I would like to personally send my congratulations to both Simone and Denis for their incredible accomplishment of summiting Makalu in winter. All of us here at base camp were cheering you guys along, and celebrated with shouts and applauses when we received the news. Finally, the last 8000 meter peak of Nepal has been climbed in winter. We are proud of you both!!

The team toasts Simone and Denis photo Don Bowie

In two days we will again attempt to push camp 3 higher, and if the weather forecast holds for a few days, maybe we will try for the summit. Perhaps some of the good fortune from Makalu will shine on us.

 "...They charged straight at the foot of the hill and then found themselves running up it almost as water from a broken wave runs up a rock out at the point of some bay. Though the slope was nearly as steep as the roof of a house and the grass as smooth as a bowling green, no one slipped. Only when they had reached the very top did they slow up; that was because they found themselves facing great golden gates. And for a moment none of them was bold enough to try if the gates would open.. They all felt just as they had about the fruit - 'Dare we? Is it right? Can it be meant for us?'..."

C.S. Lewis, from The Last Battle

<Broad Peak under moonlight photo Don Bowie>