Last summer we began an ascent up the highest mountain in Northern Africa – Jebel Toubkal, a dominating peak of the High Atlas some 4,000m high. Battling searing 40 degree sun on an exposed mountain we fought hard to reach the summit. Ultimately we succumbed to a combination of brutal heat and altitude sickness. The result of poor planning, inadequate training, and me expecting too much from my children. So when Charlie’s 13th birthday rolled around we sat and spoke about the transition from a boy to a teenager, the raised expectations, responsibility and indeed accountability. Once we had got the usual father/son talk out of the way I asked him what he would like to do for his birthday. Given it was his ‘milestone’ birthday I explained that we could do something special. I saw his face instantly start to ponder. A look of confusion mixed with excitement. “Go…
