Well I’m sure you have all been on the edge of your seats waiting for the next instalment of the Everest 2006 adventure! There really isn’t much to report I’m afraid to say. This is the part of expeditions that people don’t realise exists. It all sounds very exciting: being away for 2 months, living under canvas, battling against the elements, Mother Nature and trying to climb the highest mountain on earth. But really when it comes down to it, there is a lot of sitting about, bored and trying to pass the time of day!
Personally have had great chats with passing yaks and their herders, which is quite something when either speaks the other’s language! (I still haven’t managed Jonathan’s second task of exchanging Jaffa cakes for a fossil). I have also visited most of the other groups at Base Camp, for cups of tea and a chat.
Radio communications with the summit climbers was impossible for the last few days because of their position and that of a certain mountain which was in the way. The team have moved further up the mountain, and last night I was able to speak to them (which was fantastic)! They are all in good health, eating properly and sleeping as well as can be expected on a cold, lumpy surface.
We are keeping a close eye on the weather, which has settled enough to let some of the teams here summit over the last few days. Our lads however will not be rushed and will make their move when they feel well acclimatised and the weather conditions are right. So for the foreseeable future it looks as though my conversations with the yaks will continue…