The mountain doesn’t have a clock

​Today,  Pete and I have moved tents as the glacier has moved somewhat and created rather large bulges in our tents, and streams running underneath, which is inevitable so a move was in order and on a slow news day it’s quite enjoyable relocating and rearranging gear for at least another week or so.

Whilst relocating Pete and I were approached by a few trekkers who’s objectives were to see base camp and what goes on, so obviously being the outgoing and open chaps we are, we offered green tea and coffee and allowed them to take a seat in our presence. Pete told them of his many mountaineering exploits and I made drinks for them…… they were all very interested to know of our plans for both mountains especially K2, on hearing of our plans they all got their cameras and took many pictures for which Pete clearly loved.

Interestingly, we got into an interview situation with 4-5 cameras filming and questions being asked of Pete and I
Whilst in our flow, and loving the questions we dropped some beauty sound bites’ one of which took us by surprise but on reflection really sums up our approach to mountaineering.
We were asked why we did not follow the same approach as other teams, and why we were not doing another rotation on this date, or that date or this time or that time, We answered that “The mountain doesn’t have a clock” boom…..Paul drops the mike and walks away. In absolute awe I’m sure that quote has already flown around the world by now.
Lots of picture were taken of our banner and the trekkers went on their merry way.

But on reflection the clock quote is so real with our approach, we have never set out follow groups, never set out to fit in with others plans we are just reading the information to hand, gathering data, building strength then when we are ready and the mountains allow us we will have a go, if it’s not to be that date, then we go again. We try and try again. 

So just in case you hear that “The mountain doesn’t have a clock” just remember who said it.