A piece of history

Last night I was enjoying celebrations of my summit with my family and my brother pulled out a present.

A picture of Mount Everest signed by the expedition team from 1953.

Sir Edmund Hillary
George Lowe
George Band
Mike Westmacott
Alfred Gregory
Lt Col Charles Wylie

It takes pride of place in my lounge and only adds to the emotions of following in such footsteps of legends and adds to what Everest means to me.
A piece that will be passed down my family and add to the stories that will be told to children and grandchildren.

Massive thank you to my brother for such a thoughtful present.

Reflecting On A Great Trip

Right now I'm on the Qatar airlines flight QR7 to Heathrow Terminal 4. I have had 2 months of lodges and tents and the bare necessities resulting in a summit of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. 

Reflecting on the trip, I realise I have followed in the footsteps of legends to the top of the world. The likes of Sir Edmund Hillary to present legends Uri Steck and not forgetting those between like Ranulf Messner. I feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to experience a beautiful mountain and a route trod by so many living the same dream. 

Everest is a commercial mountain today, a route that many consider easy and think is a stroll in the park, just a walk. I personally don't think it get's the respect it deserves. A mountain that is kind on a good day but can be so unkind the next.

I had to take steps over 4 bodies that were victims of 2012 chaos and shared a helicopter with the body of the Korean man who's life was taken by the mountain.  A Nepalese/Canadian lady was 100 maybe 200m from safety and the mountain kept her hostage, it makes you think why couldn't she make it safely to camp 4? I met a guy in the road house in KTM today with bandages on 4 of his right fingers, he had stopped and tried to help the lady for 4 hours, but all he had to show for his efforts was frost bite. Maybe inexperience, maybe lack of support or maybe the climbers did not give the mountain the respect it's due. All I know is, it's a dangerous place that requires 110% respect and care. 

I too had my dramas at altitude, nearly getting frost bite on my feet and hands and my spell of snow blindness... The snow blindness hit me properly once I was back at Camp 4, but it hits many on the ascent/decent resulting in loss of sight (not necessarily permanent), for me this could have been another story. Victor saunders told me of a time when a client went snow blind at the summit and had to be short roped all the way down, I had a lucky escape and believe I managed my problem very well. I will elaborate in a future blog. 

Sherpas have a massive part to play in the mountains. Many are experts at their job and these guys take it upon themselves to be the best. Mine (Jabu Sherpa) definitely had an impact on my summit push being a success. I told him about my eyes on the way up and he told me how to ease the impact and warmed my right hand when using the adjuma, which resulted in my fingers almost freezing. I highlighted my symptoms, but many climbers ignore them. Your Sherpa is there to help and support just like a climbing partner. 

I now sit in row 9, seat A and a million thoughts and memories are buzzing through my mind. Reflection on a brilliant, safe and successful trip. In less than 12 hours I will be reunited with my fiancé, family and friends and my life will slowly return back to normal. A transition after living in the mountains I may find hard! 

I have missed Natalie like you can't imagine and have a wedding to plan for (the date will be revealed in the very near future), a summer to enjoy filled with sport and great entertainment and reflection of a mountain so beautiful which has given me friends and memories for life. 

I want to thank everyone that made this trip possible and then I'd like to thank everyone that made it what it was, sherpas, climbers, Henry Todd and many more, who organised and set the foundations for a safe and successful trip. 

I have made friends for life and managed to open doors in life that may lead to amazing opportunities. An experience and a result no one can take away from me, a story I can tell my children and grandchildren and something I am very proud of. 

I want Nepal to remain a part of my life, the place and people I have become very fond of and respect massively. I can't wait to take Natalie trekking in the Khumbu and meet my new friend's. 

I thank everyone involved in making this dream come true. I will never forget this victory. 

Paul's Arrived in Kathmandu

A helicopter was booked for Paul and the team for 7h30am (his time) this morning, due to weather conditions lower down in the valley, his flight out was delayed by a few hours. But at about 1pm, he finally boarded the chopper that would take him to Lukla.

