EN: I tested the FRIKAR by PODBIKE just outside Brussels. This bike is powered by electricity but there is no direct transmission between the pedals and the engine. This is the video of my test on my YouTube for my show "LouPhi Test".
FR: J'ai testé le FRIKAR de PODBIKE en dehors de Bruxelles. Ce vélo est alimenté par l'électricité, mais il n'y a pas de transmission directe entre les pédales et le moteur. Voici la vidéo de mon test sur mon YouTube pour mon émission "LouPhi Test".
Well, I did 3 prompts and it could be very convincing. Of course at that age, no one would really have all those skills and CV. But someone who has money and is strong mentally and physically could have that CV.
Name: Alexander "Alex" Walker
Date of Birth: May 12, 1987
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Contact: alex.walker.adventure@gmail.com
Website: www.alexwalkerexpeditions.com
Social Media: @alexwalker.explorer
Dynamic and resilient adventurer with over 10 years of experience in extreme expeditions across diverse terrains, including the Arctic, Himalayan peaks, and the Amazon rainforest. Passionate about exploration, conservation, and human endurance. Seeking new challenges and opportunities to inspire others to push their limits through adventure and storytelling.
Master of Science in Environmental Science
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Graduated: 2012
Thesis: "Sustainable Practices for Extreme Environments: Navigating Challenges in Remote Regions"
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
University of Glasgow, Scotland
Graduated: 2009
Focus: Ethics and Human Endeavor in Extreme Conditions
Duration: 54 days
Details: Successfully completed a solo journey to the North Pole, navigating ice fields, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather. Covered over 500 miles on skis, pulling a 200kg sled, and surviving temperatures as low as -50°C.
Achievements:
First Briton to complete a solo North Pole expedition without resupply.
Raised £100,000 for polar conservation through fundraising efforts and media coverage.
Duration: 70 days
Details: Led a team of four in a 1,000-mile trek through the Amazon rainforest, using only traditional navigation and survival techniques.
Achievements:
Successfully mapped uncharted territories in the southern Amazon.
Discovered several new species of flora and fauna.
Featured in National Geographic for the contribution to Amazon preservation awareness.
Duration: 2 months
Details: Part of a pioneering team that made a successful summit attempt on Mount Everest, focusing on the ecological impacts of tourism and climate change at high altitudes.
Achievements:
Conducted a series of scientific studies related to glacial melt and environmental changes on Everest’s upper slopes.
Assisted in the clean-up and removal of excess mountaineering debris on the South Col.
Duration: 35 days
Details: A solo, unsupported expedition crossing over 700 miles of the Sahara Desert, with only limited supplies of water and food.
Achievements:
Set a personal record for the longest unsupported desert crossing.
Used the journey to raise awareness for clean water projects in Africa, raising over $200,000.
Duration: 90 days
Details: Led an international team in a historic crossing of Antarctica from coast to coast, pulling sledges over ice at temperatures below -60°C.
Achievements:
First successful crossing by a non-military team.
Established a scientific partnership with the British Antarctic Survey to track climate change data.
Book: Through Ice and Earth: A Journey of Extremes (2019)
Chronicles personal stories and scientific findings from expeditions across the globe.
Featured in top adventure publications and translated into three languages.
Documentary: Surviving the Amazon (2018)
2-part series documenting the Amazon rainforest expedition, focusing on the challenges of surviving in the world's most dangerous jungle.
Aired on BBC and Discovery Channel.
Guest Speaker:
Speaker at multiple global adventure and sustainability conferences, including the Adventure Travel World Summit (2020) and National Geographic Explorers Festival (2021).
Regular guest on adventure podcasts and YouTube series discussing extreme survival tactics.
Explorer of the Year (2019) – National Geographic Society
The Polar Medal (2018) – For exceptional contributions to polar exploration and environmental advocacy.
Endurance Award (2017) – Outdoor Adventure Council, recognizing achievements in overcoming the toughest natural challenges.
