In 1998 I went, with a friend to climb the Eiger. We never got there as it happened. Climbed a few other fun routes: Spitzbergen, Ohlberg slabs, that type of thing but never managed The Eiger. Over the years I said, I will climb the North Face before I’m 50. This was subsequently downgraded to; happy to climb the west ridge. Then to; stay in the hotel. Now finally to; fuck it – I’m 50, I’m alive, I have friends, I’m solvent (just), and have a wife that loves me.

Is that enough? 25 years ago I would have said no but now….. Yes it is.

Happy birthday, me. It’s been fabulous. Thank you to Guy Bellingham for the “tin type” and thanks to all my friends for making my birthday such a special event.