The chopper was flown by Simone Moro, who Paul described as the 'coolest guy alive'. For those of you who don't know who he is, he not only flies helicopters, he's one of the best climbers in the world and summitted Mount Everest without oxygen!

Simone Moro flying his chopper

Once at Lukla, Paul waited for another helicopter to take him to Kathmandu. In his eagerness to get on board he jumped on, took his seat and found himself next to the body of a Korean climber who lost his life to Everest. Paul said: "It was such a shock to the system and to see him still with his summit boots on was extremely emotional."

In the last half hour Paul has landed in Kathmandu and arrived at 'The Sherpa Hotel', it's a 4* hotel, so Paul's very much looking forward to a nice shower and a well deserved drink with his buddy Rob, Kenton and a few of the other climbers.

The Sherpa Hotel

Paul sounds in very good spirits and is very excited about coming home, although I'm sure, at the same time, leaving the mountain behind where he's lived for the past nine weeks was extremely emotional.

We wait now to hear what flight he'll be on back to London.

Natalie

Epic Decent From Camp 4

Paul called us from Camp 4 after summitting, he said he was feeling good and going to make his way to Camp 2. However, a couple of hours later, I received news from Henry that Paul would have to stay at the South Col for the night, because he was suffering with bad snow blindness.

Snow blindness is a temporary (in the majority of cases) loss of vision caused by exposure of the eyes to bright sunlight reflected from snow or ice. The sun burns the covering of your eye - the cornea. Symptoms include tearing, severe pain, redness, swollen eyelids, headache, a gritty feeling in the eyes, hazy vision and most frightening of all the temporary loss of vision. The symptoms may not appear for a few hours and can last a good few days, although they tend to lessen after 36 hours. Treatment consists mainly of keeping the eye/s closed with patches, after instilling a few drops of special solution.

Paul had to have his eyes bandaged up, he was in excruciating pain and discomfort, but he had to try and stay calm and sleep after an epic climb to the summit. It was an extremely scary time for him and having just fulfilled his dream and goal he was now suffering big time.

This meant that it wasn't safe for him to descend to Camp 2 and this is when our celebrations turned to concern. But Paul's a fighter and his body fought back.

Paul woke up early this morning and felt well enough to descend. Only he will be able to truly describe what this epic 13 hour descent was like, but I can tell you what he said on the phone: "Coming through the khumbar ice fall was so bloody scary, I couldn't see out of my left eye properly and I could hear the movement of the mountain and ice cracking. I just kept saying, don't mess up now Paul, don't mess up now."

Paul finally reached Base Camp at around 1930 pm (his time) and receiving his phone call and hearing he was ok, was just magical and extremely emotional.

His favorite meal 'dal bhat' was waiting for him in the mess tent with a can of cola. His eyes are still giving him trouble, his feet are extremely sore and he feels a bit battered, but he's quite literally feeling on top of the world.

All being well he'll be in Kathmandu by tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon and home to us in the next couple of days.

A true hero x

Natalie

Summit Celebrations!

We're all feeling the lack of sleep this morning, waiting up to receive Paul's summit news, but what great news to stay awake for.

For those of you who couldn't attend the Summit Celebrations at 2am this morning (lol), here's a taster of what we got up to.



Cracking open the Champagne when we got the news that Paul was at the summit!

The family - taken moments after we got the news of Paul's summit

Mum, Natalie and Leanne waiting for the call

Natalie's mum and dad waiting for the news.

Paul HAS Summited Mt Everest!

Paul successful summited Mt Everest around midnight our time last night!!!!!

He's now on his way down to Camp 2, where we hope to receive the all important phone call.

I wrote this poem for Paul back in December 2011 and he asked me at the time to post it as soon as we got the news that he had summited. Well that time has finally come!!!!


My one shot at Everest,

Onwards and upwards this moment will be my proudest.

