'Alan Is Very Close To Something Extraordinary'

A quick heads-up for anyone following the progress of Alan Hinkes as he attempts to become the first Briton to climb all of the world's 8,000 metre peaks - there's an extended profile of Alan in today's Independent.

Among other things it points out that more people have landed on the moon than have stood on the top of every 8,000er, says he's sometimes known as 'Death Zone Hinkes' and interestingly alludes to the general disparagement of Hinkes' achivements in the British climbing community.

It has, concludes author Ian Herbert, its roots in a climbing culture that prizes new routes on new mountains above established routes on already-climbed mountains no matter how hard. Nevertheless, Hinkes has earned the respect of many.

The article quotes Stepehn Venables as saying "In any other country Alan would be a climbing hero but in the climbing world he is rather derided for his slavish approach to this quest. Our climbers just haven't had the staying power to see that kind of feat through. Alan is very close to something extraordinary."

Bernad Newman, editor of Climber magazine adds that "Alan is a fantastic ambassador for British mountaineering - he deserves a knighthood for his achievements, whether or not he climbs Kangchenjunga."

Alan hopes to make an attempt on the summit later this week. You can read the full article at the Independent web site.