next 'x' nights....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00701.jpgDSC007012011-11-24T14:12:58+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/23/himalayas-day-13-dingboche-to-kyangjuma/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-683.jpgNepal 683About to cross the Khumbu before heading to Tengbochehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-675.jpgNepal 675I could have done with one of those horses on the way up!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-672.jpgNepal 672Already out of the snow and ice, our descent down the valley was well and truly underway nowhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-671.jpgNepal 671Inside the Dining Room at the Friendship Lodge at Dingboche2011-11-23T13:56:38+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/22/himalayas-day-12-up-or-down-or-lobuche-to-dingboche/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00680.jpgDSC00680Arriving back in Dingboche, and my last view of Island Peak.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00679.jpgDSC00679Leaving a very cold Lobuche for the last time - the clouds just creeping up ahead in the valley.2011-11-22T14:53:10+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/21/himalaya-day-11-gorak-shep-to-lobuche-via-kala-pattar/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-666.jpgNepal 666Looking back down the valley as we begin our descent towards Lobuche.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-6621.jpgNepal 662https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-662.jpgNepal 662https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-661.jpgNepal 661https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-653.jpgNepal 653Bruce, Ben, Dave, yours truly, and Ram our guide.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-648.jpgNepal 648........of this.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-647.jpgNepal 647The reason people climb up to here is to admire the view.............https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-640.jpgNepal 640The summit of Kala Pattar - I am very glad that Ram was holding onto me!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-6442.jpgNepal 644Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse, Everest (background), Lhotse, Nuptse, to name but a fewhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-6441.jpgNepal 6442011-11-21T12:46:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/19/himalayas-day-10-lobuche-to-gorak-shep-via-everest-base-camp/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00625.jpgDSC00625Back at Gorak Shep - in the shadow of Pumori, a mere 7,165mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00639.jpgDSC00639The Khumbu Icefall as seen from Everest Base Camphttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00637.jpgDSC00637The whole group, including our guides, at EBC.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00638.jpgDSC00638"Everest" marks the spot!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00640.jpgDSC00640Expedition tents visible at the far end of EBC - away from the 'public' area.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00631.jpgDSC00631A teasing view of Everest's summit over the shoulder of Nuptse, the Khumbu Icefall on the left.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00626.jpgDSC00626The sign points the way! The magnificent west wall of Nuptse dominates the skyline.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00620.jpgDSC00620Looking back down the valley along the Khumbu glacierhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00616.jpgDSC00616Gorak Shep is finally in sight, the Khumbu Icefall in view in the distance too!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00612.jpgDSC00612The upper Khumbu Valley - Lingtren, Changtse, Nuptse. Colossal.2011-11-19T11:15:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/18/himalayas-day-9-dingboche-to-lobouche/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-583.jpgNepal 583The settlement of Lobouche, a desolate place indeedhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-5701.jpgNepal 570And a wider shot back down the valley again. I think this photograph is going on my wall as a picture somehow.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-570.jpgNepal 570https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-5811.jpgNepal 581Looking up towards the head of the Khumbu Valley, and the Khumbu Icefall itself.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-581.jpgNepal 581https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-579.jpgNepal 579The swathe cut by the Khumbu glacier below ushttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-576.jpgNepal 576The "Eco Lodge" at Lobouche - pretty it certainly wasn't.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-574.jpgNepal 574Further up the Khumbu Valley towards Nuptse as the clouds start to descendhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-566.jpgNepal 566The Baba Chiri Memorialhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-561.jpgNepal 561The Scott Fischer Memorial2011-11-18T14:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/17/himalayas-day-8-dingboche-to-nangkartshang-peak-and-return-to-dingboche/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-5211.jpgNepal 521Looking up the Cho La Valley from the ridge above Dingbochehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-535.jpgNepal 535And the northbound summit shot, just to prove I got there.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-547.jpgNepal 547A very enterprising bakery offering hot and cold showwers - not sure I fancy the cold one though.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-551.jpgNepal 551The best view so dar of Island Peak - starting to look intimidating!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-546.jpgNepal 546The PAC bag demonstration back in Dingbochehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-526.jpgNepal 526Looking down from the summit towards Dingboche in the valley belowhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-530.jpgNepal 530Made it to over 5km vertically!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-5291.jpgNepal 529https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-529.jpgNepal 529South/East panorama from Nangkartshanghttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-527.jpgNepal 527West panorama from Nangkartshang Peak, 5,080m2011-11-17T13:24:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/16/everest-base-camp-trek-overview-plus-map/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-1441.jpg151111 144Route map in yellow of the whole trek to and from Luklahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_16961.jpgIMG_1696https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1696.jpgIMG_1696https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tamara-001.jpgtamara 001https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tni.jpgtnihttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/151111-144.jpg151111 144Everest region map2011-11-16T16:42:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/16/himalayas-day-7-phortse-to-dingboche/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00529.jpgDSC00529And Dingboche (4,400m, or 14,500 feet) finally comes into view.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00527.jpgDSC00527Woolly hat and fleece time now.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00518.jpgDSC00518The quite staggering bulk of Lhotse (28,900 feet) comes into view in the distancehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00511.jpgDSC00511It's that Ama Dablam again - it keeps creeping up on you :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00516.jpgDSC00516A mountain goat on the rocks behind our pathhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00512.jpgDSC00512Ama Dablam in the distance as we traverse the mountainsidehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc005051.jpgDSC00505Looking back down towards Mong La (on rocky outcrop on right) as he head up the Khumbu Valleyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00505.jpgDSC00505https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00503.jpgDSC00503Leaving Phortse behind on another gloriously cloudless morning.2011-11-16T13:11:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/15/himalayas-day-six-kyangjuma-to-phortse/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-482.jpgNepal 482Dining room in the Namaste Lodge - yak dung heater essential!