Proust in a year? Cripes, have you any idea how it's going to feel around the end of February when you've just cleared the foothills, are hooking up the oxygen gear & trying to decide where to establish FIRST Base Camp? I reached the summit just under a year ago, a blackened hulk & dreadfully altered version of my former self. When I think of 10 pages a day, my sphincters tighten involuntarily, my legs cross & I have to go & lie down. The book resembles nothing so much as war - as described by those who have been there: a deliberately forgotten experience both unimaginably awful yet hilariously & inexpressibly precious. How will the expedition be set up? Would it be all right if - having been given a route map & timetable - I could have helicopter privileges? Dropping in from time to time with encouragement & tins of pemmikan for any survivors? Scottie B.