Trevor Smith

It is just over a month since I returned home to England after my trip to Mendoza; the time has passed quickly and I have been busy on business trips to Moscow, Paris, Munich and Nurenberg. (I am writing this email from the airport in Salzburg, Austria, after a skiing trip with my daughters.)

I wanted to thank you for your support and professionalism on our ascent of Aconcagua. I had a fantastic time on the trek and have told many, many people about it since coming home. Both of you feature strongly in the stories I have told to my friends and family.

The sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere that I enjoyed on the mountain are clear memories and will remain with me for many years to come. It is difficult to believe that just a few weeks ago I was standing at almost 7000 metres; it is one of the highlights of my life and something I shall never forget.

Thanks to both of you for your support throughout the whole trek; putting up the tents, melting the snow, the high-altitude cooking (loved the burgers!), bringing the champagne and so much more.

Ulisies - thank you especially for your words of encouragement at the bottom of the Canaletta. At that stage of the ascent I really thought I had gone as far as I could go, and wouldn't make it to the summit. You made be believe I could go further . . . And you were right - Thank you!

Maurizio - thank you as well for your help after the trek, in Mendoza, negotiating the deal on my watch - great performance! (I'm wearing it now, altitude hear at the airport is 355m!) And thanks for your advice on the CD's - I've got them in my car; great choice!

I guess the climbing is still going strong at Aconcagua - you probably won't receive this message until the season is finished. Anyway, I hope you have a great time this and many years into the future. If either of you ever come to England I would be very happy to see you - please let me know and I'll organise some trekking in Wales or Scotland (bring your wet-weather gear!)

Best wishes and keep in touch!