Under the blue skies I approach the alpine start,

Not knowing what lies ahead I need to be courageous and smart.

The World's highest mountain is there in wait,

Exposure to the elements there can be no mistake.

Venturing towards breathtaking panoramic views,

Edging along a glittering diamond summit with attitude.

Rewarding my perseverance is self satisfaction,

Every step I take there can be no distraction.

Sweating, tired, cold and weak, I shed a tear,

Then I reach the top, I've conquered Mt Everest after only training for a year!

Well done Paul, you did 'do summit good', you did summit amazing!

CONGRATULATIONS! From all your family, friends and supporters worldwide x

Update on Summit Attempt

All good reports coming in from the teams going for summit in the early hours of Friday morning. Weather and route are behaving themselves which means Paul and the guys are making excellent time.

It's hoped Kenton will do a live broadcast to BBC News at 2am LDN and again at 6am ish LDN on BBC Breakfast, once back at Camp 4. As Paul is with him you may spot him on the TV! You can also catch Kenton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 2am.

Stay locked for more updates...

Summit Attempt is Underway

Paul and the team left the South Col around 14h30 LDN today. The next few hours will be tough and exhilarating. I know Paul was feeling extremely pumped, excited and ready for the challenge before he left.

They hope to summit around 23h00 LDN tonight, so I will update you as soon as I get the call!

Final Preparations - The Summit is ON

So in these final hours before Paul and the team embark on their summit attempt, they are resting and hydrating as much as they can.

Henry Todd, who is leading the team from base camp, informed me this morning that Paul managed to sleep last night (he really can sleep anywhere!), the winds have dropped to 15 knots, the route is in good shape and there's not too many people up there. All these elements coming together like this give them the three green lights they need to attempt summit. It's all coming together and Paul is feeling good.

I'll update you again as soon as I have more information.

Natalie

Camp 4 - Less than 36 hours to go now

Paul and the team made it safely to Camp 4. Paul was climbing two areas today, The Geneva Spur and The Yellow Band, both of which are embedded in Everests history, so it must have been quite a surreal experience to find himself there. 

Arriving at the South Col sounded quite a brutal affair, the wind was around 50 knots. On the South Col, climbers enter the 'death zone'. Climbers typically only have a maximum of two or three days that they can endure at this altitude for making summit bids. Clear weather and low winds are critical factors deciding whether to make a summit attempt. Henry Todd (group leader based at base camp) says the winds are due to calm down by about 4h00 (23h00 LDN tonight).

Sunset at Camp 4. Taken at 14h30 LDN from Kenton's tent TODAY -  Room with a view!

As we have no direct communication with Paul, here's what Kenton had to say: "It's damn windy here, I've never spent a day 'resting' at the col before... I hope it pays off. It's far too windy to set off for the summit now so we have little option but to wait... just hope the wind dies down... I'm in fear of the tent shredding!!!" Although Kenton doesn't normally rest here over night, I believe it's a good thing they are, especially for Paul, it will give him more time to adjust to the altitude and oxygen.

Below are pictures of some of the terrain Paul and the guys encountered today:

Climbing the 'yellow band' Camp 3 to Camp 4

The yellow band is a rocky section of the mountain about 20-30 feet high on Everest. This band runs across all the 8000m peaks from Pakistan to Tibet through Nepal. This is proof that Everest was once under the sea and the continental plates pushing against each other formed the mighty Himalayas. At some point in history it's reported a meteor strike would have formed the yellow band layer that today runs across the mighty peaks. I've read that the band is much smaller and easier to cross on Cho Oyu (8201m, the  mountain Paul climbed last year) compared to this part of it, on Everest.

Climbing the Geneva Spur in the early hours of the morning to reach the  South Col

Part of the climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4 - This is actually Kenton Cool, taken today.

Tomorrow is rest day and they can get plenty of fluids in them. The next blog I do will be to hopefully tell you Paul's on his way to the summit! Cross everything.

Natalie

Help for Heroes

We received this letter and certificate from Help for Heroes (http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/) today.

