the alpinist

the annapurna sanctuary is a mountaineering base camp located around 5 days walk into the glacier covered peaks of the nepal himalaya. the 8000m annapurna I is surrounded by 7 other soaring rock gods, creating a glacial basin in the middle, from where attempts at the numerous peaks can be made, in and around the avalanche zones, which are many. annapurna base camp was the destination of the 10 day annapurna sanctuary trek i just finished, and its amazing. little wonder it is so popular.

it is the start of spring and base camp, at a little over 4300m, was freezing. covered in snow and glaciers, it made quite a change from the tropical forrests i walked through, and up, for 5 days to get there. its pretty seriously up and up, the nepalese love their stairs and suspension bridges. given the conditions and scenery it attracts a lot of trekkers and climbers from all over the world, with serious gear to tackle the conditions. you must be a walking harmony of equipment, preparedness and light weight.

tim: "What's that"

french climber: "you mean this?"

tim: "yes"

french climber: "its our GPS. global positioning system."

tim: "uh huh. and those?"

french climber: "these are carbon fibre, telescopic trekking stocks."

tim: "and what about those?"

french climber: "blizzard goggles."

tim: "i see. and those?"

french climber: "cramp-ons. ice climbing spikes."

tim: "hmmm."

french climber: "what's that?"

tim: "you mean this?"

french climber: "yes"

tim: "a didjeridoo."