During a journey to Czechoslovakia in 1988 with my friend Roger Overall we ended up in the High Tatras. After a few days of hiking in this compact mountain range we thought it was a good idea to hire a mountain guide and climb the highest peak: Gerlachovský štít (2,655 metres).

For two 19 year old guys with no mountaineering experience whatsoever, this was a rather challenging climb. The first confirmed ascent was only made in 1834. I remember it was a real scramble to reach the peak. The worst part was the descent. When we almost reached a village there was a steep cliff, several dozens of meters deep, with just an iron chain to hold on to. There was no turning back.