Category Archives: Expeditions – Alaska – Himalayas etc

The Alpinist

Posted on January 25, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Marc-André Leclerc climbs solo unroped, far from the limelight. The free-spirited 25 year old makes made some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet he was very different from most other climbers shunning the limelight.. He led a “hippy … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Enviroment, Equipment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Last days on Everest. A personal journey.

Posted on January 11, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

In 2001 I was lucky to be part of an Everest Expedition from Tibet. It was made up of purely RAF Mountain Rescue Troops and the Team Doctor. It was a great expedition in all aspects with Dan Carrol and … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Himalayas/ Everest, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 7 Comments

Everest 20 years on ! A few thoughts.

Posted on May 23, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

I saw this written by a friend: “Happy Anniversary to all involved. I’d not been on MR long when they got back from Everest and I went to the lecture they did at Kinloss in the mess. It was inspirational … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Himalayas/ Everest, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Should mountaineers still be on Everest and other big mountains and using Oxygen as local folk are dying due to Covid. Comments welcome !

Posted on May 16, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

I have read a lot recently and my heart bleeds for the many who have died of Covid in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Yet it is amazing that there are still many expeditions out climbing the big peaks! Is this … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Family, Friends, Gear, Health, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Views Political?, Well being | Tagged | 4 Comments

Scary Flights – “One shot pass” Alaska Denali.

Posted on April 4, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

I did lots of scary flights in helicopters for many years on all weathers. Yet the most scared I was when flying into Denali (Alaska) on Mount McKinley. I had seen many aircraft crashes in my Mountain Rescue days. Always … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Articles, Avalanche info, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Summits and Scranbreaks an ascent of Gasherbrum Expedition – Dan Carrol.

Posted on March 7, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

My mate Dan Carrol is well known in Mountain Rescue he was my Deputy in the RAF Kinloss Team and a true pal. As a leader I was lucky to have such a man’s support he kept me right. Dan … Continue reading →

Posted in Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Ted Atkins and Al Mac Leod North Face of the Eiger. Pushing the standards.

Posted on January 28, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

I just got sent these photos by a pal Rushie of Ted Atkins and Al MacLeod on the North Face of the Eiger in the late 80,s. I remember them coming back from this with “wild bivouac eyes. “ Sadly … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Gear, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Some thoughts on the Winter Ascent on K2 by Sherpas. In praise of the finest Mountain Folk.

Posted on January 19, 2021 by heavywhalley.MBE

I am so pleased that the winter ascent of K2 was climbed by a Sherpa team. They are a great people and I have been so lucky to met so many over years. I am so privileged having climbed in … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Views Political?, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Doug Scott another legend gone .

Posted on December 7, 2020 by heavywhalley.MBE

Another great gone – Doug Scott cult hero extreme mountaineer. Yet he was a kind and caring man who did so much for Nepal and its people. population. His love of the country and after so many expeditions to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Himalayas/ Everest, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 2 Comments

“The Fox of Glencoe” Hamish MacInnes RIP

Posted on November 23, 2020 by heavywhalley.MBE

The sad but not unexpected sad news that Hamish had passed away yesterday. There will be much written by many in the Mountaineering world who climbed with Hamish over the years. His exploits are legendary and so impressive. Hamish climbed … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Equipment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Well being | 10 Comments