We made an early start and walked the "Lingkor Kora Circuit" A religious circuit that locals will participate in on a daily basis.
We then visited the "Potala Palace" built in the 7th century. It gave an amazing insight into the culture and religious practices of local Lhasa people. The building itself was full of some of the most amazing statues and the worlds biggest tomb which was made up of 3,700kg of gold and covered in diamonds and precious stones. We were not allowed to take photographs but maybe you can find some on line, it's worth a look.
After lunch in a local restaurant we visited another temple called the "Jokhang Temple" situated in the heart of old Lhasa, again amazing to walk around and see such history and believes being practised.
Buddhism is something I really need to read into as I find their religious activities amazing and so much depth through years of practice. It's been a nice start to the trip experiencing Lhasa and the culture.
A four hour drive and an acclimatisation walk tomorrow. I think we will be climbing up to around 4500m a new record for altitude!!
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Meet our guides
Felix, Australian, living in New Zealand. Ex Special Forces and expecting his first child in February 2012. Top bloke. He was wearing a head scarf walking through Lhasa and was asked if he was Taliban!!!!! the local then acted out firing a round of ammunition.... Hilarious.
Arrived in "Lhasa"
Arrived in "Lhasa". All went smoothly with Chinese visas, apparently they can sometimes be a pain to obtain.
We checked into hotel and took a walk into the hustle of "old town Lhasa". We experienced noddles from the side streets and went down a ally to a little tea room and had Chi tea with the locals which was a really unique experience. A monk came in that looked like "Buddha" he sat down with a group of old ladies. Then his mobile went off.... "Modern Monk" awesome!
We are at 3756m and all feeling good. Spirits are high and all looking forward to more sightseeing tomorrow before the start of the trek day after.
Dynamics in the group are great, really good bunch of people with a nice mix of personalities. It's gonna be a good trip.
View from plane over Mt Everest.
Monday 29 August 2011
Great Night with Team
Great night out with the team. Really good dynamics and energy about the group...
It's going to be a great expedition.
Victor, Felix, Neil and I stayed out for a few extra beers tonight. Great buzz about this place. Just past 12 and up at 06:30 and flying straight to 3500m.
Might not be able to tell if the headache was booze or altitude related!!!
It's going to be a great expedition.
Victor, Felix, Neil and I stayed out for a few extra beers tonight. Great buzz about this place. Just past 12 and up at 06:30 and flying straight to 3500m.
Might not be able to tell if the headache was booze or altitude related!!!
Thamel
This morning we all took a walk into Thamel to get a few last minute bits of kit before we depart tomorrow. This place is mad! You have cycles, motor bikes, cars, vans and people everywhere - horns going off like you can't imagine. The atmosphere and buzz is amazing!
It was great to take in a bit of local culture....
4 of us decided to head to the Shyambu Narh monkey temple. The taxi journey was an experience on it's own. I can't describe the carnage on the roads here! You need to see it to believe it.
Arriving at the temple I was amazed by the amount of prayer flags that hung on the surrounding trees. The temple was stunning, the gold roof glistening in the afternoon sun - it actually took my breathe away.
I walked around the temple and experienced a feeling I can't explain. I felt a rush of blood around my body which made me feel so energised and also to think how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing.
Monkeys were all over the ground, jumping into pools of water from overhanging trees. It was fantastic.
We headed back to the hotel for lunch and the 4 of us each told stories of our experiences in the mountains.
Tonight we have a team dinner at an Italian in town. Tomorrow an early alarm call to catch the flight to Lhasa. And then the Trek begins....
It was great to take in a bit of local culture....
4 of us decided to head to the Shyambu Narh monkey temple. The taxi journey was an experience on it's own. I can't describe the carnage on the roads here! You need to see it to believe it.
Arriving at the temple I was amazed by the amount of prayer flags that hung on the surrounding trees. The temple was stunning, the gold roof glistening in the afternoon sun - it actually took my breathe away.
I walked around the temple and experienced a feeling I can't explain. I felt a rush of blood around my body which made me feel so energised and also to think how lucky I am to be doing what I'm doing.
Monkeys were all over the ground, jumping into pools of water from overhanging trees. It was fantastic.