The hand written note at the bottom of the letter reads:

'This is wonderful, much needed and will make a real difference to the wounded. 

Very many thanks indeed'.

Signed, Bryn (CEO & Co-Founder of HFH)

You can see first hand from this how much our donations mean to the people involved with the charities. Please give what you can. Visit Paul's website http://www.dosummitgood.co.uk/ and click on his just giving link.

Thank you

Paul's at Camp 3

Paul and the team have arrived safely at Camp 3, where they're now resting, before getting up fairly early tomorrow morning, to make their way to Camp 4.

The tents are dug in and secured to the side of the mountain with ropes. This is an example of the conditions Paul will be sleeping in tonight.

The weather is still looking good for them and it's reported the route is in good shape. 

To give you a taster of what Paul's had to encounter over the last couple of days to reach Camp 3, take a look at the pics below. (Unfortunately the people in the pics aren't of Paul and his team, but they are of the terrain and exposure he is experiencing)

Ladder to Camp 2

Lhotse Face

This picture is of climbers on the Lhotse face, taken exactly a year ago today - 22nd May 2010

The majority of the Climbers who summited over the weekend (including 6 from Paul's group who were in the first wave), have now descended safely through the Khumbar Ice fall and are resting at base camp. Approximately 316 summits took place through May 20th.

I'll have another update for you tomorrow hopefully.

Natalie

Set for the Summit

Paul is part of a team now going for the Summit, which includes Kenton Cool. Check out this video Kenton streamed just before they left Base Camp on Sunday.

Kenton is also planning to stream live off the top so make sure you're watching BBC News on Friday!

An Early Start...

Paul's just made his last call before departing for his summit attempt. He's extremely excited, a little apprehensive of what lies ahead, but can't wait to start his push for summit and get to the top of the world.

He'll leave at 4am tomorrow morning (11pm tonight LDN), so an early start, making his way to the Khumbar Ice Fall. Paul will reach Camp 2, hopefully around lunchtime tomorrow and he's hoping to cross paths with some of the friend's he's made over the last two months, who summited last night and this morning.

He spent today packing all the necessities, haribo sweets were at the top of the list and practising with the oxygen. Once again he had his favourite meal, Dal Bhat (spicy lentil curry and rice). I've found an authentic recipe and hopefully he's able to bring some of the more unusual spices back with him, so we can make it at home, although I'm sure his mum's roast dinner and a visit to Pizza Express, will be top of the food agenda!

If you haven't done so already, please, please, please donate what you can to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=dosummitgood&isTeam=true.

Paul has worked so hard, physically, mentally and emotionally to get where he is. Climbing Mount Everest is an unbelievable challenge to take on, but the children and wounded soldiers he's doing this for face daily challenges beyond our comprehension, so please show your support.We really do appreciate it as do the charities involved.

I'll update you again, as soon as I get any news.

Thanks

Natalie

We are now officially ON for the Summit!

Paul and the rest of the team are now making their final preparations for the summit attempt.

I received the schedule below via the Samsung expedition team on behalf of Kenton Cool, who Paul will be climbing with.

The timeline to the summit will unfold as follows:

Sunday 20th May: Depart Base Camp and climb to Camp 2. Sleep at Camp 2.

Monday 21st May: Rest day at Camp 2. Sleep at Camp 2.

Tuesday 22nd May: Climb to Camp 3. Sleep at Camp 3.

Wednesday 23rd May: Climb to Camp 4. Sleep at Camp 4.

Thursday 24th May: Rest day and final preparations at Camp 4. Sleep at Camp 4.

Friday 25th May: SUMMIT DAY (expected between 04h00 - 06h00 LDN). Descend to Camp 4. Sleep at Camp 4.

Saturday 26th May: Return to Base Camp.

Communication will be limited during this period, but I will keep you updated as much as I can.

Good luck Paul, here's to a safe ascent and descent.