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-485.jpgNepal 485The yaks arrive with our bags in Phortsehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-483.jpgNepal 483The Namaste Lodge in Phortsehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-484.jpgNepal 484It is about -5 degrees outside, but the water is in fact hot from those buckets!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-479.jpgNepal 479The settlement of Phortse, at 3,900mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-478.jpgNepal 478Lichen covered trees looking back up the Gokyo Valleyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-472.jpgNepal 472Mountains goats below our pathhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-466.jpgNepal 466I just don't need words to describe this.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-461.jpgNepal 461Staring in wonderment at the majesty of the Himalayashttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-453.jpgNepal 453On the way towards Mong La2011-11-15T19:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/14/himalayas-day-5-namche-bazar-to-kyangjuma/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-441.jpgNepal 441Inside the Gompa (temple) courtyard at Khumjunghttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-436.jpgNepal 436The entrance to Kunde Hospitalhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-435.jpgNepal 435Ama Dablam (left), at 22,500 feet a totally stunning mountainhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-432.jpgNepal 432The Sir Edmund Hillary Schoolhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-430.jpgNepal 430The Stupa in the centre of Khangjunghttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-427.jpgNepal 427https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-423.jpgNepal 423Everest (with plume) and Lhotse in the far distance, Ama Dablam on the right.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-416.jpgNepal 416Syangboche airstrip (by the green hut, centre)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nepal-414.jpgNepal 414Climbing out of Namche Bazar - I did say it was steep !2011-11-14T15:44:25+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/13/himalayas-day-4-phakding-to-namche-bazar-or-the-day-i-first-got-to-see-mount-everest/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc004011.jpgDSC00401Everest (left) and Lhotse, (right).https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00412.jpgDSC00412A typical street In Namche Bazar, 3,440mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00404.jpgDSC00404The view coming into Namche Bazarhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00401.jpgDSC00401https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00402.jpgDSC00402The very first distant view of Everest!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc003921.jpgDSC00392Probably best not to look down. I didn't.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00392.jpgDSC00392Probably best not to look down. I didn't.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00390.jpgDSC00390The last bridge to cross before the climb to Namche Bazaar.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00370.jpgDSC00370The first of about five suspension bridges to cross on the day.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00368.jpgDSC00368The walk begins along the Dudh Kosi River2011-11-13T16:39:55+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/12/himalayas-day-3-kathmandulukla-to-phakding/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00360.jpgDSC00360The bedroom in the Tashey Tagey Lodge. I was never very good at keeping my side very tidy :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00362.jpgDSC00362Our group at our very first lodge dinnerhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00363.jpgDSC00363Mountains only giving glimpses of themselves at this stage of the walk.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00348.jpgDSC00348A prayer wheel, with various blessings attached.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc003491.jpgDSC00349Plenty of mani stones line the route from Lukla to Phakdinghttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00349.jpgDSC00349The path to Phakding has many Mani stones along the wayhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00352.jpgDSC00352The djos carry the bulk of our luggage up the mountain.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00399.jpgDSC00399You cannot believe some of the loads these guys carry.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00343.jpgDSC00343My first suspension bridge, the first of about 10 or so en routehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00336.jpgDSC00336On the ground in Lukla - and yes the runway really does slope a long way!2011-11-12T14:08:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/11/himalayas-day-two/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1583.jpgIMG_1583Lou and I at 'Old Orleans' restaurant in Thamel.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1577.jpgIMG_1577And the 'Summit Brothers' Hire shop.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1572.jpgIMG_1572A typical shopping street in Thamel.....2011-11-11T16:37:14+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/11/10/himalayas-day-one/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1568.jpgIMG_1568My one and only beer for some time methinks......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/img_1557.jpgIMG_1557I think we're now a long way from Kansas.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00301.jpgDSC00301Inside Delhi Airport - what a pleasant surprise it was.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dsc00299.jpgDSC00299This lot has to see me through 22 days somehow...2011-11-10T17:07:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/08/15/nine-weeks-to-go-woop/2011-10-19T18:28:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/10/19/its-here-it-is-finally-here/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/island_peak_climbing.jpgisland_peak_climbingIsland Peak, Himalayas, 6.189m2011-10-19T18:25:09+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/10/16/12kg-impossible/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/img_1550.jpgIMG_1550Eenie, meenie, miney moe.......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/img_1551.jpgIMG_1551Heading in the right direction at least.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/dsc002951.jpgDSC00295The sprawling kit as of yesterday.....2011-11-12T20:06:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/10/15/kit-list-for-everest-base-camp/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/dsc00295.jpgDSC00295Everest base camp kit2011-10-16T18:01:06+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/10/13/getting-scared-now/2011-10-15T18:38:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/10/12/seven-more-sleeps-to-go/2011-10-12T22:13:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/09/27/petes-dragons-conquer-kilimanjaro/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/314391_236299233087717_100001229260613_697583_1844539944_n.jpg314391_236299233087717_100001229260613_697583_1844539944_nDragon Bex at the roof of Africa2011-09-27T11:34:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/09/26/oktoberfest-good-preparations/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p1010190.jpgP1010190Do not ask me if I am wearing lederhosen!!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/p1010185.jpgP1010185Yes, I am wearing lederhosen!2011-09-26T20:45:34+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/05/arusha/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-032.jpgKilimanjaro1 032Room K2, the Outposthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-040.jpgKilimanjaro1 040My temporary home in Arusha, the Outpost Lodgehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-038.jpgKilimanjaro1 038Don't worry, be happy......