British Adventurers Association (BAA) – Member since 2014
National Geographic Explorers Club – Fellow since 2018
Patagonia Environmental Fund – Active Ambassador for sustainable gear and practices in extreme environments
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Partner in conservation expeditions, advocating for endangered species protection through global outreach.
Available upon request.
NEW PROMPT: make it even more impressive, like go to the max
World-renowned adventurer and expedition leader with unparalleled experience in surviving and leading expeditions in the world’s most extreme environments. Over 15 years of pushing the limits of human endurance, exploring previously uncharted territories, and advancing the frontiers of science and environmental conservation. My mission is to inspire humanity to embrace the unknown, protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems, and uncover the depths of human potential.
Doctorate in Extreme Environmental Science
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Graduated: 2016
Dissertation: "Human Survival and Ecosystem Sustainability in Extreme Environments: Strategies for the 21st Century"
Master of Science in Glaciology and Polar Studies
University of Cambridge, England
Graduated: 2011
Thesis: "The Impacts of Melting Glaciers on Global Climate Patterns: An In-Depth Field Study from Antarctica"
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Ethics and Human Endurance)
University of Glasgow, Scotland
Graduated: 2008
Unparalleled Expedition Planning and Coordination
Master of Survival Skills in Extreme Environments (Arctic, Desert, Jungle, High Altitude)
Expert in High-Risk Navigation (Drone, Satellite, GPS, Altimeter, Compass)
Strategic Leadership in Remote Locations (Solo and Team Leadership)
Crisis Management, Emergency Response, and Wilderness Medicine
Professional Filmmaking and Storytelling (Documentaries, Photography)
Multilingual: Fluent in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and Basic Inuit
Certified Skydiver, Scuba Diver, and High-Altitude Mountaineer
Duration: 18 months
Details: Undertook the most ambitious expedition in history: a solo circumnavigation of the Earth using a combination of foot travel, sailing, and air travel, with no external support or resupplies. Traversed 50,000 miles across all seven continents, including the Arctic and Antarctic, while conducting scientific research in climate change, biodiversity, and indigenous cultures.
Achievements:
First person in history to circumnavigate the Earth solo by land, sea, and air, completely unsupported.
Documented over 300 hours of footage, later transformed into a groundbreaking documentary that aired globally on Netflix.
Raised $10 million for environmental charities.
Duration: 3 years
Details: Successfully completed a series of four "extreme" challenges — the coldest, hottest, highest, and most remote places on Earth:
North Pole (2019): Solo trek across the Arctic Circle in -60°C, breaking the record for the longest unsupported journey to the North Pole.
Sahara Desert (2018): Solo, unsupported crossing of the entire Sahara Desert (4,500 miles) in 70 days, surviving with only natural resources.
Mount Everest (2017): Completed a solo ascent without supplemental oxygen, conducting scientific climate change research at 8,000 meters.
The Mariana Trench (2020): Descended 36,000 feet into the Mariana Trench in a custom-designed submersible, the first human to document the abyssal zone of the ocean.
Achievements:
First person to successfully complete the Four Extremes of Exploration.
Generated global media coverage, including collaborations with the United Nations on climate change awareness.
Duration: 75 days
Details: Led a team to cross Antarctica’s frozen interior, starting from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole and back, in a historic unsupported traverse.
Achievements:
First expedition to cross Antarctica using only human-powered means — sledges, skis, and snowshoes — with no outside support.
Contributed groundbreaking data to the study of Antarctic ice cores and glacier movement.
Duration: 90 days
Details: Led an expedition into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, in collaboration with indigenous tribes, to uncover previously unknown ecosystems and species.
Achievements:
Discovered and cataloged 15 previously unknown species, including a new species of amphibian.
First explorer to navigate the entirety of the Amazon’s tributaries, mapping and identifying areas of untouched biodiversity.
Established a research and conservation partnership with multiple NGOs, which led to the creation of a protected ecological zone in the Brazilian Amazon.
