We've been through so much over the years, you and I.
Shared so many great adventures, the highs, the lows, the starlight and storms.
I remember the first time we met, introduced by dear Uncle Brian Cropper in the YHA store. As we sized each other up, I saw the twinkle in his eyes. He knew we were a perfect fit, and this was going to be the start of a lifelong partnership in the mountains.
Over the years you've never let me down. You've saved my skin on several occasions, and I realise there were far too many times I took you for granted, and treated you badly.
And this life in the mountains has taken its toll over the years. The damage was always repaired, but the scars remained visable, badges of honour and testimony to our often harsh life together.
And though there have been others in my climbing life, that special bond between us always remained. You were always my favourite. Always the irreplaceable one.
That time I thought I'd lost you in the Cairngorms on New Years Eve was horrible. But when I walked back into The Tavern a day later, and saw you there, draped over a chair next to the bar, I was so happy to have you back.
And even though in the last few years, our times climbing together have become less frequent due to your age and deteriorating condition, I never thought I'd ever have to face losing you just yet.
But this morning I got the phone call, to tell me that you were gone. That nothing could be done to save you.
And what is worse, is the circumstances in which your end came. No faithful partner of so many years deserves such a violent and undignified end.
So farewell my old faithful ME Annapurna Duvet.
And when I get back to Courmayeur and get my hands on those two bloody dogs that decided to have a f*cking tug of war contest with you, I promise to avenge you.
