Round up: Rolling the dice

This summer has been brilliant. I've mainly been working in big mountains, which is as ever a choice.

Alpenglow in Chamonix

It's these choices which allow variety in my work but as ever it's a gamble and the ever present social media reports of how Wales is gripped by a heatwave (a rare occurrence!) is some times hard to take. However avoiding FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) or feeling that the grass is always greener is a continual problem I face and try to beat.

This year I had a super season in Scotland culminating in climbing a line on my list for ages (Orion direct) and skiing a line on the same list (Rush). I have been leading on Kilimanjaro and on big peaks in Nepal. As I write this I have just returned from leading a Tour de Mont Blanc; in just a few days I'm off to lead on Elbrus. All super stuff but the niggling feeling is, well I haven't been really rock climbing. Instead two weeks ago we climbed the NE face of the Lenzspitze. Another very satisfying tick. But still that niggle as home has been bathed in sunshine.

Scottish skiing

Himalayan dawn

I'm going to fight it off though and look forward to travelling and climbing in South East Asia in November and December. With something to aim for life doesn't seem so bad. And if the sun is still shining on my return; well I've got a target to train for.

So I roll the dice; accept the choice and appreciate the good stuff.