On behalf of Paul, thank you to everyone for your continuing support.

Natalie

Departure Approaching

Yesterday I did another fitness trek to pumori camp 1, just to stretch the legs and break up the boredom. A round trip of 3 hours and the views of Everest and surrounding peaks were just amazing. I sat down and spent 15 minutes taking in where I was and how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

Everest looked calm and I walked through the route to the top in my head. I'm so excited to get this summit attempt underway.

So the plan is to depart base camp on the 20th/21st aiming for the summit on the 25th/26th. The weather does have a habit of changing, so this is not set in stone.

Today I went through some kit, got my down suit on and made sure everything was ok. All I need to do now is pack and I'm ready to roll.

This being my last blog before my attempt at Everest, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported me. I'm a week away from a chance to stand on top of the world and it would not be possible without my sponsors.

I would also like to thank my future wife and family for their ongoing encouragement and support. Time at base camp has been hard at times and the odd communication has made it a lot easier.

So here I go, tomorrow we will go through oxygen and regulators, have a shower, a shave and pack. I will then be ready to take my last journey into the ice fall and start my ascent.

Thanks again for all your support. Look forward to updating you on my progress.

Second Wave

Here at base camp decisions have now been made. Our team has been split into two groups, so we'll go up the mountain in two waves for two separate attempts at the summit.

The first wave is lead by Rob Casserley, his team consists of two females going for youngest British woman to summit Everest, Becky and Molly and joining them are Matt, Richie and Valerie.
I was up yesterday at 4 30am to wish them a safe and successful trip up the hill. All a little nervous as they left camp and headed into the ice fall. I was left feeling down and wanting my go, but my time will come.

The second wave will be Kenton, Keith, Roger, Ryan and myself. Kenton is attempting summit number 10 and taking an Olympic medal to the summit. It's a great privilege to be climbing with him. We are hoping to depart base camp around the 20th May, for a window that looks good around the 25th. This is a prediction and a lot can change.

My tent was on a massive slant, so i spent most of this morning relocating to a better position. I kept waking up on the other side of the tent which was quite annoying. I managed to find a flat spot to move to. Hopefully it will result in a better nights sleep.

Old position - My tent on the piss!

The ground my tent was sat on!

A nice new, flat, tidy tent.

One of our sherpas took a fall around camp yesterday and hit his head. Disorientated and shocked he spent the day at the Medical Centre under the watchful eye of the HRA doctor. He was released yesterday night and has to take it easy for a few days. As the glacier melts around our camp it's getting more and more dangerous walking around. The movement and change here is unbelievable.

A crevasse that fell through

I'm really excited now for my chance at the summit, every day is a day closer. Just need to stay busy and motivated till my chance presents itself. It's so easy to get lazy here.

Reflection of base camp

Blessed by Lama Geshe

Had a great day yesterday, which started with a lazy morning in the courtyard at Sonam lodge before heading to the monastery in Pangboche. We then went to Lama Geshe's house to be blessed. He issued a card that I have been asked to take to the summit and celebrate with at the top. He will now be praying for me in his daily prays for a safe and successful trip.

The dog below is called Lhotse, we tried training him with not much success!!!

Now I'm heading back to base camp and will start the mental preparation for a summit attempt.

Into THICK air

The last few days have been on the move. We visited Pumori Camp 1, which had fantastic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Pumori Camp 1

I went up there with Kenton and Keith as they had filming to do for the Samsung Olympic Games Pledge. Interesting watching Kenton try over and over again to get his lines right. I reckon 16 takes and we got what we wanted.

Kenton Cool and Keith Partridge

Keith the cameraman filming the expedition - just another day at the office really!

