Author: grahamfriend

During the trek from Lukla to Ama Dablam (AD) Base Camp (BC) I had developed a stuffy nose which a local had said was due to yak crap mingling with the dust and which, when breathed in, can result in a nasal infection. Well, I don’t know if that is true but I arrived in … Continue reading Ama Dablam Summit Report

When I called the Verbier Guide Office to complete the last of the 48 Swiss 4,000m peaks I should have requested an old, gauloises smoking guide who had seen better and faster days. Having completed the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc only two days previously, I was looking for a slow and steady ascent of … Continue reading Summit Report – Lauteraarhorn (4,042m, Assez Dificle)

Canadian skimo racing team member Michelle asked me to step in at the last minute to compete in the Pierra Menta three stage trail race after her two previous team-mates had pulled out – it was tough and she pushed me hard. In return, Michelle agreed to accompany me on Nordend after my planned partners … Continue reading Summit Report, Nordend (PD, 4,608m)

If I am honest, sometimes mountaineering is not very pleasant – wind, rain, snow, cold, dehydration, hunger, exhaustion and the risk of dying mean that sometimes I wonder what the hell I am doing clinging to the side of a mountain. The traverse of Piz Bernina, via the famous Biancograt (“white ridge”), with Scottish mountain … Continue reading Summit Report – Piz Bernina Traverse from Switzerland to Italy (4,049m, AD+) with a close encounter with a crevasse

As novice mountaineer Frank Persyn (only previous summit the Breithorn) and I made our way to the Dom Hut via the steep and never-ending via ferrata and rocky paths, I could not believe that Duncan, Colin and I had made the same climb in winter carrying skis, boot, poles, sleeping and cooking gear! We were … Continue reading Summit Report – Dom (4,545m, PD+ via Festigrat) featuring Frank Persyn