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-023.jpgKilimanjaro1 023Main Street, Tanzania style2011-08-14T18:06:58+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/08/05/lessons-learned-part-2/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/life-fitness-stairclimber.jpglife-fitness-stairclimber2011-08-05T19:17:51+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/25/the-north-face-a-movie-review/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/northfacebd3d.jpgnorthfacebd3d2011-07-25T22:28:50+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/19/let-the-games-begin-and-learn-those-lessons-well/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/img_11621.jpgIMG_1162The Sony NEX-5 - great camera....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/img_1162.jpgIMG_1162The Sony NEX-5 - great at taking pictures....2011-07-19T19:02:44+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/03/a-little-climbing-in-switzerland-anyone/2011-07-16T08:40:29+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/06/05/switzerland-gets-closer/2011-07-16T08:39:43+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/16/packing-and-a-powermonkey/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pmonk.jpgpmonkThe Powermonkey revealed!2011-07-13T10:29:56+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/19/mrs-ariadne-oliver/2011-07-13T10:25:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/05/hi-ho-its-off-to-heathrow-i-go/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-004.jpgKilimanjaro1 004Heathrow, all set....2011-07-13T10:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/05/i-arrive-in-africa/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-020.jpgKilimanjaro1 020It's Kili Time!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-016.jpgKilimanjaro1 016Mount Meru from the planehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-015.jpgKilimanjaro1 015My first ever glimpse of Kilimanjaro!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-010.jpgKilimanjaro1 010Precision Air flight to Tanzaniahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-011.jpgKilimanjaro1 011https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-008.jpgKilimanjaro1 008Nairobi - Waiting room for flight to Kili2011-07-13T10:17:14+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/16/why-climb-kilimanjaro/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-0802.jpgKilimanjaro1 080These guys (Tayma and myself excepted) are all heroes....2011-12-20T04:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/15/we-few-we-happy-few-we-band-of-brothers/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-189.jpgKilimanjaro2 189Pracitically my last image of the Arusha neighbourhoodhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-188.jpgKilimanjaro2 188A bit warmer here than up on the mountain....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-181.jpgKilimanjaro2 181At Raymond's school. The local pastor and also his former schoolteacher are in the left of the shot too.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-186.jpgKilimanjaro2 186Raymond's parents' kitchen, and their banana trees.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-179.jpgKilimanjaro2 179Inside Raymond's Househttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-1801.jpgKilimanjaro2 180https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-180.jpgKilimanjaro2 180Raymond outside his house in Arusha2011-07-13T10:08:08+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/12/back-to-civilisation-sort-of/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-171.jpgKilimanjaro2 171Impossible to truly appreciate the scale until you have driven around the base of it for four hours....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-165.jpgKilimanjaro2 165Didn't want to leave it behind......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-162.jpgKilimanjaro2 162This was a fantastically proud moment for me.2011-07-13T10:04:56+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/11/the-mountain-the-last-day-02032010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-158.jpgKilimanjaro2 158Still needed to fit 44 of us in here, and it didn't smell quite as sweet as it did a week ago...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-151.jpgKilimanjaro2 151I remember that this ends up crawling up the forest canopy...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-140.jpgKilimanjaro2 140Spanish Moss, I can remember that one:)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-130.jpgKilimanjaro2 130The Senecios grow an extra limb every 25 years apparently...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-143.jpgKilimanjaro2 143Me and Deo in the forest on the way downhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-1271.jpgKilimanjaro2 127Raymond arriving to be presented with his share of the spoils.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-127.jpgKilimanjaro2 1272011-07-13T10:02:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/10/the-journey-down-the-mountain-01032010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-124.jpgKilimanjaro2 124Close to Horombo after 36 hours of up and down at the summithttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-123.jpgKilimanjaro2 123Let's get the hell out of here..............https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-122.jpgKilimanjaro2 122Wish I could linger here a little while longer, it was fun!!2011-07-13T09:59:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/09/on-the-mountain-day-four-27022010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-062.jpgKilimanjaro2 062Just gimme one more piece of popcorn will ya?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-060.jpgKilimanjaro2 060Horombo Huts - pretty they were not.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-055.jpgKilimanjaro2 055The descent into Horombo, back down to 3,720mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-048.jpgKilimanjaro2 048A Senecio planthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-046.jpgKilimanjaro2 046Assistant guide Samuel takes a breather at Zebra Rockshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-044.jpgKilimanjaro2 044On our way down to Horombo hutshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-041.jpgKilimanjaro2 041Stopping for a breather past Mawenzi Peakhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-039.jpgKilimanjaro2 039A pensive breakfast at Mawenzi Tarnhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-035.jpgKilimanjaro2 035Morning at Mawenzi Tarn2011-07-13T09:45:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/08/397/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-024.jpgKilimanjaro2 024Close to Mawenzi Peak, acclimatisation walk, at about 4,600mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-018.jpgKilimanjaro2 018First view of Mawenzi Tarn and campsite, at 4,300mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-012.jpgKilimanjaro2 012The climb up towards Mawenzihttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-009.jpgKilimanjaro2 009https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-009.jpgKilimanjaro1 009Leaving Kikelewa on day three2011-07-13T09:42:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/07/kilimanjaro-the-mountain-day-one-24022010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-076.jpgKilimanjaro1 076Camp on first night....2,700 metreshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-064.jpgKilimanjaro1 064The path begins for Caroline and Heather, with assistant guide Raymondhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-062.jpgKilimanjaro1 062Glad I don't have to carry all this stuff too.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-054.jpgKilimanjaro1 054Ready for action - Marangu Gatehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-053.jpgKilimanjaro1 053A long way to go yet....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-051.jpgKilimanjaro1 051Are we ready - you bet!2011-07-13T09:39:55+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/08/kilimanjaro-day-two-the-shocker-250210/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-0751.jpgKilimanjaro1 075https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-075.jpgKilimanjaro1 075Hmmmmm, not a card trick that I have seen before....