"This was after my 1999 Trip to the Bernease Oberland where John bailed on me at the last minute as he and his wife Maria were not getting on so well - he bails on me just after he and I sent them off to a flight, packed up our car (after 1 week in Chamonix already) and were off to Switzerland. Needless to say I am there completely alone and he says - "here buddy, take the car, I'll pay for it - I better salvage my marriage" as he ran off with his pack to a British Air flight to London - I had a long lonely drive ahead of me. This is rather typical of our friendship and climbing relationship. From John Lee: I do not know whether to laugh or cry after reading this. This sounds like something you are glad that you did, but never again. I still wish I would have gone. In talking to Pat Littlejohn (ed - Leader of The International School of Mountaineering), this was his description of the itinerary. Day 1- two hour hike up to the hut Day 2- Climb the Monch-"easy climb, 3 hour up, warm up for the rest of the week." THAT IS VERBATUM Day 3- A Jungfrau- A little harder Day 4-6 Attempt the Eiger. Oh well, now I am very fired up for climbing some more. You name the time ..." — markhadland • Jul 2, 1999