I believe the news back home has been reporting quite a bit about the departure of Russell Brice the 'King of the Mountain'! He departed with the view that the ice fall was too dangerous and would put his team at risk. Russell runs a massive operation and has more sherpas and members than any other group, which results in more people moving through the ice fall every day, so maybe he didn't fancy his chances. He was also taking the 'Walking with Wounded' up to the summit, so maybe the media surrounding this spooked him and may have added to his decision to leave, who knows. His decision to pull the expedition was a shock to all of base camp and the fact that only he has departed, leads me to believe the conditions can not be that unfamiliar to previous years. Another fact is that Russell has only been operating on the south side of the mountain for 4 years, so his experience and knowledge of the ice fall is not as extensive as other team leaders.

People at home, please do not be alarmed as the media could be blowing this out of proportion.


My mate Rob and I, decided to trek down to Pangboche, a drop of 1500m 'into thick air'.

The trek and surrounding peaks

On route we stopped of at Pheriche and met up with Victor Saunders, it was also good to catch up with Neil Beard and the rest of the team.

Pheriche

Birds eye view of Pangboche

We are staying at the Sonam Lodge and were greeted by friends and climbing partners. The evening was filled with eating Dal Bat (sherpa food) and drinking a few beers.

Sonam Lodge

Nepalese children eating Dal Bat - Paul loves it, but then he loves food!

Tomorrow we're planning to go to a festival in a monastery, then we'll visit Lama Geshe for a blessing prior to our summit bid. The next day it's back to base camp.

Lama Geshe

Jet Streams and Summit Window Explained

Many people have asked me: "What's the summit window and what are jet streams?" Well I'm no meteorologist and I don't work for the National Geographical Channel, but I'll try and explain this natural phenomena.

Summit Window

Mt Everest as we know, is the highest point on planet Earth. Because of the severe weather at the summit, climbers rarely attempt to complete the trek outside of May to June, when the jet stream is pushed north, causing the winds to calm and temperatures to warm enough for people to try to summit, this is called the 'Summit Window'. Even then, the weather can be pretty inhospitable, e.g. an average day in May 2008, saw a high temperature of minus 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-27 degrees Celsius) and winds of 51 mph. This is similar wind speeds to what Paul has been experiencing. Add this to the fact that there's less than one-third the amount of oxygen in the air compared to sea level and you can see why the summit window is so tricky to judge and why Paul is experiencing this delay with his summit attempt. Every element of the climb has to have a green light or you just don't risk it and at the moment we waiting for a couple of lights to change.

View of Mt Everest and Lhotse from the Western Cwm. It's early in the season and the jet stream is creating interesting cloud patterns over the summit. (Pic taken 28th April 2011)

The Jet stream sits on Everest almost all year round and at other times during the year (either side of May-June) it passes directly by the summit and winds can blow at hurricane strength, e.g. 118 pmh and temps can dive as low as minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit (-73 degrees Celsius).

Jet Streams

The Jet Stream is a current of rapidly moving air that is usually several thousand miles long and wide, but is relatively thin. They are found in the upper levels of Earth's atmosphere at the tropopause - the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere.

Atmospheric Levels

Jet streams are important because they contribute to worldwide weather patterns and as such, they help meteorologists forecast weather based on their position. In addition, they are important to air travel because flying in or out of them can reduce flight time and fuel consumption.

Jet streams flow from west to east in the upper portion of the troposhpere

How Do They Form?

Warm air masses in the south meet cool air masses from the north and create temperature and air pressure gradients. Essentially, you can compare a 'gradient' to a ski slope. The steeper the slope, the faster you will reach the bottom due to a large difference in the grade of that slope.

New friends in the himalaya

Such an amazing place with such amazing people.

This place will remain in my heart forever.

Base Camp Boredom

Been at base camp now for 5 days after touching camp 3 and the boredom is kicking in. Awaiting the winds to drop so they can fix ropes to the south col and so we can climb to the summit. The jet stream is ever present and howling over the summit of Mount Everest, a roar that actually scares you.

Controversy over fixing and a few big teams voicing Everest maybe unclimbable is causing me a bit of concern. I believe and many others agree that a summit is possible. The winds have dropped and fixing could happen but we will have to wait and see.

