On 21 May 2009, after weeks of gruelling climbing, Mick Parker reached the summit of Makalu in the Himalaya, 8463 metres above sea level. He was now a veteran of the ‘8000ers club’ – those elite adventurers who have scaled the world’s highest mountains. What’s more, as with all his climbs, he’d done it without the help of bottled oxygen, guides or Sherpas: a method that was extremely dangerous, but revered by purists. The stunning achievement crowned a ten-year climbing career that had begun in suburban Victoria, before taking on New Zealand, the US, South America, and finally the ultimate challenge – the Himalaya. His face slathered in sunscreen, Mick smiled, squinted, took a photo of the magnificent vista, then prepared for the long descent. Thirteen days later, he was found dead in his Kathmandu hotel room. He was only 36. A story of courage, determination and high-altitude adventure, Spirit High details the exhilarating but all-too brief life of Mick Parker.