Our "Wee Trek"" as Pete put it, came to my attention last Oct when Pete rang and asked me what I was doing in Mar 2003. I replied “nothing” as I would be retired by then. He then asked if I fancied a wee stroll around the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, “Nothing desperate. Short three hour days and just a bumble, really!!!”. Having known Pete for thirty-odd years and well experienced in his "Bumbles" I should have known better than to take it at face value. Sure enough, a bit later on, he said, “We’ll just pop up and do Pisang Peak (19,983ft) as it’s in the way”. The party would consist of Pete, Ted Robinson, Ron Cameron, (MR’s last of the summer wine) and Pete’s nephew, also called Peter McGowan!! (two Pete McGowans!?) and three acquaintances of Pete’s, two from Glossop and one from Aviemore.

We had a pre-exped meet at Glossop but Ron couldn’t attend that and then another in Aviemore, where we all met up to thrash out the final details.

On Mar 27th we flew out to Kathmandu via Doha, had one night in the hotel and set off by bus the next day after a slight delay - Ron and Ted slept in! Seven and half hours later, we arrived in Besi Sahar after a most interesting drive, set up camp, had a meal and went to bed for an early night in what turned out to be the noisiest camp-site in the world. We were awakened at about three o’clock by dogs, lorries, babies, radios – a Himalayan chorus! We set off on our Bumble; ten-hour days and lots of sweat!

As we ambled round, we came to Pisang. The two Petes, Ron and Ted set off to climb Pisang Peak. We arrived at Base camp at about 2.30 and it started to snow. It was still snowing when we got up for breakfast so Pete decided it was too dangerous to attempt the peak with so much new snow but that we would go a bit higher to have a good look. The snow had stopped and the views were magnificent. We went up to about 16,000 feet and young Peter and Ang Kami, the climbing Sherpa, decided they wanted to have a go. In the meantime, Ron was suffering with AMS, headaches, nausea and dizziness and he decided to go back down to Pisang. Pete and Ted stayed up in support with sherpas and cooks. Peter and Ang Khami made the summit and returned after 23 hours - another epic.

We continued around the Circuit amid wonderful views and scenery. We crossed the Thorung La Pass, 17,700 feet, the widest pass in the world, and descended into Muktinath. There was a very interesting temple complex there and we had a good look around the next morning before we set off again. Pete, Ted and Ron were all blessed by holy men and got the red and yellow spot! We continued to Jomosom where we had an impromptu sing-song in the hotel. No one got much sleep that night! After an overnight stop at Chitre the two Petes, Ted ,Ron, John Pape and Goh Kul the trekking sherpa, got up at 3.am to get to Ghorepani and then on to Poon Hill viewpoint to catch the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. The sunrise was spectacular and the views inspiring, many photos were taken. After breakfast in Ghorepani we met up with the rest and continued the Trek.

We finally arrived at Naya Pul and caught the bus to Pokhara for two days well-earned rest and shopping. We then took another bus to Kathmandu and two days luxury in the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Another early morning (does Pete ever have a long lie in the mornings, Liz?) start to catch the flight home. We arrived in Manchester at about 7.30pm and dispersed.
I am sure that I speak for everyone when I say that the whole expedition was a great success and very enjoyable. All the members owe Pete a great vote of thanks for all the organisation involved and bringing us all home safely, and we look forward to the next time!

Ron Cameron