"Soooo.......he'll need a small."

Climbing `practicals' just outside Kathmandu.

Lunchtime on the trek.

Mr Dolphin, I presume.

Their killer instincts homed in on Dave's soft touch.

Think of that when you're back on Portsmouth highstreet.

Hindi dancing practicals.

It seems a bit uncharitable to wish someone to fall in just so I can take a picture, but I was ready, just in case. This was just after Dowar had nearly pushed me in while `helping' me across.

The obligatory Sherpa against Himalayan backdrop shot. They carried up to 40Kg each.

The boys...looking like something out of a Queen video. Mera peak in the background.

This is one of my favourites (20000ft). It could almost be taken from a plane window.

Beginning to become hard work.

I like the sight of the next group trudging their way up against a backdrop ocean of cloud.

Feeling the strain. I love this picture. I think it's my favourite. Ben always looked very authentic throughout the trip in whatever guise he adopted. This one looks like Hilary himself making his summit bid on Everest. I love the rope in the foreground, the exhaustion, the pain.

The summit (21000ft). I noticed afterwards that Mangele is never looking at the camera. According to the guide book (see, I did read it) some of the more traditional people are frightened it will steal their soul. I reckon Mangele must have thought this too. Mount Everest is in the background, on the right.

The after trek meal.

Back in Kathmandu.

Sunset in the mountains.

Unwinding after the trek.

I realised afterwards that I was obsessed with rope-bridges. I've got loads of pictures of them. This is my favourite.

Kathmandu market.

Rafting.

Time to go home.