Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NEW TOY.

Just paid the deposit on a new car! My Land Rover is almost 7 years old.

Decided to stick with a 'Brit' car - even though it's now really an Indian car.

Delivery in June of the Jaguar XF in a colour as close to British Racing Green as I could get.

Believe me, there'll be plenty of photos when I pick it up.

Monday, February 15, 2010

ANNAPURNA - 11 Weeks to go!

11 weeks before I leave for the trip to Annapurna {8,091 m. - 26,545 ft.} - the 10th Highest mountain in the world. NOT climbing it, but we'll get fairly high and get some of the most spectacular views in the world.

I'll also be seeing Manaslu and Dhaulagiri and will then have 'eyeballed' all 14 of the worlds highest mountains - those over 8000 m.

Cousin Phil & myself going with 'Bonington Treks', led by Joe Bonington with his Dad, Sir Chris, coming along to celebrate several anniversaries.

In 1950 it was climbed by Herzog & Lachenal. It was the first of the 8,000 m. peaks to be climbed.

In 1960, Annapurna II, 7937 m. and 16th Highest in the world, was summited by Sir Chris, Richard Grant and Ang Nyima.

In 1970, Annapurna South Face was climbed by an expedition led by Sir Chris. Don Whillans and Dougal Haston reaching the summit. Ian Clough was killed in an ice-fall on that trip.

We are leaving Pokhara and climbing over a pass called the 'Namun Bhanjyang' at 5560 m. (18,241 ft.) then dropping down to Manang.

We then climb up to Tilicho Lake at just under 5000 m., up to a small peak at 5870 m. (19,250 ft.) then out over the Mesokantu La at 5400 m.

Should be a great trip. Training under way and the new boots being broken in - but it's still ridiculously hot here in Brisbane.