On Thursday 8th May Nick Ridley, a former teacher, headmaster, adventurer and expedition leader came to Cranleigh to share the story of his journey through Peru which culminated in a two-man ascent of the stunning peak of Alpamayo.  Alpamayo is one of the most conspicuous peaks in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. It is a steep (60˚) almost perfect pyramid of ice and, although smaller than most of its neighbouring peaks, is distinguished by its unusual formation and overwhelming beauty.  In 1966 it was declared ‘the most beautiful mountain in the world’ by UNESCO, and from the pictures Nick displayed the audience was left with little doubt that this was true.  Nick gave a wide-ranging talk, from the museums and ancient artefacts of the Incas and their fascinating history, to his experiences of the dreadful poverty the country was experiencing contrasted with brightly coloured army street parades.  Although the experience was not an easy one (especially as Nick climbed the last part of his route suffering from Hepatitis A), Nick inspired many in the audience to try similar expeditions themselves saying ‘ordinary people can do slightly extraordinary things’.

 

Stephanie Wolstenhome