tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/MokoFeed2009-11-12T12:59:46+01:00tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-27:/2006/05/27/saturday_27th_may~841330/everest20062006-05-27T18:42:57+02:002006-05-30T18:43:52+02:00 <p>Fergal and I returned to the check-in then went for the long awaited cooked breakfast. There we were stuffing our faces and enjoying every mouthful when who just happened to appear around the corner? Hassie and Kate, unbelievable. They had got a flight the evening before and had just arrived. The four of us traveled back to Belfast together where we were met by the BBC. ‘Someone’ (know anything about this, Rita?!) had told them of our home coming. </p> <p>Well, since our arrival back in Northern Ireland, the party has just continued non stop. In fact it has been as difficult to keep up with the pace as to climb Everest (honest!)</p> <p>On behalf of all the expedition members, I would like to say a huge word of thanks to everyone who supported and followed our progress on Everest. Without your help and support this expedition would not have been possible. </p> <p>We will also be forever indebted to our families and friends for their endless support, encouragement and understanding.</p> <p>We intend to keep the website live for the next year or so, and hope to place more images and videos on it soon. Please do keep checking for this. We also intend to give a series of lectures on the Expedition and will place the dates, times and venues of these on the website. In the meantime, if you require any further information please feel free to contact any of the expedition members.</p> <p>Thank you all again for your interest.</p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/27/saturday_27th_may~841330/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-26:/2006/05/26/friday_26th_may~841316/everest20062006-05-26T18:38:13+02:002006-05-30T18:38:40+02:00 <p>Our flights were originally booked with Gulf Air on a flexible return, but as all flights were full, we were advised to simply turn up at the airport in case seats became available. On Friday, Jonathan, Steve, Fergal and I decided to go to the Airport on the off-chance that we would get on the 08:00 flight. Well, as luck would have it, four seats became available and we were off, via Muscat to London. We couldn’t believe that we had got away so soon, but did wonder how long the rest of the team would have to wait for seats?</p> <p>Anyway, we arrived into London Heathrow that night, Fergal and I keen to get on the last flight to Belfast but, of course, the baggage reclaim took so long that we missed it, so we said good bye to Jonathan and Steve, and then found a comfortable place to sleep for night (nice comfy airport benches!)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/26/friday_26th_may~841316/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-24:/2006/05/24/wednesday_24th_may~841313/everest20062006-05-24T18:37:56+02:002006-05-30T18:41:26+02:00 <p>Hello All,</p> <p>Sorry for the delay in posting this final expedition blog. We have now made it safely back home to be greeted by the most amazing reception. Thanks to you all!</p> <p>At long last we got packed up and departed base camp around 5 am. We had been promised 4x4 jeeps as transport to border, but as expected a bus arrived! We knew that this probably meant an overnight stay in Zhangmu, as the border would close at 6 pm. This caused a few ill feelings, as we had all been looking forward to a decent hotel and bed in Kathmandu. </p> <p>Anyway, off we headed on the bus. 4.5 hours later we arrived back in Tingiri, that awful town we had stayed in some weeks earlier. Well, it hadn't changed bit… still a dump, no sight seeing for us here, the only view we wished to see of it was the view in the rear view mirror! So, after another ‘delicious’ breakfast there, we departed for Zhangmu. This journey was eventless (for a change) and took only another 7 hours in the bus. The journey was quite tiring but it was great to get a chance to see the section of Friendship Highway just before Hangman. This is very spectacular and somewhere we didn’t think a road should ever have been built, as the vertical drops at the side of road are enough to scare anyone (even hardened mountaineers like ourselves!)</p> <p>We finally arrived in Zhangnmu and, as we had predicated, the border was closed. This meant an over night there, which was rather unsurprisingly not met with a great reception; however that was it as we didn’t really have any other choice.</p> <p>9am next day we queued up at the passport control keen to leave China behind, then remembered that there had been an admin error with the group visa and Kate’s name… the rest of us queued up and passed through the control without any problems. Then it came to Kate’s turn, well to cut a long story short, after quite a few tense minutes with many threats of fines and jail, they simply said "don't do it again" and she was off through the control (at speed) to re-join the rest of us.</p> <p>We crossed the Friendship Bridge and were met by our two Nepali Land cruiser drivers, then off down the road to Kathmandu. The only event on this journey was being stopped by the nice Maoist people, who were having a street collection for their awful cause. Our drivers ‘suggested’ that it would be better to pay them than argue!