Mick Fowler and Victor Saunders, famed British alpinists learned to know each other while winter climbing in Scotland, in all kind of weather, mostly bad: an ideal stepping stone for great Himalayan adventures. They shared three expeditions in Pakistan: The ascents of Bojohagur (7329m), Spantik (7027m) and Ultar (7388m). The tales of these selected adventures, published separately over three of their books (rewarded several times - Banff festival, Boardman Tasker), have been assembled in a new book: HIMALAYA - Mick and Vic' Tribulations. The two pals' tales are intertwined and offer two visions sometimes similar, sometimes different of the same events, with a caustic humour at the turn of every single line. This refreshing, compelling text full of funny and uncommon anecdotes is also the story of their strong friendship. Besides the amateurs of mountaineering tales, this book should please the amateurs of unconventional atmospheres. (from Lulu website)
In No Easy Way, his third volume of climbing memoirs following Vertical Pleasure and On Thin Ice, Fowler recounts a series of expeditions to stunning mountains in China, India, Nepal and Tibet. Alongside partners including Paul Ramsden, Dave Turnbull, Andy Cave and Victor Saunders, he attempts striking, technically challenging unclimbed lines on Shiva, Gave Ding and Mugu Chuli – with a number of ascents winning prestigious Piolets d’Or, the Oscars of the mountaineering world. Written with his customary dry wit and understatement, he manages challenges away – the art of securing a permit for Tibet – and at home – his duties as Alpine Club president – all the while pursuing his passion for exploratory mountaineering. (from Vertebrate Publishing website)
Contents
The competing priorities of life -- Grosvenor: The dangers of cupping -- Kalaqiao: Hands drawn together in prayer -- The Goody Cash: Scottish sea cliffs at their best -- Manamcho: I've never seen a white man before -- Nottingham Castle 1: Challenges close to the office -- Vasuki Parbat: The judgement game -- Fell running: A new mildly eccentric form of exercise? -- Jura success: A passion is born -- Sulamar: The hottest bathtub ever -- The Xiate Trail: Trade routes can be challenging too -- Alpine Club: The establishment beckons -- Mugu Chuli: The bureaucrats go climbing -- Nottingham Castle 2: A brush with the constabulary -- The Prow of Shiva: Are we good enough to do it? -- Kishtwar Kailash: A very special drive and a 12.5-million-view video clip -- Talking about it... -- Hagshu: The bear, the tension, and the climb -- Gave Ding: True adventure -- Sersank: Never too old -- The challenges never end.