We headed back to the hotel for lunch and the 4 of us each told stories of our experiences in the mountains.
Tonight we have a team dinner at an Italian in town. Tomorrow an early alarm call to catch the flight to Lhasa. And then the Trek begins....
Sunday 28 August 2011
First Briefing
Met with the whole team, Guides and Sherpas. Went through agendas for next week and finalised visa applications for China.
A very strong team surrounding us. The 5 Sherpas have 40+ Everest summits between them. Unbelievable! Blessed and privileged to be in their company.
Dinner, a beer or two, and an early night...
A very strong team surrounding us. The 5 Sherpas have 40+ Everest summits between them. Unbelievable! Blessed and privileged to be in their company.
Dinner, a beer or two, and an early night...
Shanker Hotel
Arrived and staying at Shanker hotel in Kathmandu.
http://www.shankerhotel.com.np/
Kit sorted and split and it's now ready to be sent to Chinese base camp.
http://www.shankerhotel.com.np/
Kit sorted and split and it's now ready to be sent to Chinese base camp.
Arrived in Kathmandu
Arrived in Kathmandu, views from the plane of Everest were amazing. It's crazy here and I can't wait to go off and explore the town.
Off to check into our accommodation...
Off to check into our accommodation...
Saturday 27 August 2011
Bit of drama...
Greeted Neil and we had a chat. He mentioned spare passport photos???
I have none, needed for visas to get into Kathmandu. Shit.... 20 mins till boarding.
I had to go through immigration and passport control to get to check in side, get photos done in booth and go back through security, all in 20 mins.
Job done, now sitting second row from the back on the plane. What did I do to deserve this!!!!! Although it seems nearly everyone has boarded and I have 2 seats to the right of me.
Result!
Kathmandu here I come.
I have none, needed for visas to get into Kathmandu. Shit.... 20 mins till boarding.
I had to go through immigration and passport control to get to check in side, get photos done in booth and go back through security, all in 20 mins.
Job done, now sitting second row from the back on the plane. What did I do to deserve this!!!!! Although it seems nearly everyone has boarded and I have 2 seats to the right of me.
Result!
Kathmandu here I come.
Depart for Kathmandu
Today I leave for part 2 of my challenge. Destination: the Himalayas for the 6th highest mountain in the world - Cho Oyu.
I'm really excited to experience the culture in Kathmandu and expedition life in the Mountains.
I want to thank my family, friends and sponsors for showing me so much support through what will be the biggest challenge of my life so far. An 8000m peak is no easy feat. Fingers crossed my body copes with the altitude, I can aclimatise well, the weather is in our favour and we can make a push for the summit late September. The real trophy for me is seeing Everest from the summit of Cho Oyu, a view I have constantly thought about and dreamt about on many occasions.
The summit is only half the route so I'll be sure to stay composed and save celebrations for when I'm back at base camp.
The goal of summiting mount Everest and the preparations for success has introduced me to a whole new world. I'm really enjoying my climbing and the continual challenges that are achieved every time I go out and climb. Whether it's a route in the mountains, on a rock face or in the climbing centre. You are constantly challenged and pushing your limits. This is great for focus, self belief and confidence.
Now a new adventure, a new challenge a different type of climbing. High Altitude mountaineering. Let's see what this throws at me......
So here is to a good trip. I will report back as much as possible to keep you up to date with my movements.
Thanks again for your support and please do visit http://www.dosummitgood.co.uk/ and follow the virgin link on the front page to make a donation.
"Every donation made will go a long way with my two chosen charities"
I'm really excited to experience the culture in Kathmandu and expedition life in the Mountains.
I want to thank my family, friends and sponsors for showing me so much support through what will be the biggest challenge of my life so far. An 8000m peak is no easy feat. Fingers crossed my body copes with the altitude, I can aclimatise well, the weather is in our favour and we can make a push for the summit late September. The real trophy for me is seeing Everest from the summit of Cho Oyu, a view I have constantly thought about and dreamt about on many occasions.
The summit is only half the route so I'll be sure to stay composed and save celebrations for when I'm back at base camp.