Duration: 120 days
Details: The longest and most difficult solo journey to the South Pole without external support, carrying all supplies across 1,200 miles of treacherous Antarctic terrain.
Achievements:
Set the world record for the fastest solo trek to the South Pole.
Spearheaded groundbreaking research on glacial retreat and ice shelf dynamics, in partnership with NASA’s Cryospheric Research Program.
Book: Endurance Beyond Limits: The Science of Extreme Exploration (2022)
International bestseller detailing groundbreaking science and human stories from expeditions, including climate data, psychological endurance, and environmental discoveries.
Featured in The New York Times and BBC Radio 4.
Documentary: The Final Frontier (2021)
A National Geographic exclusive showcasing the Earth’s most remote and extreme locations, documenting the Four Extremes and other high-risk expeditions.
5 million viewers worldwide in its first month.
TED Talk: The Human Spirit in Extreme Conditions (2020)
Delivered to over 2 million people, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in life-threatening environments.
Explorer of the Century (2025) – The Royal Geographical Society
Gold Medal for Environmental Leadership (2022) – The United Nations Environmental Programme
Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2021)
The Polar Medal (2019) – For unparalleled contributions to polar exploration
Lifetime Achievement Award (2020) – International Association of Adventure Professionals
World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers – Promoting global sustainability initiatives and youth-led environmental change.
Patagonia Ambassador – Advocate for sustainable gear and zero-waste practices in extreme exploration.
NASA Earth Science Division – Partner in polar research initiatives.
WWF Conservation Partnership – Active member of the WWF’s global expeditions initiative.
Date of Birth: March 5, 1986
Location: London, England
Contact: izzy.morgan.adventure@gmail.com
Website: www.isabellemorganexpeditions.com
Social Media: @izzy.morgan.explorer
Globally recognized explorer, environmental advocate, and pioneering adventurer with a legacy of breaking records in extreme exploration across the polar regions, high-altitude mountains, jungles, and deserts. Expert in leading complex expeditions, advancing scientific research, and promoting sustainable practices in the world’s most unforgiving environments. Dedicated to inspiring future generations of female explorers and pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Earth Sciences
University of Oxford, England
Graduated: 2014
Thesis: "Glaciology and Climate Change: Understanding the Dynamics of Ice Sheets in Extreme Latitudes"
Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability
University of Cambridge, England
Graduated: 2010
Thesis: "Conservation and Adaptation Strategies for Biodiversity in Polar and High-Altitude Ecosystems"
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Graduated: 2008
Focus: Human Resilience and Cultural Survival in Extreme Environments
Expedition Leadership & Logistics Management
Advanced Survival and Wilderness Techniques (Cold, Desert, High Altitude, Jungle)
High-Risk Decision Making & Crisis Management
Cutting-Edge Scientific Research & Data Collection
Public Speaking, Writing, and Advocacy
Multinational Team Coordination & Motivation
Expert in Navigation (GPS, Compass, Traditional Techniques)
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Swahili, Basic Russian
Duration: 200 days
Details: Completed the first ever solo, unsupported traverse of Antarctica, crossing the entire continent from coast to coast, enduring temperatures as low as -80°C, high winds, and severe isolation.
Achievements:
First woman to complete the solo, unsupported Antarctic crossing, covering over 2,000 miles.
Collected invaluable scientific data on glacial retreat, weather patterns, and biodiversity in extreme cold environments.
Raised $10 million for climate research and the protection of Antarctic wildlife, particularly penguin and seal populations.
Duration: 3 months
Details: Led the first all-female team to summit K2, the world’s second-highest peak, in the dead of winter during the most brutal conditions in history.
Achievements:
First all-female team to successfully summit K2 in winter, a feat that had previously been deemed nearly impossible.
Developed and implemented new high-altitude acclimatization techniques, now considered standard practice in extreme mountaineering.
Documented the journey for a groundbreaking documentary that won an Emmy Award.
