Everest Base Camp memorials

Everest Base Camp memorials

An apology in advance: it’s going to be a philosophical post today instead of the usual waffle. It’s been another clear day at base camp, apart from the distinctive plume of cloud blasting off the summit. I wandered up a

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Manaslu 2011: Ice axe and Cramptons

Manaslu 2011: Ice axe and Cramptons

The story of Manaslu, autumn 2011 Sir Ranulph Fiennes eventually reached the summit of Everest on his third attempt. After suffering a heart attack during his first one in 2005, turning back with exhaustion during his second in 2008, and

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Manaslu: a tale of two mountaineers

Manaslu: a tale of two mountaineers

It’s October 5, 2011, and the summit crown of Manaslu is at the top of a short snow couloir on the right of the summit slope. I can see my friend Ian Cartwright waiting at the top, and each time

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