George Halahan, a dear friend of Charlie and Richard, died peacefully this morning in the arms of his wife Elisabeth. This was not unexpected but of course no less shocking and sad.

In the last months of his life George continued to display the humour, curiosity, warmth, courage, and generosity that have always made him special. He truly delighted in his friends’ achievements, experiences and adventures. And he demonstrated that delight in his excitement about our expedition and his absolute insistence that it not be delayed or diverted in any way by his failing health.

Charlie and Richard have known George since we all met at Oxford in 1963. He would have reveled vicariously in our experience, would have bombarded us with questions and observations, and would have helped us to find more joy and richness in it. So we will dedicate the voyage to Europe to George. We will keep his thoughtful, caring, generous and adventurous spirit in mind; and in quiet moments we’ll recall the times we‘ve shared with him, Elisabeth and other friends and family members.