Duration: 60 days
Details: Became the first woman to cross the entire Sahara Desert using only traditional means of transport—camels and on foot, braving extreme heat, desert storms, and dehydration.
Achievements:
Set a new world record for the fastest solo unsupported crossing of the Sahara.
Developed a sustainable water recovery system for desert expeditions, later adopted by organizations like the Red Cross.
Raised over $7 million for desertification prevention and sustainable water use in North Africa.
Duration: 90 days
Details: Led an international team deep into the Amazon rainforest to map and document the biodiversity of previously uncharted territories, encountering hostile wildlife, tribal conflicts, and treacherous river systems.
Achievements:
Discovered several new species of plants and insects, contributing to global conservation efforts.
Filmed a critically acclaimed documentary that was broadcast worldwide on Discovery Channel, focusing on indigenous knowledge and conservation.
Secured over $5 million in funding for sustainable rainforest preservation.
Duration: 2 months
Details: Successfully summited Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, a rare and dangerous feat, using advanced acclimatization techniques and pushing physical limits to the edge.
Achievements:
First British woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen.
Conducted groundbreaking scientific research on the effects of high-altitude oxygen deprivation, contributing data to NASA and the European Space Agency for future space missions.
Featured in National Geographic for pioneering high-altitude health studies.
Duration: 65 days
Details: Completed the first full crossing of Greenland's ice cap, solo and unsupported, navigating through glacial crevasses, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather.
Achievements:
Set a record for the longest unsupported Arctic crossing.
Contributed to climate change research by measuring ice sheet thickness and movement in remote regions.
Raised awareness for the preservation of Arctic ecosystems.
Book: Beyond the Edge: A Woman’s Journey into the World’s Most Extreme Places (2022)
A best-selling memoir that shares insights into the mind of a female adventurer, chronicling daring feats and the psychological and physical toll of extreme expeditions.
Translated into seven languages, with an international book tour.
Featured in The Guardian and Vogue for its impact on women in exploration.
Documentary Series: Breaking Boundaries: The Journey of a Modern Adventurer (2020)
A 10-part series airing on National Geographic and Netflix, following Dr. Morgan’s most historic expeditions, including her Antarctic crossing and K2 summit.
TED Talk: "The Power of Resilience: Navigating Life’s Extremes" (2021)
Delivered to a global audience, exploring themes of personal resilience, overcoming adversity, and the role of women in the future of exploration.
Explorer of the Year (2024) – National Geographic Society
Gold Medal for Mountaineering Excellence (2021) – Royal Geographical Society
Polar Medal with Distinction (2020) – Awarded for contributions to polar exploration and climate change awareness.
Adventurer of the Decade (2019) – Adventure Travel World Summit
Sustainability Leadership Award (2018) – United Nations, for exceptional leadership in combining adventure with environmental conservation.
International Women’s Exploration Network (IWEN) – Founder & Chairperson
Patagonia Environmental Ambassador – Leading sustainability efforts in extreme travel and adventuring.
UN Women’s Global Ambassador for Empowering Women in Exploration
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Lead partner in high-risk conservation expeditions for endangered species.
Google Earth Outreach – Partner for virtual mapping and 3D visualization of endangered ecosystems and regions.
EN: I drove to the Sables-d'Olonnes to see the arrival of Belgian sailor Denis Van Weynbergh who was finishing the Vendée Globe race. He's the first Belgian to complete a round the world sailing without stops. Unfortunately I left home late and didn't see his arrival. Someting in common with his as he arrived just 1 day after the end of the race. I could attend his press conference with the media. Then I drove back via another route and spent an evening with a friend. I told her about my recent 6 months in Australia and she told me about he rtiny house project and cycling holiday in Armenia and Georgia.