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-002.jpgKilimanjaro2 002Kikelewa camp, approaching sunsethttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-085.jpgKilimanjaro1 085Nice sport to stop for a picture, don't you think?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-0801.jpgKilimanjaro1 080https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-080.jpgKilimanjaro1 080Mawenzi Peak, and all of our crew.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-078.jpgKilimanjaro1 078Kibo - so near and yet so far.......2011-07-13T09:38:01+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/10/the-mountain-the-summit-28012010-01032010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-1212.jpgKilimanjaro2 121What can I add to this?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-113.jpgKilimanjaro2 113The glacier, one of the many reasons for just being here in the first place.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-109.jpgKilimanjaro2 109Stella Point, 6.24am - absolutely unbridled happinesshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-106.jpgKilimanjaro2 106Nice weather for a summit climb....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-104.jpgKilimanjaro2 104I think they call this 'a brave face'https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-095.jpgKilimanjaro2 095Be afraid, be very afraid.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-097.jpgKilimanjaro2 097Barafu - even the toilets were a long way away...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-087.jpgKilimanjaro2 087Silver service at 15,000 feet1https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-085.jpgKilimanjaro2 085The path through the valley leads to lunch somewhere....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-070.jpgKilimanjaro2 070Mid morning, 28/02.10 - Kibo still looks like it is part of something else altogether.2013-01-12T09:17:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/16/my-certificate/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_02501-e1268772101492.jpgIMG_0250https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_0250-e1268771353452.jpgIMG_0250Proud I am......2011-07-13T09:23:58+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/28/so-what-about-the-and-beyond-then/2011-07-13T09:22:53+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/04/19/kilimanjaro-charitable-donations-and-blogging/2011-07-13T09:20:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/10/the-fireflies-for-nick-and-many-many-others/2011-07-13T09:16:48+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/10/alain-jourdain-a-tribute-to-kindness/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/p1000533.jpgP1000533Not tricky is it?2011-07-13T09:14:54+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/25/some-cycling-dos-and-donts/2011-07-13T09:12:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/27/four-days-to-go/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/lords2.jpgBack CameraNice weather for ducks....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/lords11.jpgBack CameraApologies to anyone in this picture who was supposed to be 'working from home' yesterday.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/lords1.jpgBack CameraApologies to anyone on here who was supposed to be 'working from home' yesterday.....2011-07-13T09:08:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/29/cakeholed/2011-07-13T09:06:37+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/05/i-did-it/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_1504.jpgIMG_1504Twickenham, 4th September 2010 - I am down there somewhere!2011-07-13T09:03:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/05/727/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1000569.jpgP1000569"You're in the army now..."https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1000558.jpgP1000558Easy to go wrong in the dark....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1000556.jpgP1000556Do I look nervous? I was!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0068.jpgBack CameraOur home for the first night2011-07-13T09:02:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/08/gbbr-day-two-tavistock-to-yeovil/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/p1000575.jpgP1000575IVhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0090.jpgBack CameraOur luggage gets ready to leave Tavistockhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stage-two-start-till-first.jpgstage-two-start-till-firstThis was not a fun morning at all....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stage-one-secound-pit-stop1.jpgstage-one-secound-pit-stophttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0086.jpgBack CameraOur camp at Tavistock RFC - the start of Dartmoor in the distance.2011-07-13T08:58:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/29/paul-and-darina-they-made-it/2011-07-13T08:55:41+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/20/oktoberfest-tomorrow/2011-07-13T08:51:35+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/02/05/watch-this-space/2011-07-13T08:49:51+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/04/30/everest/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/219617_1695591105297_1103421919_31436315_1901247_o.jpg219617_1695591105297_1103421919_31436315_1901247_oEverest from Kala Pattarhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/p10100431.jpgP1010043Langdale Pikes April 2011https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/p1010043.jpgLangdale Pikes April 20112011-07-13T08:44:52+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/09/alpine-introductions-course-arolla-switzerland-final-day-1st-july-2011/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/img_1076.jpgIMG_1076Arolla finally comes into view in the valley below.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00250.jpgSONY DSCThe garden of the Kurhaus Hotel in Arolla - the summit of the Pigne D'Arolla in the distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00248.jpgSONY DSCLooking back up to the Pigne D'Arolla from the glacier on the way down.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00235.jpgSONY DSCAnother shot of the Vignettes Hut on our way down.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-945.jpgiphone 945The Vignettes Hut, seemingly hanging from the side of the mountain.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-227.jpgSONY DSCAndy, Kelly, myself and Tim - a moment to celebrate.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-222.jpgSONY DSCThe moment of unbridled happiness.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-220.jpgSONY DSCSummit panorama shot, Pigne D'Arolla - 1st July 2011. Breathtaking.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-928.jpgiphone 928The trek up towards the summit of Pigne D'Arolla, looking back down as we take a breather.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-926.jpgiphone 926The ascent begins and the sun finds its way onto us, as the mountains in the distance come into view2011-07-09T09:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/08/alpine-introductions-course-arolla-day-six-30th-june-2011/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-215.jpgSONY DSCMont Collon (far left) - moments later the seracs at the top would come tumbling down.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-213.jpgSONY DSCA view of the route for Friday........https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-915.jpgiphone 915Our dormitory for the night, quite cosy really.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-206.jpgSONY DSChttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-196.jpgSONY DSCDon't drop your crisps over the edge of the balcony whatever you do :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-907.jpgiphone 907The top of the Cabane de Vignettes, at 3,150mhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-898.jpgiphone 898The hut in sight at last - so near and yet so far.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-890.jpgiphone 890View from the start of the glacier towards the Vignettes hut, which is over the ridge at the top.