I've been thinking about an email I received from the New Zealand today. It's from the New Zealand based adventure company whom I did the mountaineering instruction course with last year. The email is an invitation to join the "Three Peaks" trip in Nepal this year. The three peaks are: Island Peak (6189m), Lobuche East (6119m) and Mt Parchamo (6273m). None of these involve any serious vertical climbing but the altitude and the remoteness of these mountains make the three of them combined into one trip a fairly difficult Himalayan adventure. The main risks are: avalanche, crevasses and of course the altitude. As attractive (or not?) as it sounds, I had to reply to say no to this trip. Well...."not this year". Perhaps I can do something like that in 2010 or 2011. I'd rather do a bit more training now and have a better chance of getting to the top of all three. I still think someday Alpamayo is achievable!!! (picture below) This photo is now stuck in my bedroom and my workplace!
I have nearly worked out this year's big trips in winter, which are usually the harder ones for the year:
July - August
July - August
- Mt Bogong - Highest mountain in Victoria. Last time I visited in winter was in 2005.
- Mt Buller - Missed the trip up this mountain via the West Ridge last winter. Hopefully will be back in 2009!
- Mt Feathertop via the NW Spur. More challenging than going up the usual Bungalow Spur. Steep, exposed and takes a bit longer. More fun though! Or perhaps try to get there via the Razorback?
September - Going up a volcano (can't remember which one) in New Zealand. I was told to get some 12-point crampons... Hmmm... Good to have done all the training trips in Australia first!
