Soliloquy of a Wandering Pilgrim

The Berner Oberland Trio: Eiger- Monch-Jungfrau As the rock step became unstable and never ending; we were still struggling to get to the South East ridge of Jungfrau. Last night when we last looked at the map, it all looked so obvious. For a team of experienced rock climbers and high altitude mountaineers, this 4000er seemed more like a tourist mountain. It took us a while to realize yet again that a mountain is a mountain; no matter how many times it has been climbed in the past; or how many guide books has been written on its routes. We were surprised at the grade of difficulties we were facing that morning. The guide books described the SE ridge of Jungfrau as PD and we were almost certain that it was going well beyond that scale. Well, the guide book was not wrong; it was us on the wrong side of the ridge. I felt tired and sleepy as I climbed and tried to be careful and safe on the rocks. The snow ridge was within striking distance, but we knew it will not bring any comfort t...

The Berner Oberland Trio: Eiger- Monch-Jungfrau As the rock step became unstable and never ending; we were still struggling to get to the South East ridge of Jungfrau. Last night when we last looked at the map, it all looked so obvious. For a team of experienced rock climbers and high altitude mountaineers, this 4000er seemed more like a tourist mountain. It took us a while to realize yet again that a mountain is a mountain; no matter how many times it has been climbed in the past; or how many guide books has been written on its routes. We were surprised at the grade of difficulties we were facing that morning. The guide books described the SE ridge of Jungfrau as PD and we were almost certain that it was going well beyond that scale. Well, the guide book was not wrong; it was us on the wrong side of the ridge. I felt tired and sleepy as I climbed and tried to be careful and safe on the rocks. The snow ridge was within striking distance, but we knew it will not bring an...

In 48 hours I will be on my way to take part in the Summer Alpine Meet of Mountaineering Ireland (previuosly known as Mountaineering Council of Ireland) http://www.mountaineering.ie/  It is the National governing body for the sport of mountaineering in Ireland.   I have this rare privilage because of Alan Tees, President, Mountaineering Ireland. I owe this opportunity entirely to him. He is a prominent personality in the world of mountaineering and an active & prolific rock and ice climber. I am putting a couple of links to articles published in Sunday Journal on him: http://www.sundayjournal.ie/sunday-interview/MOUNTAIN-MAN.4352328.jp http://www.sundayjournal.ie/features/Peak-to-Peak.4205167.jp   The location of this Alpine Meet will give me an opportunity to attempt famous and formidable peaks such as the Eiger, Monch, Finsteraarhorn and Jungfrau. To climb the ridges, cols, aretes of any of these peaks is any alpinist's dream and I am fortunate enough to come  one st...

Sometimes its obvious; sometimes not! The question is whether I am a complete idiot or a partial one? I sometimes get confused myself. I commit myself to projects that are going to trouble me financially. I do expenditures that only increases my stress. I regret it; but never seem to learn from it. In the end of it all, simply blame it on my spirit of adventure! Thats easy. It is true that I have always been inclined to dreaming; rather than calculating risk benefit ratio. I have been a dreamer, I still am and do not know where and how the end shall be. But without my dreams where would I be today? I would be stuck in that same pharmaceutical sales job of course! But look at me, I have have travelled far corners of the planet, made friends, met many people, experienced culture , vast and varied and tasted the freedom of being in nature and the great outdoors. When I look at my climbing gears I find it amazing to believe that in past 7 years I have done 20 major Himalayan expeditions. I...

You have heard or probably even read about it. The legend of a priest connecting the two famous Hindu shrines in Garhwal Himalaya! Too many articles, a lot of press perhaps!   And here is your chance to be a part of the quest. Here is your chance to be lead by the pioneers on this route! Mighty adventure, grand mountainscape, good company, and affordable cost! If you know someo oen who could be interested, please forward this message.   Join us~ Badrinath to Kedarnath: A high route, a classic Himalayan trek Across glaciers and five high passes with Adventure Mania Grade: moderate to demanding Journey dates: August 15, 2009 and September 5, 2009 Group Size: 6-8 persons     Day 1: Team unites at Haridwar Day 2: Drive to Joshimath, stay at hotel Day 3: Drive to Badrinath, stay at hotel Day 4: Rest and acclimatization at Badrinath Day 5: Trek to Dumkal Kharak, camp Day 6: Cross Nilkanth Khal (Holds worth's Pass-4650m) , camp Day 7: Trek to snout of Panpatia Glacier (38...