The second we entered China communication was difficult, so apologies for limited personal updates on the expedition so far. It was an amazing trip, and reflecting back provided some invaluable lessons that I will take forward.
Advanced Base Camp (ABC) welcomed us with great facilities that made the stay in the mountains a little more comfortable. Dendi, the Sherpa Chef, always cooked up a storm morning, afternoon and night - which powered us for daily Himalayan slogs, up and down the mountains.
It was a great pleasure to experience a Puja, a Nepalese ceremony, that takes place before stepping foot on the mountain. It was great to share this experience with the Sherpas and also to experience drinking alcohol at high altitudes!
Moving up the mountain, the walk between ABC and Camp 1, the scree slope, became the bane of our lives. A rubble covered slope which seemed like we were always taking one step up and sliding two steps down! And it was always in my mind that I may have to attempt this slope around 6 times during my stay.
Being in the Himalayas during an earthquake was quite an experience too. Such a vulnerable environment, made even more dangerous by random avalanches. Thoughts were always with the climbers high in the mountain during this time.
The acclimatisation process was a complete success and all members of the team were fully acclimatised for a summit push, providing the mountain would present itself. It was a waiting game, seeing out storms, and when we got the nod it was a amazing feeling. Being turned around at camp 1 due to bad weather was a massive blow, then given the chance for a second attempt and being turned at Camp 3 was a real knock - but an invaluable lesson! The mountain is always in control and must be respected.
7,500 metres was our high point and I personally felt really strong pushing up the mountain. I've been told by the guides that this is a great position to be in, in respect to the preparation for Everest in 2012. The lessons learnt and experience gained have laid solid foundations and I now feel confident that a crack at the tallest mountain in the world is within my grasp…
6 months of prep and continued dedication is all that stands between me and this life changing challenge!
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Pull ups at 6,000m - On acclimatisation walk from Chinese Base Camp
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Himalayan Slogging
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Pushing to Camp 2 - Early Morning
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Oxygen Training
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Me at Hight Point - 7500m
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Just before being told we we're going down
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Back at Camp 2 after being turned around
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Lovin the Mountains
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Hand Wrapping the Ice Cliff
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| Keeping warm |
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How you doin??
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Life above the clouds, love it
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Himalayan Sunset
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Surrounding Peak and Local Yak
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Me and Cho Oyu with a Glow
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View from my tent
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Amazing looking Peak
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On the way up........
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Advanced base camp
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Sherpas on Ridge
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| The Team |
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