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-884.jpgiphone 884The top of the Pigne D'Arolla is up there somewhere - looks like mountain madness has gotten hold of me though!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-955.jpgiphone 955On the trek up to the glacier, ladders lead the way.2011-07-08T18:31:56+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/07/alpine-introductions-course-arolla-070711-day-five/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-1781.jpgSONY DSCMe tieing a prussik knot before attempting the same exercisehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-178.jpgSONY DSChttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-177.jpgSONY DSCCrevasse 'self-rescue' training techniqueshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-168.jpgSONY DSCCan I breathe yet??https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-162.jpgSONY DSCAnd abseiling back down again.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-158.jpgSONY DSCBetter progress this time......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-138.jpgSONY DSCMe, in a state of semi-paralysis on the rock face.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-170.jpgSONY DSCKelly hurtling up the rock facehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-254.jpgSONY DSCPigne D'Arolla from the hotel (the snow capped one) - it's a long way up......2011-07-07T10:05:23+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/10/09/oktoberfest/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000836.jpgP1000836Sweet Caroline!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000805.jpgP1000805Ein prosit!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000675.jpgP1000675Need to get this T Shirthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/img_0162.jpgIMG_0162From the Ferris Wheel, lunchtime, Tuesday, probably.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000608.jpgP1000608The inside of the Hacker-Pschorr tent, breakfast-timehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000603.jpgP1000603"A beer tent", one of about 20 or sohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000598.jpgP10005982011-07-07T06:49:07+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/06/alpine-introductions-course-arolla-day-four-280611/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-128.jpgSONY DSCBack to Arolla itself, which is very pretty - it even has two shops!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-124.jpgSONY DSCView towards Mont Collon as we get closer to Arollahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-857.jpgiphone 857We start to reach civilsation (well some cows anyway) towards the valley back down to Arollahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-843.jpgiphone 843.....whilst the others secured the rope from above in the snow before hauling me to safety.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-835.jpgiphone 835My view looking up - I thought i was going to hang there forever.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-112.jpgSONY DSCView from the summit showing our 'virgin' tracks up the glacier - we were literally the only people on the whole mountain that dayhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-104.jpgSONY DSCPanorama shot with Tim at the summit - glorious views all aroundhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-110.jpgSONY DSCI made it! My very first Alpine summit :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-829.jpgiphone 829My altimeter worked! This is the summit, Mont Blanc in the far distance.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-814.jpgiphone 814Stopping for a breather climbing up the glacier.2011-07-06T10:33:34+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/05/alpine-introduction-course-arolla-day-3-27062011/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-798.jpgiphone 798....and the 'drop-off' toilets - definitely a precarious place to perch.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-800.jpgiphone 800...and the view of the hut from the other side.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-088.jpgSONY DSCThe Aiguilles Rouges Hut, at about 2.850m, our home for the night.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-789.jpgiphone 789And the hut finally comes into view........https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-786.jpgiphone 786The path towards the hut.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-784.jpgiphone 784View back down the valley from about 2,700m on way to Aiguilles Huthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-084.jpgSONY DSCPracticing ice-axe crevasse rescue techniques in the snowhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-772.jpgiphone 772On our way through the meadows for our first peak....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-068.jpgSONY DSCLearning how to secure things properly whilst on 'dry' land :)2011-07-05T11:42:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/04/alpine-introductions-course-day-two-260611/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-735.jpgiphone 735My first test of digging crampons into an ice wallhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/arolla-062.jpgSONY DSCStepping onto the glacier for the first time, the crevasses are daunting.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/iphone-720.jpgiphone 720Walking towards my first glacier experience....2011-07-05T09:26:41+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/07/03/alpine-introduction-course-day-one-25th-june-2011/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc000481.jpgSONY DSC.....and then the snowy peaks come into viewhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00061.jpgRoom 32Room 32 at the Mont Collon, my home for the next week.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/img_0835.jpgIMG_0835The Outlook Hotel, I mean Hotel Mont Collon :)https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00048.jpgSnowy peakshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00046.jpgLes HauderesA view of one of the Alpine villages en route.......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00032.jpgSionThe road leading out of Sion...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/dsc00265.jpgLac LemanView from the train - stunning all the way through Switzerland2011-07-03T17:18:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/06/24/holding-on-jo-gambi/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/holdingon.jpgholdingonOne of the best books I ever read...2011-06-24T20:17:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/06/20/switzerland-awaits/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pigne-darolla.jpgpigne darollaThe snowfields/glacier on the Pigne D'Arolla.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/arolla.jpgarollaThe mountains around Arolla....2011-06-21T09:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/06/15/i-have-a-new-gadget/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/suunto.jpgsuuntoStlyin' huh?2011-06-15T12:48:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/10/10/zugspite/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000744.jpgP1000744Dormitory sleeping arrangements, Zugshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000735.jpgP1000735The Reintalangerhutte, Reintal Valley, Wetterstein Alpshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/img_0216.jpgIMG_0216And this was where we stopped for lunch - glorious!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000728.jpgP1000728The mountain starts to come into view....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/img_0210.jpgIMG_0210A beautiful day for a walk....