</p> <p>Anyway a few more hours passed and we arrived back at the Shanker Hotel in Kathmandu, very happy people. That evening we decided to visit the Everest steak house for our evening meal and ordered up the largest steak available, now this showed very poor judgment on our behalf as no one (except Jonathan) could eat even half of it. The rest of evening was spent ‘relaxing’ in a local bar until the early hours.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/24/wednesday_24th_may~841313/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-23:/2006/05/23/tuesday_23rd_may_penultimate_blog~823373/everest20062006-05-23T18:18:48+02:002006-05-23T18:18:48+02:00 <p>Hi Everyone,</p> <p>This will be my penultimate blog, so firstly I would to say thank you to everyone who has followed our expedition, sent messages of good wishes and ultimately made this expedition so successful. I will complete another blog in Kathmandu at the conclusion of our travels.</p> <p>So what has being going on around Base camp? </p> <p>Well everyone has been safely back at BC for the past few days now and we are all very keen to leave here and to get back to our family & friends. This unfortunately has been delayed by the lack of transport and the earliest transport we can get is the 24th May 2006, this has caused some frustration, however there is nothing we can do. It is meant to take two days to travel to Kathmandu, but we have arranged to do it in one day so we will leave tomorrow at 5am and arrive very late tomorrow night. Now the only problem is that this could be 5am Beijing time or 5am Nepal time!</p> <p>Base camp is fast becoming a ghost town as all the expeditions withdraw and go home. We have had lots of visitors from the Indian expedition, Everest Max etc and this really helps to put the day in. However, boredom is setting in and the sooner tomorrow comes the better. Our equipment is on its way down from ABC and will arrive back at BC this afternoon so this will give us something to do, repacking all the kit for the return journey home.</p> <p>I would like to take this opportunity thank all our supporters and sponsors and if I have forgotten anyone I must apologise, it may be the lack of oxygen affecting my brain?</p> <p>OK, here goes- Garry Clarke for his excellent work on the website, we have provided the content but Garry has done the work, Fisher Engineering, (Ivan fisher, Wesley Knox), Western Registration (Alan Evans), Airphone Communications ( Mike Foster) provided the radios and satellite equipment, Musgrave Supervalue (Andrew Maxwell) provided all the food to keep the soldiers going (no more Jaffa Cakes, Please), HP ( Caroline Titmuss) HP provided the computers to keep you at home informed of our progress, Breitling and Mercers Jewellers (Jonathan Styles) for the use of a Breitling Emergency, McGrath Brothers, Lisburn, for barrels to transport equipment, Elliott York Partnership, Jenny & Lee for all the admin and dealing with all the Media requests, TNT ( Jakki & Steven McClean) for safe transport of our equipment to and from Nepal, Himalayan Expeditions ( Bikrum Pandley & All the staff) for the Excellent way they have ran our expedition, The Duke of Edinburgh Award for the inspiration to get involved in mountaineering, Bridgedale, suppliers of socks to the expedition, Cascade Designs( Maurice) suppliers of thermarests and cooking equipment, LE Graphics (David) Clothing, Tisos( Scott Shaw, Neill McGuigan) expedition clothing and Equipment, Homechoice Care Ltd (Justin Jewitt) for suppling our high altitude food and the Crawfordsburn Inn through it’s suppliers for expedition food. </p> <p>Bye for now</p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/23/tuesday_23rd_may_penultimate_blog~823373/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-20:/2006/05/20/saturday_20th_may~817696/everest20062006-05-20T17:50:58+02:002006-05-21T18:37:31+02:00 <p>OK, where do I start?</p> <p>Well, Hassie and I trekked from Advance Base camp to base camp yesterday for thankfully our last time, this trek has got no easier as time has gone by, this trek has probably become the most hated part of our adventure, so we were very glad to see the red tents of our base camp.</p> <p>Anyway, we left base camp over a week ago and our ambition was to make a summit attempt, little did we know how successful we would be and still we cannot believe that we made it. Every time anyone mentions Everest a massive comes across our faces and fact someone suggested yesterday that if I grinned any more the top of my head would fall off! </p> <p>So last week before we left BC we got a long range forecast and the predications were that the 17th May 2006 would be a prefect summit day with low winds at the summit of Everest. So we did our calculations and left BC on the 10th May giving us, a rest day a ABC and enough days to be a position to attempt to reach the summit on the 17th May. So we set off for ABC, after arriving we meet up with our climbing Sherpa team and we discussed our summit plan. Thankfully they all agreed we our plan and all necessary arrangements where already in place for our summit attempt.