In early 2023 I spent 6 weeks in the Annapurna Region of the Nepalese Himalaya attempting to climb the 6419 meter peak, Chulu West. I travelled with a small team of Nepalese climbers and sherpas who spoke only basic English. As we climbed higher we gradually left all signs of life behind us until it was just me and two other climbers on the mountain. Despite several days and nights of attempting to make it to the summit from our camp at 6000m, we ultimately had to turn around due to avalanches. It was gutting at the time, but being in those mountains and in such solitude is something I have thought about every day since I have got back. And I’m sure I’ll be back there before too long.