Andrew returned from a tough trip to Annapurna 1, in Nepal. Joining forces with two strong Italian teams and 2 American climbers, Andrew attempted the North face of the mountain. Infamous for its frequent avalanches on almost all routes, Annapurna lived up to its reputation, releasing a huge serac avalanche on May 18 th as the team climbed from camp 2 to camp 3 on their summit attempt. Andrew and a number of the climbing party escaped its path by diving for cover behind some other seracs around 6100 metres but four of the Italian group were hit and injured. The survivors abandoned their summit attempt and effected a rescue, however Christian Kuntner, the renowned Italian 8000 metre climber, for whom Annapurna would have been his 14 th and final summit, died from his injuries at camp 2. The others were evacuated and the uninjured climbers returned to basecamp. Andrew and Christian had climbed together on Gasherbrum 1 and 2 in 1999, as well as Kanchenjunga in 2003. Christian’s extraordinary achievements in high altitude climbing as well as his vibrant personality will long be remembered by those who knew him.

Now back in Sydney, Andrew is once again highly sought after on the keynote speaking circuit and is already training for the post monsoon season, during which he will climb in Tibet, first guiding Cho Oyu with Project Himalaya, and then making an alpine style ascent of the south face of Shishapangma.

If you are interested in joining Andrew on Cho Oyu, contact info@andrew-lock.com .