Breakfast will be earlier than usual. Then with packed lunch, set off to reach objective. Conditions being favourable, trip can reach up to 5000m and only the crest of Mardi Himal itself separates from the south face of Machhapuchare. The great ice fields and blue glaciers of the Sanctuary Wall lie below. Annapurna I, highest of all is beyond, and around, in an arc from horizon to horizon, from Dhaulagiri to the Ganesh Himal, are a dozen or more glistening snow- bound giants. Standing on a spot that has been constant aim for days now. A place, a time, a view that is almost impossible to equal –and earned it. Whatever achievement, by 1:00pm and back trip to camp.