Thursday 28 March 2013

It's the Everest season again!

Just been skyping our lovely Sherpa, Lakpa in Kathmandu - isn't technology wonderful? It's a balmy 24C there!

He's off to Everest again this year - just confirmed today! He and his uncle Dawa will be running the team of sherpas for a joint Indian and Nepalese Army expedition.

Last year he summited with an Indian Army team on a beautiful clear, almost windless day - complete with company banner! (Adventure 14 Peaks)

Now it starts all over again - supplies to collect and pack, a flight to the world's most extreme airport, Lukla, and then the long walk in to Everest South base camp, and finally, the challenge of the world's highest mountain.

My fingers are crossed for another safe and successful trip!


Saturday 23 March 2013

Springtime in Northumberland!

Hello and welcome to my new blog. It was freezing by the River Tyne in Hexham today in a stiff and bitter east wind.
 
I'm pretty snug in my wonderful Liskamm Duvet jacket, given to me by Berghaus in support of my planned drawing trip to Everest North Base Camp. Still not been able to get permits - but ideal conditions to try it out today. I'm sure the wind chill factor won't be much worse on the Tibet plateau!

Hope you'll get some insight into my life as an artist. In the meantime you can follow the link for my new book about my trip to the Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal. It will give you a flavour of the work I do in the high mountains.