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000711.jpgP1000711At the start of the Partnachklamm - the 'Nach' is the name of the riverhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000701.jpgP1000701The Olympic Ski-Jumping slopes in Garmisch2011-06-08T18:14:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/28/the-training-begins/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/photo1.jpgphotoMy best result so far.......https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/photo.jpgphotoNice to have the place almost to myself at weekends2011-06-03T13:55:43+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/23/alan-arnette-summits-everest/2011-05-27T14:04:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/17/is-someone-trying-to-tell-me-something/2011-05-27T14:03:41+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/11/island-peak/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/island_peak.jpgisland_peakI so want to be stood where they are....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/800px-imjatse.jpg800px-ImjaTseImja Tse......2011-05-27T14:03:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/10/ive-only-gone-and-booked-it/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/everest_kalapatthar_crop.jpgEverest_kalapatthar_crop2011-05-27T14:03:20+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/02/decisions-decisions/2011-05-27T14:02:53+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/06/25-days-to-go/2011-05-27T14:01:03+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/04/misunderstandings/2011-05-27T14:00:50+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/01/health-safety-my-arse/2011-05-27T14:00:35+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/07/18/the-cost-of-cycling/2011-05-27T14:00:19+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/07/12/its-getting-closer/2011-05-27T14:00:05+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/15/trying-to-get-these-miles-in/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/img_0331.jpgIMG_0331A rousing reception for the cyclistshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/img_0323.jpgIMG_0323The Fireflies are go!2011-05-27T13:59:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/09/cycling-oktoberfest-and-the-zugspitze/2011-05-27T13:59:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/03/the-biking-preparation-is-underway-well-sort-of/2011-05-27T13:57:25+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/05/12/the-great-british-bike-ride/2011-05-27T13:57:11+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/07/the-final-final-countdown-230210/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-046.jpgKilimanjaro1 046The Rwanda Tribunal building, Arushahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro1-049.jpgKilimanjaro1 049Caroline and Heather, definitely not married.......2011-05-27T13:51:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/03/04/i-made-it/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-1211.jpgKilimanjaro2 121Uhuru Peak, 1st March 2010. Caroline, Raymond, Me, Heather.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/kilimanjaro2-121.jpgKilimanjaro2 121Uhuru Peak, 1st March 2010, myself, Heather, Caroline and Raymond2011-05-27T13:46:39+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/21/audrey-edith-powell-1931-2000/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-35-502-e1266748930272.jpeg2010-02-20@12.35.50With Uncle Jimmy, he died the year before his little sister.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-37-171.jpeg2010-02-20@12.37.17At my Uncle Jimmy's hotel in Sylt, Germanyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-36-302-e1266748772206.jpeg2010-02-20@12.36.30My Graduation day, 1985https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-39-14.jpeg2010-02-20@12.39.14Glen Nevis, about 1997https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-35-501-e1266748565520.jpeg2010-02-20@12.35.50https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-35-50.jpeg2010-02-20@12.35.50https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-37-17.jpeg2010-02-20@12.37.17https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-36-301-e1266748371880.jpeg2010-02-20@12.36.30https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-02-2012-36-30.jpeg2010-02-20@12.36.302011-05-27T13:46:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/21/so-here-it-is/2011-05-27T13:46:22+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/20/one-more-sleep-to-go/2011-05-27T13:46:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/18/four-more-sleeps-to-go/2011-05-27T13:45:59+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/12/just-when-you-think-you-are-ready/2011-05-27T13:45:44+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/10/fitness/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/img_0215.jpgIMG_0215Wonder if Kili will be this easy?2011-05-27T13:45:11+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/08/i-think-i-have-it-all-now/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kit-002.jpgkit 002I'm gonna need a bigger rucksack....2011-05-27T13:44:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/07/why-i-am-doing-this/2011-05-27T13:44:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/04/its-the-final-countdown/2011-05-27T13:44:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/02/03/its-february/2011-05-27T13:44:23+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/28/my-gear-or-lack-of-it/2011-05-27T13:44:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/28/holy-smokes-its-getting-close/2011-05-27T13:43:02+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/24/four-weeks-tomorrow/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/img_0211.jpgIMG_02112011-05-27T13:40:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/13/body-pump/2011-05-27T13:40:36+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/10/steve-redgrave/2011-05-27T13:40:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/09/44-days-to-go/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/snow060110-009.jpgsnow060110 009There is a pond in there somewhere.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/snow060110-011.jpgsnow060110 011https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/snow060110-014.jpgsnow060110 014https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/snow060110-0031-e1262988966675.jpgsnow060110 003Pretty huh?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/snow060110-003.jpgsnow060110 003Pretty Isn't it!2011-05-27T13:40:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/05/the-gym-re-opens-boo/2011-05-27T13:40:05+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/04/to-the-pub-and-back-again/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-017.jpgbellaldworth030110 017I really have no idea what this picture is doing here.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-015.jpgbellaldworth030110 015Ahhhh, time for a rest then!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-013.jpgbellaldworth030110 013Approaching aldworth village from the top of The Ridgewayhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-007.jpgbellaldworth030110 007Conditions underfoot were a little chillyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-003.jpgbellaldworth030110 003a view of the start of The Ridgeway from Blewburyhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bellaldworth030110-001.jpgbellaldworth030110 001Days don't get much prettier than this.2011-05-27T13:39:50+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/12/28/christmas-pudding/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/shieldsdec09-006.jpgshieldsdec09 006The sun came out at last.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/shieldsdec09-003.jpgshieldsdec09 003Wonder why there is no-one sunbathing?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/shieldsdec09-0051.jpgshieldsdec09 005"Easier coming down....."https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/shieldsdec09-005.jpgshieldsdec09 005"Easier coming down...."https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/shieldsdec09-004.jpgshieldsdec09 004"Marsden Rock", from just beyond the "Grotto"https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_01651.jpgIMG_0165https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_0165.jpgIMG_0165Souter Point is getting slightly closer...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_0163.jpgIMG_0163It's a bit bleak today....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_0162.jpgIMG_0162The south end of 'Frenchman's Cove' looking towards Shields pier.