A lot of tent time and counting the hours to breakfast, lunch and dinner and then bed. This seems to be the routine that after 4 days now I need a break from. So as the winds are not dropping and a window is not looking to present itself soon. I need a plan, otherwise I could become the laziest dude at base camp.

Tomorrow, a trek to Pomori base camp could be on the cards. Apparently the views over the western cowm and Everest are amazing, maybe a 6hr day so leave after breakfast. An opportunity to get some epic snaps providing, the weather is good. Then maybe the day after head down valley, to Pangboche. A drop in 1500m that should make me feel like superman. It's warmer and a change in scenery might be just the ticket for a few days.

Base camp is forever changing, my tent is now on a pedestal maybe 6/8 inches of the floor, a result of the glacier around the tent melting away. A few of the team have had to have their tents moved, as the glacier has cracked underneath and put there tent on the wonk. It's amazing the movement here. Avalanches are going off on surrounding peaks all the time. They are becoming normal now and I don't jump out of my tent every time I hear one to see where and the size.

So it was the plan to get fully acclimatised early in case of an early window. I am now stuck in a holding pattern due to high winds and fixing the yellow band and col, that means the rest of base camp is catching up. It's down to Henry now to come up with a master plan that means a summit attempt is possible and not shared with the rest of base camp. I'm sure he will work it out.

It's been good getting to know the Sherpas, great group with so much experience. I have not climbed with them yet but look forward to a possible summit bid with them.

I'm still feeling positive and up beat. The news of the Do Summit Good Charity Ball raising over 60,000 also brought a lot of joy to me. Again I would like to thank everyone that attended the ball and that has sponsored me on this amazing journey. If you have not sponsored and wish to do so please follow the virgin giving link on my websites home page www.dosummitgood.co.uk

For now it's a waiting game and constantly watching the weather. Let's hope it's not too long before I'm going back up the hill on a summit bid.

The waiting Game

At the moment it’s all about spending time listening to the iPad – thanks to my Bro for pulling together such a great selection for me. Lots of chill out tunes and old school garage from when we were growing up!

I’m also on the games and getting better at Scrabble and Connect 4 and I’ve also been spending days talking with Kenton Cool. He is the guy who is climbing Everest for the 10^th time, with the watch from the 1922 Olympics. I shared a tent with him at Camp 2 and he is a cool bloke.

All the teams are ok and it seems that we are all at the same level now. Where others had been ahead in the past, the weather has meant that we are now all  grouped together –waiting for the same window to summit.

The days are 36 hours long but plenty of time to prepare mentally for the summit. I can’t wait.

Keeping Clean at BC

The shower tent, complete with granite tiling!

Ingenious plumbing.


A large blue drum is filled with icy water from the Khumbu Glacier. The water is siphoned down a hose and passes through a gas powered "on demand" water heater on its way to the shower head. 


5* luxury.

Why the Delay in Summiting

The Jet stream is still right over Everest and the heavy winds up high are still kicking off rocks that roll down the Lhotse Face, threatening the climbers and sherpas. Although the situation is improving it is possible a new route on Lhotse is required along with an improving weather forecast.

At a base camp meeting yesterday the major commercial operators all decided that until the 'bonding power' of new snow has taken affect on loose rock, it is unsafe to fix ropes to the South Col and to the summit. Climbing high on Chomolungma is currently on hold. Fortunately, the current forecast has quite a lot of snow predicted and in this case we are really hoping it is true. We could definitely do with some of the snow that has fallen recently on Manaslu in Western Nepal.

Possible Rerouting

Eric Simonson of IMG has posted an update that is very encouraging about the route up the Lhotse Face including a map showing a potential new route.

 Lhotse Face

People have been considering an alternate route to Camp 3, to the right of the climbers' usual route. They rejoined the route near lower Camp 3 and said the snow ramps were good climbing, and there was less rock fall. However, there is still reported rock fall up in the Camp 3 area, so they are staying off the Face until the winds die down.

