Island Peak and the Himalayas

Planning is now at an advanced stage for the climb of Island Peak in early September this year.

I am currently squeezing in training between trips to Beijing, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and the US. The work with senior leadership teams around the world is exciting and absorbing but playing havoc with the schedule to develop the fitness for the climb. Having said that there is much excitement in the small team about the prospect of a 'proper climb' this summer. The rest of the group will be leading on Everest base camp expeditions in September so I will have to get acclimatised quickly when I arrive in Kathmandu in late September for the attempt.

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society

I am delighted to report that I have now been accepted as a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. This is a prestigious honour of which I am most proud and I am grateful to those who petitioned for my nomination.

Founded in 1830 the RGS is the world centre for geography and exploration. The RGS has long been associated with Polar and other extreme exploration and I am am most proud to be counted amongst its fellows along with such luminaries as Michael Palin, Stanley Livingstone and many others.

Beijing and the Fragrant Hills

Whilst it has been some time since my last post I have not let the grass grow under my feet. I have been traveling around the world, both with my day job and Outperform, doing some interesting walks and exploration in places as varied as Puerto Rico where I was barefoot running on the beaches to climbing the Fragrant Hills outside Beijing.

The Fragrant Hills is a popular spot about 30 m outside Beijing with a 557m (1827ft) hill at its heart.

The park was first built in 1186 but underwent extensive planting in 1745. The Fragrant Hills derives its name from the masses of pine-cyprees, maple and trees as well as many perfumed bushes and flowers planted there. The climb is a steady and smooth one but at 30 C and 60% humidity it was a heck of an afternoon!

I was there to teach a local English/Chinese interpreter and guide how to guide less fit people up the hill. Techniques involved a focus on breathing, resting, hydration and managing groups efficiently. I was the only non Chinese on the hill and attracted a good deal of attention!