FR: Je me suis rendu aux Sables-d'Olonnes pour assister à l'arrivée du navigateur belge Denis Van Weynbergh qui terminait la course du Vendée Globe. Il est le premier Belge à avoir bouclé un tour du monde à la voile sans escale. Malheureusement, j'ai quitté la maison tard et je n'ai pas vu son arrivée. Un point commun avec lui puisqu'il est arrivé 1 jour après la fin de la course. J'ai pu assister à sa conférence de presse avec les médias. Je suis ensuite rentré par une autre route et j'ai passé une soirée avec un ami. Je lui ai raconté mes six derniers mois en Australie et elle m'a parlé de son projet de maison minuscule et de ses vacances à vélo en Arménie et en Géorgie.
EN: I went to Brussels airport to test the Ryan Air bag sizer. So as you know it is free to have 1 small bag in the plane (no weight mentioned) and you have to pay for a bigger cabin bag, backpack or suitcase. And of course you pay even more for a checked in luggage.
What are the sizes allowed (March 2025) ?
FREE Small bag under the seat:
And what do I read on the bag policy corporate page of Ryan Air ? The sizer is supposed to be 42*20*30 cm (25 L) (For Wizzair bag allowance policy) and EasyJet.
But I went to measure the internal dimensions myself and as you can see with the photos, I have 40*30*21cm. So I don't know if they made a typo (purpose or accident?) but it is what I measure. I comes also to around 25L volume.
On the photo, my RAB Adrift 24 backpack is around 48*30*18cm and because it is soft, I could put it inside the blue sizer but of course the top part was bent to measure 40cm and not 48cm. For sure have a soft backpack and dont fill it to more than 20/25 litres.
PS: I went to decathlon to check several options of bags but in the store I was the choice was limited and all I measured were smaller bags. For a serie of bags they have a indication if the bag is fit for cabin travel. But I'm 100% sure this is misleading as it's for normal cabin bags so that is the bags that are big and you must pay for if traveling with Ryan Air.
My conclusion:
PS: I'm not sponsored by RAB / Ryan Air. I just wanted to verify myself.
PS: Brussels Zaventem Airport has a 10m FREE Drop Off/Pick Up zone. The scan the numberplate at entry and I guess if above 10 min and you want to get out, you'll have to pay. I managed to leave my car alone, run like very fast to the terminal, ask around where was Ryanair, measure and come back in exactly 9 minutes. It just means that if e.g. you need to give or get something from someone at the ariport and you are driving alone, it is possible but you better be sure to find the person fast.
FR : Je me suis rendu à l'aéroport de Bruxelles pour tester le « bag sizer » de Ryan Air. Comme vous le savez, il est gratuit d'avoir un petit sac dans l'avion (sans mention de poids) et vous devez payer pour un plus grand sac de cabine, un sac à dos ou une valise. Et bien sûr, vous payez encore plus pour un bagage enregistré.
Quelles sont les tailles autorisées (mars 2025) ?
GRATUIT Petit sac sous le siège :
Et qu'est-ce que je lis sur la page d'entreprise de la politique des bagages de Ryan Air ? Le sizer est censé faire 42*20*30 cm (25 L) (pour la politique de bagage de Wizzair). et EasyJet.
Mais je suis allé mesurer les dimensions internes moi-même et comme vous pouvez le voir sur les photos, j'ai 40*30*21cm. Donc je ne sais pas s'ils ont fait une erreur (intentionnelle ou accidentelle ?) mais c'est ce que j'ai mesuré. J'arrive aussi à un volume d'environ 25L.
FR: Je voyage en Australie et je travaille sur plusieurs projets comme le "MeetExplorers wiith LouPhi show" où j'interviewe des explorateurs. Il s'agit d'une émission de conversation en plein air. Ces derniers mois, j'ai également donné quelques conférences pour les membres de l'Explorers Club et pour l'ambassade de Belgique à Canberra.
