After an engagement in analytical chemistry during 50 years, I am looking back to my scientific carreer. To some extent it is based on my successful textbook in high-performance liquid chromatography. However, too much contemplation of one's own contributions to science is boring, and it is necessary to look ahead to the future challenges in chemistry, namely to cope with the threats of climate change. And there is another topic which was and is most important in my life: mountain climbing. Its physical and maybe also mental top was to reach the summit of Mount Everest in May 2007.