It is high, over 5,000 meters, we have been walking almost all day, but I feel great. Step… step… step. I am overwhelmed with joy, simple happiness coming from this moment, this place, the falling snow, the night, the strength I feel in my legs, healthy exhaustion and a thought that higher up, on the Copa Pass (6188 m above sea level) there’s going to be a tent, a warm sleeping bag and a tea. I came here for those feelings. I look down – lower in the couloir I see a bright spot of Simon’s headlamp. A few deep breaths and I move on.