EN: I first went to Tasmania in 2004 to do a lot of hikes (bushwalks) and I climbed a few mountains as well. I then discovered the Abels. It's only recently that I understood the the concept of the Abels or Abel Mountains is a definition only for Tasmanian mountains. It's defined like: Mountains need to be higher than 1,100m above sea level and be separated from other mountains by a drop of at least 150m on all sides. There are 158 Abels and each have a point depending on various factors like hard to climb, remoteness...
The List of Abels / Abel Mountains can be found on different websites:
Before you ask, yes, many people have climbed all 158 Abels. And no, I don't want to be the first Belgian to do them all. I would take me perhaps 9 to 12 months depending on my current fitness. The planet is big, I love Tasmania but I'd like to visit other places like Patagonia or Canada one day. And I'm now more interested in a few mountains between 5000 and 7000m in the Andes. So I'm more interested in mountaineering for the future.
So, how many mountains and how many points do I have on my 4 visits to Tasmania, including 2 expeditions: Wild Mountains of Tasmania (2006) and Tasmania Winter Trek (2018). PS: I hope to write a book about these 2 epic expeditions.
First I should one day update my hiking CV.
For my first expedition, the archived discussion is here. The Mountains climbed in green are here.
My count is 83 points (max is 900 points) and I have not included the potential 4 other summit in the Wall of Jerusalem National Park. I remember doing a climb there but not all those 4 * TBC mountains. I need to check my photos and my guide book "Walking in Australia" (2001 edition) from the Lonely Planet.
My hiker grade in Tasmania's peakbagging is "Member of Old Lags Brigade".
List below: name, elevation, points, A=Abel.
EN: I was invited by John McLaine (Launceston, Tasmania) who was guiding a trip with his friends to Frenchmans Cap. He knew this mountain was on my list. He the booking for the permit (I had no clue as this was new for this mountain, Tasmania is becoming busy) I had still plenty of Backcountry cuisine packs from my aborted Simpson Desert crossing so I was going to feast with 3 packs per day.
Day1 (10 Jan): We drove several hours and at 8h30 we reached the vast parking on the Lyell Highway. By 9.45 John signed us in the entrey register. We are a party of 9. All levels represented so we plan to do the return journey in 5 days. Except John has a plan for doing another summit. After a few hours we see Frenchmans Cap from a saddle through the trees. It's a warm day. We reach Lake Vera and its hut. We read, play games, cook and talk.
Day2: We pass Lake Vera and start the big climb that almost never ends. A trail-runner passes us as he's doing the summit and return in 1 day. We don't do that well with the time. Just above what John believes we'd do. We have enough breaks too to enjoy the walk. We reach Lake Tahune and its hut. Seven of us decide to go for the summit. It takes us less than 90 minutes to reach it. The weather is great and we can see so far in the distance. We return to the hut for the night and we except thunderstorms in the area. After a few hours of getting bored. I eat dinner and I decide I can make it in 1h back to the summit with my tent and minimal food for the night and the morning. Sleeping on the summit would allow for a great sunset and sunrise and if the storm is too dangerous, I'll go down during the night. Fantastic decision. I get only a bit of drizzle mid-way and then I'm dry during the entire night. The storm is around the mountain but NOT on it.
Day3: I wake up at 4am. Have breakfast take some photos and go back to bed for 1h or so as it's still cold. When the sun comes. I'm out and I contemplate the beauty and I shoot tens of photos of one of the best sunrise I've experienced. John and Marius arrive and the plan if to go off track to Clytemnestra before the expected 3pm rain. It's hard work for me as I have no gloves and I'm not trained anymore. We reach the summit in 3 hours (11h30), we have a 30 min lunch and 3 hours later we're back on the summit of Frenchmans Cap. The rain starts but it's very light. We reach the hut happy to have bagged another peak. We go for a quick swim in the lake.
Day4: I wake up very late. The group leaves but I stay in bed to relax. I leave 1h later or so but I'm driven and I'm passing them 30 minutes before reaching back camp 1 at Lake Vera. A relaxed night playing UNO. I'm shredded and I spent the evening reading a book about the animals of Tasmania.
