After six weeks on the peak and two aborted summit pushes – the first of which reaching 7,500 metres – our expedition to attempt the world’s 3rd highest mountain was finally called off last week. Deep and unstable snow conditions, and inadequate / timeliness of resources required to overcome the enormous vertical distance and difficult terrain the main factors.
Whist falling short on any major goal, particularly one that has taken so much planning, preparation and training, comes with a huge amount of disappointment, I have been doing this long enough to know, firstly, that nature always has the last word and it just wasn’t meant to be this year. And, secondly, that there is no such thing as ‘the perfect’ event, be it an exhibition or expedition – or for that matter any acquisition, takeover, expansion, product launch, conference or other major initiative included. Nothing is ever 100% fault free, everything can always be improved and, providing failings or shortfalls are openly admitted and taken responsibility for, I look forward to returning for a second and stronger attempt in 2025.
