RETURN

It is time to go home. My bad luck is holding. As soon as we descend to Camp 3, the weather changes and it is hard to believe that only the day before I could not take a single step. Camp 3, in full sun, looks very peaceful. The West Rib stretches from the summit ridge to the right. In the centre, Messner's couloir is deep in the shadow. I wish I could try another summit attempt, but this is not possible.

It is time to say good bye to the toilet at "the End of the World", pack the gear and eat before descending back to the green valleys.

The recent storms have dumped tons of snow and we have to force the new trail from Camp 3 to Camp 2.

We are back in the Base Camp early in the morning but have to wait for the clouds to lift before catching the "Otter" for a flight back to Talkeetna.

Little "Lama" is still searching for Sue Nott and Karen McNeill who disappeared while attempting the Infinite Spur in mid May.

On the way back to Talkeetna, the Kahiltna Glacier stretches below. It looks like an elephant skin.

Even though I have failed again to reach the summit, it was a very enjoyable trip. Being so close to the summit, it hurt that I did not have enough strength to force myself for another attempt. I guess, my age is slowly catching up with me. I would like to say thank you to my partners for taking such good care of me. They were magnificent and fully deserve reaching the summit. As for me, I will be back soon.