The goal of summiting mount Everest and the preparations for success has introduced me to a whole new world. I'm really enjoying my climbing and the continual challenges that are achieved every time I go out and climb. Whether it's a route in the mountains, on a rock face or in the climbing centre. You are constantly challenged and pushing your limits. This is great for focus, self belief and confidence.
Now a new adventure, a new challenge a different type of climbing. High Altitude mountaineering. Let's see what this throws at me......
So here is to a good trip. I will report back as much as possible to keep you up to date with my movements.
Thanks again for your support and please do visit http://www.dosummitgood.co.uk/ and follow the virgin link on the front page to make a donation.
"Every donation made will go a long way with my two chosen charities"
Wednesday 24 August 2011
An inspiration
I was at the climbing wall last night and was inspired by two guys that I met. Both were double amputees and climbing routes.
They were part of the Help for Heroes “Battle Back” programme. It was great to see them climbing and to see the support they received from their training team. The determination and fight that the guys had to complete the routes was amazing and seeing them succeed gave me great pleasure. You always feel good watching anyone get to the top of a route, but there was something special about watching these two reach that top clip. It will be an experience I will take into the mountains and pull on when times get tough.
It was also great to see that the money raised for the “Help for Heroes“ charity is being used effectively and that the soldiers are getting real benefit from the programme.
If you would like to DONATE please follow the “Virgin Money Giving” link below.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Winspit Quary - Another 6a ticked
Today we were at "Winspit Quary", a climbers paradise. Tommy brought his daughter Alisha and I must say she was very entertaining. We were on the crag 10 minutes it was 0930 and she was already asking if it was lunch time.... I have never seen a little girl eat so much. Every time Tommy jumped on a route she would be in his bag helping herself to the lunch box, hillarious!!!
The day started off slowly as we knew at 1030 there was gonna be a down pour. We got a few routes done before the rain. "Bread Knife" which was a nice 3+ then "Iron Bar" which was a 5+. I led both practicing clipping the bolts for a few lead attempts on some 6a's later. Tommy led a nice 6b called "Any Old Time" and then at 1030 the rain was on us. We moved across the quarry and headed into a little cave for shelter. We chilled out and fortunately watched blue sky and sun take over the skyline. We were joined by Phil and two of his mates and by1230 we had the perfect afternoons climbing in front of us.
Sun out, tops off and we were in business. Phil ticked a tough 7a+ called "The Vixen Bitch from Hell". I managed to tick a nice 6a called "9 Years Absence" and tried leading a few 6a/6a+ routes. One being a pumpy 6a+ called "Unseen Ripples of the Pebble" of which the Crux got the better of me. All in all a very satisfying day on the crag.
On route back to the car we made a pit stop for a well earned cider and pastie in a beautiful little pub called the "Square and Compass".
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| Tommys daughter "Alisha" |
The day started off slowly as we knew at 1030 there was gonna be a down pour. We got a few routes done before the rain. "Bread Knife" which was a nice 3+ then "Iron Bar" which was a 5+. I led both practicing clipping the bolts for a few lead attempts on some 6a's later. Tommy led a nice 6b called "Any Old Time" and then at 1030 the rain was on us. We moved across the quarry and headed into a little cave for shelter. We chilled out and fortunately watched blue sky and sun take over the skyline. We were joined by Phil and two of his mates and by1230 we had the perfect afternoons climbing in front of us.
Sun out, tops off and we were in business. Phil ticked a tough 7a+ called "The Vixen Bitch from Hell". I managed to tick a nice 6a called "9 Years Absence" and tried leading a few 6a/6a+ routes. One being a pumpy 6a+ called "Unseen Ripples of the Pebble" of which the Crux got the better of me. All in all a very satisfying day on the crag.
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| Tommy climbing "Any Old Time" 6b |
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| Me attempting a onsight of "Unseen Ripples of a Pebble" |
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| Me at the point of the unbearable pump.... I was off!!! |
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| Phil on "The Vixen Bitch From Hell" 7a+ |
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| Phil and a dynamic move on "The Vixen Bitch From Hell" 7a+ |
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| Me leading "Nine Years Absence" 6a |
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| Moving up "Nine Years Absence" |
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| Last move!!! and the tick..... |
On route back to the car we made a pit stop for a well earned cider and pastie in a beautiful little pub called the "Square and Compass".
