1 month has passed since the return to base camp and the end of our expedition. I wish to give thanks to all the friends and family that have supported me in this climb and unique life experience.

Thank you to:

Jean-Claude and Marie-Helene, my parents, for sponsoring my gear and expedition, it was a wonderful 40th birthday present. Your support and love have been invaluable.

Delphine and Camille, my sisters, for sending me countless support emails and messages along the way.

Lorraine for coping with all my hours of preparation, for the numerous messages of support and the beautiful email you wrote to all of us after the expedition.

Patrick for becoming a very good friend during the 8 months of preparation, being such a detailed organiser, sharing your passion for the mountain and recommending the perfect gear. I look forward to our coming climbs.

Xavier & Glenn for being always available to chat and support each other during the days of climbing and for welcoming me back to base camp on November 11th, it warmed my heart to see you guys at the edge of the moraine. What’s next?

Florence for making us laugh during the whole trip and for sharing with me the experience of reaching the Himlung summit. You are the toughest woman I have met in my life. 8000?

Lars for being a friend I can count on at anytime. You were part of this expedition even if you couldn’t make the actual trip. I hope to share more expeditions with you in the years to come.

Thierry Echemann for always encouraging me to do the things that are so important to me. For being a listener and supporter no matter what.

Laurent for all your support in 2015 and your genuine interest in following the climb prep and blog postings.

Jean-Louis and Christophe for throwing me a memorable send-off party in DB.

Ivan and Jacques for the delicious Sheko dinner send-off and for your great friendship.

The tritons triathlon club of Hong Kong and namely: Damo, Ross, Dave, Stuart, Mandy, Edwin, Nick, Toby for sharing so many training rides and runs, a determining factor of our expedition success.

The shanghai connection boys Ambroise, David, Thierry for cheering for me.

Daniel for your guidance and on-going support. They were a determining factor of this expedition’s success.

Michel for your adorable letter following our successful ascent.

And to all of you who have messaged me to show your support.

Thank you so much!

Benjamin