In reply to UKC News:
One of the most memorable days winter climbing I have ever had was with Raphael and Nick (Bullock) up on the Trophy Wall in Canada. We were doing the second ascent of Raphael's own route 'Exterminator' and I guess, by age alone, I was the 'young gun' - the reality however was very different...
What actually occurred was that these two 'old blokes' hauled the 'young gun' up the route with a rope so tight that if you were to have plucked it it would have made a perfect high E on a guitar string. I was barely able to identify the hooks they used, let alone maintain cohesion between them. Altogether it would have been a demeaning experience, but for the fact that it was obviously quite funny (or at least it was several days after...).
Good luck Raph!
Canadian alpinist Raphael Slawinski will attempt a first ascent on the North East Face of Everest this summer alongside two German teammates. The team aim to complete the route in pure alpine style. 