Day5: It's long long descend back to the carpark. On out way back to Launceston we treat ourselves with a burger, fries and a well deserved beer. I can add a few point to my Abel list.
FR: J'ai été invité par John McLaine (Launceston, Tasmanie) qui guidait un voyage avec ses amis à Frenchmans Cap. Il savait que cette montagne était sur ma liste. Il s'est occupé de la réservation du permis (je n'avais aucune idée car c'était nouveau pour cette montagne, la Tasmanie est de plus en plus occupée). J'avais encore beaucoup de sacs de cuisine Backcountry de ma traversée avortée du désert de Simpson, j'allais donc me régaler avec 3 sacs par jour.
Jour 1 (10 janvier) : Nous avons roulé plusieurs heures et à 8h30 nous avons atteint le vaste parking sur la Lyell Highway. A 9h45, John nous inscrit dans le registre d'entrée. Nous sommes un groupe de 9 personnes, tous niveaux confondus, et nous prévoyons de faire l'aller-retour en 5 jours. Sauf que John a prévu de faire un autre sommet. Après quelques heures, nous apercevons Frenchmans Cap depuis une selle à travers les arbres. La journée est chaude. Nous atteignons le lac Vera et son refuge. Nous lisons, jouons, cuisinons et discutons.
Jour 2 : Nous passons le lac Vera et commençons la grande montée qui ne finit presque jamais. Un trail-runner nous dépasse alors qu'il fait le sommet et le retour en 1 jour. Nous ne nous en sortons pas très bien avec le temps. Juste au-dessus de ce que John pense que nous ferions. Nous faisons suffisamment de pauses pour profiter de la marche. Nous atteignons le lac Tahune et son refuge. Sept d'entre nous décident de faire le sommet. Il nous faut moins de 90 minutes pour l'atteindre. Le temps est magnifique et nous pouvons voir très loin au loin. Nous rentrons à la cabane pour la nuit et nous exceptons des orages dans la région. Après quelques heures d'ennui. Je dîne et je décide que je peux retourner au sommet en 1h avec ma tente et un minimum de nourriture pour la nuit et le matin. Dormir au sommet me permettra d'admirer le coucher et le lever du soleil et si l'orage est trop dangereux, je redescendrai pendant la nuit. C'est une décision fantastique. Je n'ai qu'un peu de bruine à mi-chemin et je suis au sec pendant toute la nuit. L'orage est autour de la montagne mais PAS dessus.
Jour 3 : Je me réveille à 4h du matin. Je prends mon petit déjeuner, quelques photos et je me recouche pendant environ 1h car il fait encore froid. Quand le soleil arrive. Je suis dehors et je contemple la beauté et je prends des dizaines de photos d'un des plus beaux levers de soleil que j'ai connu. John et Marius arrivent et le plan est de sortir de la piste pour aller à Clytemnestra avant la pluie prévue à 15 heures. C'est un travail difficile pour moi car je n'ai pas de gants et je ne suis plus entraîné. Nous atteignons le sommet en 3 heures (11h30), nous déjeunons 30 minutes et 3 heures plus tard nous sommes de retour au sommet du Frenchmans Cap. La pluie commence à tomber mais elle est très légère. Nous rejoignons le refuge, heureux d'avoir atteint un autre sommet. Nous allons nous baigner dans le lac.
Jour 4 : Je me réveille très tard. Le groupe part mais je reste au lit pour me détendre. Je pars environ 1h plus tard mais je suis conduit et je les dépasse 30 minutes avant d'atteindre le camp 1 au lac Vera. Une nuit détendue à jouer au UNO. Je suis déchiqueté et j'ai passé la soirée à lire un livre sur les animaux de Tasmanie.
Jour 5 : Longue descente jusqu'au parking. Sur le chemin du retour vers Launceston, nous nous offrons un hamburger, des frites et une bière bien méritée. Je peux ajouter quelques points à ma liste d'Abel.