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/img_0164.jpgIMG_0164"Sheet ice" doesn't even get it.....2011-05-27T13:39:04+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/12/20/oh-no-they-closed-the-gym/2011-05-27T13:38:52+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/12/12/and-then-there-were-three/2011-05-27T13:38:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/22/sorry-to-be-late/2011-05-27T13:34:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/13/some-pictures-of-the-mountain/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kilimanjaro-and-elephnats.jpgkilimanjaro-and-elephnatshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kilimanjaro3.jpgkilimanjaro32011-05-27T13:33:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/10/darth-vader-married-my-sister/2011-05-27T13:33:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/07/my-hotel-is-booked-and-i-do-some-proper-walking/2011-05-27T13:33:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/03/mileage-at-last/2011-05-27T13:32:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/01/a-new-blog-title/2011-05-27T13:32:39+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/30/new-boots/2011-05-27T13:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/30/why-join-a-gym/2011-05-27T13:32:07+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/29/i-have-a-flight/2011-05-27T13:31:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/29/past-the-point-of-no-return/2011-05-27T13:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/21/all-of-gods-little-creatures/2011-05-27T13:02:56+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/18/centre-parcs/2011-05-27T13:02:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/13/abramovich-doesnt-make-it/2011-05-27T13:01:56+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/11/help-me-choose-a-hotel/2011-05-27T13:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/09/more-decisions-to-make/2011-05-27T13:01:39+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/08/it-is-booked-sort-of/2011-05-27T13:01:30+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/08/hate-hate-mondays/2011-05-27T13:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/06/bleep-test-not-funny/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bleeptest-0191.jpgbleeptest 019just resting, honest!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bleeptest-019.jpgbleeptest just resting, honest!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bleeptest-012.jpgat about level 5https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bleeptest-007.jpgbleeptest 007Trying to psyche myself up....2011-05-27T13:01:11+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/05/bleep-test-i-dont-think-so-sonny-jim/2011-05-27T13:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/04/very-honoured-and-happy/2011-05-27T13:00:49+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/03/for-bowel-cancer-research/2011-05-27T13:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/02/rongai-probably/2011-05-27T13:00:34+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/09/01/i-think-i-changed-my-mind-already/2011-05-27T13:00:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/31/first-decision-made-and-nearly-another-one/2024-03-06T10:15:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/29/day-one/2011-05-27T12:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/28/hello-world/2011-05-27T12:59:43+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/29/why-am-i-doing-this/2011-05-27T12:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/30/quote-of-the-day-ernest-hemingway/2011-05-27T12:59:23+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/08/30/so-many-decisions/2011-05-27T12:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/10/22/zugspitze-part-2/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000789.jpgP1000789The iron ladder leading to the very top. It was not going to happen sadly.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000788.jpgP1000788The summit of the Zugspitze in the background - we never did get to stand at the very top itself due to the snowhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000782.jpgP1000782The top of the cable car station, 2,962 metres, the roof of Germany.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000799.jpgP1000799Hotel Alpengruss, Garmisch-Partenkirchen - perfect!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/zugspitze-31.jpgzugspitze.3The Zugspitze cable car station/restaurant - pretty it certainly is not.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/zugspitze-3.jpgzugspitze.3https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/eibsee.jpegeibseeThe incredible waters of the Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitzehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000760.jpgP1000760The stream had become a massively noisy torrent....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000752.jpgP1000752A brave face outside the Reintalangerhutte before we headed off the wrong way, down the moutnainhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p1000748.jpgP1000748The view from the room - this was as much of the mountain as we would see all day2011-12-07T05:46:26+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/11/gbbr-day-four-winchester-to-twickenham/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0121.jpgBack Camera...and me, as close to the hallowed turf as I will ever get!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0119.jpgBack CameraOur parade around the pitch.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_14951.jpgIMG_1495Quite happy I am!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0118.jpgBack CameraJust about to enter at pitch level to great applausehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0117.jpgBack CameraTwickenham from our seats in the South Stand.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_1495.jpgIMG_1495Quite happy I am!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_1493.jpgIMG_1493The final short procession into Twickenhamhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0110.jpgBack CameraNearly ready to pack and go, my final night in the army tent.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0113.jpgBack CameraWinchester rugby club, 5am2011-05-27T12:53:57+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/10/gbbr-day-three-yeovil-to-winchester/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0104.jpgBack CameraI felt like I could eat the lot....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0101.jpgBack CameraReady to leave Yeovil....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0102.jpgBack CameraI may have been standing on tiptoes here, I don't recall!2011-05-27T12:53:47+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/08/to-petes-dragons/2011-05-27T12:53:21+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/06/gbbr-day-one-lands-end-to-tavistock/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stage-one-secound-pit-stop.jpgstage-one-secound-pit-stopNasty, vicious finish to say the leasthttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0081.jpgBack CameraTime for a banana and a flapjack methinkshttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_0078.jpgBack Camera2011-05-27T12:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/30/lands-end-tomorrow/2011-05-27T12:52:18+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/24/i-have-a-new-cassette/2011-05-27T12:50:58+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/22/tapering/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/p1000554.jpgP1000554A child of three did not create this I am afraid:)2011-05-27T12:50:44+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/20/time-to-start-sorting-the-kit-out/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/p1000553.jpgP1000553This is just the start.....2011-05-27T12:50:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/20/does-anyone-else-wish-to-sponsor-me-for-my-ride-please/2011-05-27T12:49:17+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/18/getting-to-lands-end/2011-05-27T12:49:03+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/08/nappy-rash/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0042.jpgBack Camera"Also a jar of cream"https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/img_0043.jpgBack Camera"A jar of cream"2011-05-27T12:48:15+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/04/25/i-bought-a-bike-at-last/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/pbpxpcsrre-wht-l_p1.jpgPBPXPCSRRE-WHT-L_P1White, isn't it?2011-05-27T12:43:19+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/05/09/jumars-prussic-loops-and-a-larks-foot/2011-05-09T13:31:31+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2011/01/02/2010-in-review/2011-01-28T10:49:12+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/09/16/oh-how-i-long-for-kilimanjaro/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/img_1609.jpgIMG_1609Majesty at its finest:)2010-09-17T06:41:45+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/08/22/kilimanjaro/2010-08-22T19:52:29+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/03/new-jersey-new-york/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-0011.jpgP1000384I was not surprised my bag was so heavy!