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=561581"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/581/561581_8b8b8c7977_m.gif" align="" alt="Setting Off" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>D-day minus 4- we left ABC and climbed back up to the North Col again, this was uneventful but we were much faster than previous attempts so we hoped that this was good omen. After a night there with not much sleep, although mind you some got a lot more than others. Geoffrey’s cough had only got worse and he took the wise and difficult decision not to continue on, while we set off up to camp 2 at 7700m high on Everest’s North Ridge. (Unfortunately the radio system was still not working properly, and by this stage of the guy’s trip I had not had communications with them for over 4 days. This was extremely frustrating, as not only did I want to speak to Raymond and find out how he felt, but I needed to pass on the all important weather forecast-K) We passed through the North Col camp we met up with another Expedition leader who was using the same weather forecast source as us and he suggested that the predications had changed to the 18th and not the 17th , so this was not great news for us, however we were on our way and that was it, there was no turning back at this stage. </p> <p>Now the climb to 7700m was probably one of the toughest days I have ever spent in the mountains, the climb consists of a steep snow ramp that gains 700m in height and can only be described as torture. Women always complain that childbirth is painful and that men have no idea of what pain is, well try high altitude mountaineering some time you may find it comparable? (Not that I am in a position to argue this one, but…surely most child labour needs pain reducing drugs and lasts for more than 5 hours?-K) So after 5 hours + we arrived at our camp exhausted and sore, however that’s not the work over for the day, then you must start melting snow for water and this process goes on for 3-4 hours! Everyone then went on to Oxygen for the first time that night and this was a bizarre experience for the first time. Most of us did not really get much sleep that night. </p> <p>Next day we set off using our Oxygen masks for the climb up to our 8300m camp, our last and highest camp on the mountain. This we had been told was not a hard day and would take around four hours to complete, this we found hard to believe, however this was true and was much easier than the day before. We arrived into the camp around three in the afternoon and we then set about melting snow again for drinking, this process again went on for hours. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=561571"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/571/561571_a82d9024bb_m.gif" align="" alt="Oxygen Masks" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>The camp at 8300 m is strange and an uncomfortable place, every task you try and complete is very difficult and takes a very long time to complete. We set our departure time for summit that night to be 22.00 and everyone was to ready to go at 21:30 to allow some tolerance. </p> <p>At 20:30 we got on the radio to the other tents and told everyone to get ready to go, well as expected this got a quick and positive response- not. So after numerous calls we finally got a reply and everyone started to get ready. Then at 22:00 we got out of our tent into the freezing cold (at least -20oC) and of course there was no one ready, so eventually at 22:30 everyone was prepared, and at 22:40 we finally got going.</p> <p>This was a great feeling and hard to believe that what we had been planning for years was about to come to a conclusion, and that eventually we were going to have a summit attempt. So after 2 hours we climbed up onto the North East ridge of Everest, there was no wind although it was very cold, but we were comfortable in our down suits. After a few minutes on the ridge we came across the first dead body, this was quite unnerving and we passed by as quickly as possible. The ridge was a lot more exposed than we had expected, so after another hour of so we came to the first step, a notorious rock step on the ridge. This was a lot harder to climb than we imagined and after gaining the top of it, Steve turned to Hassie and asked “is there anything harder than this?” and lying of course Hassie answered, “No I think that’s it!” Needless to say the there was worse to come! So we continued to traverse along the ridge on to the second and most famous feature named “the second step” this we climbed with a little difficulty, but we knew that this was the major difficulties over and the rest of route to the summit was easier that what we had already done. We then continued along to a feature called the Mushroom rock and here we changed Oxygen bottles to a new bottle. The route from here leads up a snow field and then traverses along to the summit ridge, the sun was starting to rise at this time and the view over the other mountains was truly spectacular with everything below our feet at this stage. We finally we gained the summit ridge and could see the prayer flags on the summit, this was a unbelievable moment for me and one I will always remember, after another 20 minutes, Hassie, Steve, Dawa Sherpa and I stood on the top of Mount Everest, we hugged, we shook hands, we cheered, a dream come true.