A possible New Route

The normal route up the Lhotse Face starts after a 1.5 – 2 hour easy (at 21,000′!!)  walk from Camp 2. The terrain is somewhat smooth with a few crevasses but marked with wands. people usually cross in the dark early morning hours using headlamps.

Once at the base of the Face, it takes on an entirely new personality starting with a steep short climb, clipped into the fixed ropes, to a short flat section that then takes off – until you reach Camp 3. The first section is unforgiving steep and gains altitude fast as a result. I believe this is the section currently subject to the rock fall. There are several rock bands crossing the Lhotse Face just above this section that may be shedding rocks during the extreme winds and dry conditions.

After this first section, the route continues basically straight up with a couple of flattish sections where you take breaks safely – but still clipped in until you reach the lowest of several Camp 3 spots.

So, as I understand it, the alternate route goes to the far right of the current route and follows a few ramps to gain the altitude. It is unclear to me how you gain access to the new route because that lower area at the base is heavily crevassed; but I am sure it must be possible. This new route may be a bit longer but could be faster since that first section really takes it out of you early on. Time will tell.

Resting at Base Camp

Paul has been reserving his energy today and taking it easy at BC. He's desperate to get on with the challenge and for someone who is always so busy and on the go, the hanging around is getting to him somewhat.

To take his mind of that, I passed on all your comments from Facebook and the messages on here. He's so grateful for the support and best wishes so please keep them coming, as they really help him stay strong when he's feeling a bit down, or thinking about home too much.

We're just waiting for that weather window, then it's all systems go!

Climbing for Charity

Amongst all the excitement surrounding Paul's amazing challenge, let's also remember the reason he is doing this.

Paul's goal is to raise £100,000 for 'Help For Heroes' and children's hospice 'Alexander Devine' and we now have the final figure raised from the 'Do Summit Good Charity Ball', an astonishing £60,258.10!!!!

Along with some other donations, so far Paul has reached the 70k mark. Each charity has received their 35k (approx), which is incredible. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

The people who will benefit from the money he raises, have themselves experienced or will experience life changing moments and events. As Paul gets ever closer to achieving his dream of reaching the summit of Mount Everest, it's even more important  to continue to support him and his chosen charities, so please spare whatever you can to help the people and children he's doing this for and visit his just giving site http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/dosummitgood.

After all his determination, good will and strength, Paul deserves to reach both his goals and we can help him.

Thank you

N & P

Acclimatised & Ready

So been at base camp for a few weeks now after a nice walk in down the khumbu. The lodges were great and the slow acclimatisation was perfect for our arrival at BC.

BC offers a set up that includes a personal tent, toilet tent, mess tent and shower tent..... That's about it for the stay here. It's comfy enough, making your tent your own, lots of down time though for recovering from the slogging up and down the mountain.

I have now completed my acclimatisation. First it was a trip into the ice fall to get used to the ladders etc, second came a rotation to camp 1 for a night and then camp 2 for 2 nights and back to BC. A few well earned days rest then it was time for the third rotation, straight to camp 2 a day's rest then a day trip up the Lhotse face to camp 3 in what must have been 40/50 mph winds . An interesting day as the Lhotse face at present is so dry and icy, no snow on it at all. Good job I put in some hours ice climbing.

The 3 phases have chucked so much at me, I have been dusted by an avalanche, seen a dead Sherpa being moved to camp 1 for helicopter recovery, running down to try and assist after a huge avalanche hit camp 1 and dealing with a very icy Lhotse face in really high winds.
As a result of the above I am now acclimatised and ready, if and when a weather window presents itself, for an attempt at the summit.

Nights here are dominated by the sounds of cracks from the glacier below and avalanches up high. The mountain forever moving and never sleeping.

For now it's rest and recovery and trying to prevent myself going mad at base camp.

To all that follow my progress I thank you for your support.

Next stop, fingers crossed the SUMMIT!!!!

In the words of Foo Fighters - 'There goes my Hero, watch him as he goes'.