EDITORIAL

Harish Kapadia

AFTER the series of delays and problems of the past it is exciting to publish the present volume close on the heels of the last issue. The Journal could now be said to have caught up with events. Let us hope that with the support ofcotributers and above all — printers we can continue to remain topical. For though the Himalayan Journal primarly records events for historical reference it could provide a wealth of interesting material and news for contemporary mountaineers as well.

On the whole climbers in the last two years have been as active as in any. But the best climbing was on new challenging routes on high peaks like East Face of Dhaulagiri, Makalu West Pillar, Uli Biaho, and Tseringma. But it was left to Aamir Ali writing on his trip to Ladakh 1979 to bring out the best of humour and observations of birds and plants his trip had to offer. Following closely after him there I realized how much more the area had to offer which I had missed. It is both the challenges and enjoyment of nature that make a Himalayan venture complete.

Mention must be made of the classic exercise by P.K. Ganguly which solved the misidentification of popular peaks in Upper Parbati Valley. His study and the trouble he took to verify the facts correct the record of ascents of the last decade.

Many thanks to the editors of Mountain, American Alpine Journal and Indian Mountaineer for permission to reprint and to all the correspondents for their continued support. Co editor R. E. Hawkins continues to be the real backbone with all the experience and meticulous care. I would hesitate to venture into this world of letters without his backing.

Harish Kapadia

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