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-1151.jpgP1000500Louie liked my flip-flops so much he started wearing them.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-001.jpgP1000384nd I wondered why my bag was so heavy when I tried to lift it!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-115.jpgP1000500Louie liked my flip-flops so much he started wearing themhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-097.jpgP1000482Lower Manhattan, 'the JC' and the hudson River in the distance, the 'Flatiron' building visible in the foreground.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-095.jpgP1000480Uptown and the East River from the Observation deckhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-090.jpgP1000475Not too shabby a place really..https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-086.jpgP1000471The new stadium was completed just last year at a cost of a mere $1.5bn....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-085.jpgP1000470Don't think they've seen too many Sunderland shirts in 'The Yankee Tavern' before...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/nyc-0701.jpgP1000454Downtown from the Brooklyn Bridge2010-06-03T22:21:32+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/06/03/the-lake-district-21st-23rd-may-2010/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes-060.jpgLakes 060a right motley crew, especially that guy in the pink T-shirt....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes-047.jpgLakes 047Approaching Ill Crag from Great End, a little bit of snow in evidencehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes-026.jpgLakes 026Angle Tarn with the slopes of Bowfell on the left, and Great End in the distancehttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes-020.jpgLakes 020The hills are alive with the sound of Frenchmen.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes-009.jpgLakes 009The climb begins in earnest....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lakes2-002.jpgLakes2 002Not too shabby a place to camp...2010-06-03T11:16:38+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/04/14/the-three-peaks/2010-04-18T08:00:13+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/10/24/i-love-oxford/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/280px-oxsky.jpg280px-OxskySome of the dreaming spires.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/img_00611.jpgIMG_0061Inside Pitt Rivers Museumhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/img_0061.jpgIMG_0061https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/img_0057.jpgIMG_0057Brasenose College:https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/img_0058.jpgIMG_00582010-03-15T07:24:40+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/21/31-days-to-go-gulp/2010-01-23T23:40:05+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/26/volcano/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lanzarote261109-013.jpgLanzarote261109 013Inside the craterhttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lanzarote261109-014.jpgLanzarote261109 014The rim, looking towards Fuerteventurahttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lanzarote261109-027.jpgLanzarote261109 027The Volcano is the one on the left...2010-01-04T21:29:47+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2010/01/03/happy-new-year/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/img_0179.jpgIMG_0179The Lord Nelson, Broadstairs - a 'proper pub' if ever there was one.https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/broadstairsdec09-014.jpgBroadstairsdec09 014He really was here you know.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/broadstairsdec09-013.jpgBroadstairsdec09 013He always was more cool than me, and this just proves it...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/broadstairsdec09-011.jpgBroadstairsdec09 011Stormy seas....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/broadstairsdec09-006.jpgBroadstairsdec09 006I take my hat off to the cow girls in particular...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/broadstairsdec09-005.jpgBroadstairsdec09 005Thankfully I'm the one holding the camera2010-01-03T20:05:17+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/about/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/pond.jpgpondthe pond what I built2015-10-22T08:25:21+00:00weekly0.6https://aquavista.me/2009/12/04/scuba-diving/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cimg9010.jpgCIMG9010Do I look scared? I should do, I was!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cimg9015.jpgCIMG9015Me and some bream, I think2009-12-04T10:09:37+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/27/camels/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-059.jpgtimanfeya 059I am at least not quite as pale as the guy behind me.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-053.jpgtimanfeya 053El Golfo volcanohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-022.jpgtimanfeya 022Anyone remember the Life of Brian scene?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-007.jpgtimanfeya 007On the way up to Timanfeya volcanohttps://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-002.jpgtimanfeya 002Anyone seen my camel?https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-008.jpgtimanfeya 008https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/timanfeya-048.jpgtimanfeya 048the vines grow in sort of mini-craters2009-11-27T21:25:43+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/25/more-lanzarote/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/platyablanca.jpgplatyablancaPlaya Blanca beach2009-11-25T20:48:38+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/24/lanzarote/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sydney.jpgsydneyRedgrave, 2nd from left, Sydney 20002009-11-24T21:57:28+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/15/the-fairfield-horseshoe-nearly/https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-225.jpgLakes131109 225https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-228.jpgLakes131109 228Apparently rocks are sharper than plastic....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-227.jpgLakes131109 227"..So how far is the pub now?..."https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-219.jpgLakes131109 219Heading the right way this time, i.e. down!https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-210.jpgLakes131109 210"Where did you say the pub is the pub again?....."https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-208.jpgLakes131109 208There may be trouble ahead.....https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-206.jpgLakes131109 206From the top of High Pike - the weather beckons...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-203.jpgLakes131109 203https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-201.jpgLakes131109 201Low Pike and High Pike...https://aquavista.me/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lakes131109-198.jpgLakes131109 198Move out of my way, I am coming through....2009-11-15T19:30:01+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.me/2009/11/05/lake-district-beckons/2009-11-05T21:11:48+00:00monthlyhttps://aquavista.medaily1.02026-03-31T22:21:35+00:00