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Insight into Kit - Laid out and ready to pack.
The kit needed for an expedition in the Himalayas is extensive. You need a variety of different layers to ensure you stay warm and dry. Technologies that enable sweat to be pulled away from the body are key in base layers, warm mid layers that breath are essential and outer layers that protect you from the elements are a must.
Different kit will be required at different stages of the climb. Generally the higher we go the colder it will be but the Himalayan sun could change that on a long afternoons trek. The temperature could soar and we will be down to just a base layer and trekking pants.
Kit for Cho Oyu
From Top Right:
Base Camp Down Jacket, Himalayan Parka and Pant, Himalayan Mitten, Primaloft Jacket, -30 and -40 degree Sleeping Bag, 6 x Smartwool Socks, Oakley Goggles, Midweight and Heavyweight Gloves, 2 x Jublo Explorer Glasses, Head Torch, 2 x Thermerest, First Aid Kit, Thermal Mug, Bowl, Spook, Suncream and Lip Balm, Hat, Beanie, Balaclava and Thermal/Light Buff, Gore Tex Jacket and Pant, 2 x 1ltr Water Bottles, 1 x half ltr Water Bottle, 2 x 1ltr Pee Bottles, Apex Jacket, Apex Alpine Pant, Powerstretch Top and Bottom
From Bottom Right:
Foam Mattress, Gaiters, Multiple Stuff Sacks, Fleece Tops (100-200), Treking Shirts, Convertable Treking Pants, Base Layers, Harness, Gear, 2 x Crampons, Flask, Bivvy bag, Axe, 50l Bag and 65l Bag, La Sportiva Olypus Mons Expedition Boots, Bivvy Boots and Trainers
I need to fit all that into 2 Exhibition bags and keep the weight under 30kg.
Different kit will be required at different stages of the climb. Generally the higher we go the colder it will be but the Himalayan sun could change that on a long afternoons trek. The temperature could soar and we will be down to just a base layer and trekking pants.
Kit for Cho Oyu
From Top Right:
Base Camp Down Jacket, Himalayan Parka and Pant, Himalayan Mitten, Primaloft Jacket, -30 and -40 degree Sleeping Bag, 6 x Smartwool Socks, Oakley Goggles, Midweight and Heavyweight Gloves, 2 x Jublo Explorer Glasses, Head Torch, 2 x Thermerest, First Aid Kit, Thermal Mug, Bowl, Spook, Suncream and Lip Balm, Hat, Beanie, Balaclava and Thermal/Light Buff, Gore Tex Jacket and Pant, 2 x 1ltr Water Bottles, 1 x half ltr Water Bottle, 2 x 1ltr Pee Bottles, Apex Jacket, Apex Alpine Pant, Powerstretch Top and Bottom
From Bottom Right:
Foam Mattress, Gaiters, Multiple Stuff Sacks, Fleece Tops (100-200), Treking Shirts, Convertable Treking Pants, Base Layers, Harness, Gear, 2 x Crampons, Flask, Bivvy bag, Axe, 50l Bag and 65l Bag, La Sportiva Olypus Mons Expedition Boots, Bivvy Boots and Trainers
I need to fit all that into 2 Exhibition bags and keep the weight under 30kg.
Monday 15 August 2011
First Lead and an Onsight
I was back to Portland today for some sport climbing. It was another early start but the day out was well worth the 0530 alarm call. Tommy and I managed to get a load done with routes ranging from grades 3+ to 6c. I managed my first lead on a 6a "Hanging Out With Halo Jones" and I onsigted a 6b called "High Flyer", which I was chuffed about. Tommy was on fire and is climbing really well, flying up some really tricky 6c's which I had serious trouble with because of the crimpy holds. More work on the fingerboard is in store for me.
It was good to see Paul and his mates, Phil and his Dad Kieron out too, a bit of extra support and encouragement is always welcome when your hanging on and really want to let go.
Great photos again so big thanks to Tommy. At the point where I went for my first 6a lead it was like a professional photo shoot. We had Tommy half way up the route with his fish eye, Phil's SLR on a tripod on remote activation and Tommy's hand held camera filming me.... nothing like a bit of pressure.
Again a great day out, if I can wangle work we are off to Somerset next Saturday to a place called "Cheddar", it's meant to be amazing multi pitch climbing.
Today's Routes:
Never Lead a Existence - 4
Phil's Route - 4
Days of Heaven - 5
Love on the Rocks - 5
Hanging Out With Halo Jones - 6a
Cat juggling - 4+
High Flter - 6b
Spear of broccoli - 5+
Lola - 5
Heart of the Sun - 6a
It was good to see Paul and his mates, Phil and his Dad Kieron out too, a bit of extra support and encouragement is always welcome when your hanging on and really want to let go.
Great photos again so big thanks to Tommy. At the point where I went for my first 6a lead it was like a professional photo shoot. We had Tommy half way up the route with his fish eye, Phil's SLR on a tripod on remote activation and Tommy's hand held camera filming me.... nothing like a bit of pressure.
Again a great day out, if I can wangle work we are off to Somerset next Saturday to a place called "Cheddar", it's meant to be amazing multi pitch climbing.
Today's Routes:
Never Lead a Existence - 4
Phil's Route - 4
Days of Heaven - 5
Love on the Rocks - 5
Hanging Out With Halo Jones - 6a
Cat juggling - 4+
High Flter - 6b
Spear of broccoli - 5+
Lola - 5
Heart of the Sun - 6a
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| Me on my first 6a lead - "Hanging Out With Halo Jones" |
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| Kieron on "Hanging out with halo jones" 6a |
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| Phil onsight of "Jurassic Bark" 7a |
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| Phil taking it easy on a 7a |
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| Phil climbing "Unload the Forbags" 6b+ |
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| Me on "Heart of the Sun" 6a |
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| Darrel on "Spear of Broccoli" 5+ |
Saturday 6 August 2011
Charity Ball progress.
As a way of raising funds for my two chosen charities I have decided to hold a Ball at the Wentworth Club. This event will take place on the 16th March 2012 and my aim is to raise as much as possible before I depart for the biggest challenge of my life.
I have set the theme and sorted a sponsor for the night’s entertainment. I have a printing company that has kindly offered to do all the printing needed to support my event and I have started to accumulate items for the raffle, silent and main auction.
A meeting is scheduled for next week to talk over menu and drinks and I have a few cool ideas that I want to explore.
There is a small committee that is assisting me with the organisation of the ball and I would like to thank them for their time and help. Shelby Bonhan-Lloyd, Brenda Harrington and Jackie McKay, big thank you.
Lots still to organise but this is a Ball I am really looking forward to Hosting, although I must say I am already a little nervous about giving a speech. Short and sweet I think.
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| Wentworth Club |
A good couple of weeks training.
I have had a good couple of weeks training and I’m progressing really well. My strength in the gym is right where I want it and I'm feeling strong and motivated. I'm pushing the endurance aspects extremely hard and my only complaint is the amount of washing I have had to keep up with. Sessions consisting of long steady and interval type training on the Versa climber and bike are all sound preperationfor Cho Oyu on the 28th.
I achieved a "personal best" for 30 minutes on the Versa climber this week which I was chuffed about. 5402 ft in half hour. Over a hundred feet further than my previous best.
My goal for next week is to hit 5500ft. “I will have to push really hard for this”.
I Climbed on Tuesday for the first time at Craggy Island in Sutton. It was way too hot. Sweaty hands on plastic holds = very sore finger. They where raw!! Sutton is a bouldering centre so no ropes just walls and crash mats. I struggle with some of the explosive moves but I'll get there and will soon be pushing the grades.
I have all my kit now for the Himalayas. I have got to choose what to take and what to leave as weight is a big concern. I’m going to try and travel as light as possible as extra loads cost and need carrying. I'm going to lay my kit out over next few days and evaluate.
I have just got back from the indoor training wall in Guildford. The plan was to get back to Portland today but due to weather and predicted showers all day I did not drive down there. I was gutted. I had a good session of bouldering and then hit the finger board for more self harm. All in all a good session.
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