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=561575"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/575/561575_965e066c16_m.gif" align="" alt="Summit" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> Hassie got on the radio to Kate at Base Camp and he cheered for minutes before even saying anything! After a few minutes later, Jonathan, Fergal, Jangbu Sherpa, Lil Tamang arrived, they had, had a small problem with an iced up oxygen mask that had delayed them, we all rejoiced, shouted and basically went slightly mad, at this point in time.</p> <p>After 30 minutes of trying to take photos without success because unfortunately everyone’s camera was frozen we gave up. We had carried the Duke of Edinburgh Award flag to the summit to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the scheme. We took some time to try and take pictures of the flag on the summit. In the ethos of the scheme decided that we would not leave the flag on the summit, but bring it back down to present at a later date to the Award staff. We departed the summit and the descent was along the same route as our ascent, the only difference being that this was bright daylight and not only illuminated only by a head torch. I think if we had seen what we had to ascend in these day light conditions we may have not reached the summit? The ridge was far more difficult than we expected.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=561587"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/587/561587_bf1f6882d1_m.gif" align="" alt="View from Summit" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><br> We descended with just a few scares along the way and safely returned to our 8300m camp at around 11:30 still not believing what we had achieved.</p> <p>Camp was then packed up and we all returned to our 7700m camp, Hassie, Jonathan, Steve, Dawa Sherpa and Lakpa Sherpa stayed here for the night. Fergal, descended to the North Col, Jangbu Sherpa, LIl Tamang, and I descended on to Advance base and arrived in at 18:30 that evening totally exhausted.</p> <p>The sat phone never stopped ringing all evening and I eventually switched it off at 12:30 to try and get to sleep! Although worn out I still could not sleep with the excitement of what we had just achieved.</p> <p>The next day everyone returned to Advance base camp around lunch time, still smiling all the time, we had just got five people on top of the world, with no injuries, just unbelievable! </p> <p>That afternoon unfortunately reality hit us when we heard the awful news of the death of Jacque, a French climber who had travelled from Kathmandu to Everest with us. He was attempting Everest with his wife Caroline and friend Roland. Jacque got into trouble at the summit, Roland and his Sherpa spent 6 hours trying to get him down but unfortunately had to leave Jacque to save their own lives. Caroline was at Advance Base camp when she received the terrible news and our hearts go out to her at this time, Jacque was a really nice guy and we are all sadden by this tragedy. Other sad news was that one of Skiers who were attempting to ski off Everest, had also died, we had met them many times and again this news was very hard to take and our thoughts go out to his family.</p> <p>Everest is a dangerous place, we knew that before coming here but the last few days have really hit home to us, we have had great success and luck, and others have not.</p> <p>People have asked would you go back and attempt it again? No is the answer. </p> <p>Hassie, Kate and I are in BC now enjoying the Oxygen rich environment, hopefully the rest of the team will return to Base Camp later today and I will report some more very soon, in the mean while thanks to everyone who supported us, helped us and has followed our expedition, and sorry to finish this blog on such a sad note.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/20/saturday_20th_may~817696/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-17:/2006/05/17/wednesday_17th_may_summit_news~805752/everest20062006-05-17T06:53:22+02:002006-05-17T06:53:22+02:00 <p>I am delighted to write that at 6 o’clock this morning (Nepal Time), 5 of our climbers stood on the top of the world! Raymond, Steve, Jonathan, Neill and Fergal set off on their epic journey at 10 0’clock the night before in minus temperatures as low as 25 degrees. They had all felt very strong the day before when they reached the final campsite on the mountain at 8300m. They only had time at this campsite to rest for awhile before melting enough snow for a litre of water each for their summit push, and to try and eat something. </p> <p>Raymond radioed me after he had climbed the notorious second step, which he reached with Dahwah Sherpa in good time at just after 3 o’clock this morning. He sounded in good spirits, and felt that the supplementary oxygen was helping him. He radioed again from the summit at a quarter to 6, where we had an emotional conversation through his whoops of delight at being on the summit of Mount Everest. He had reached the top of the world just as dawn had broken and he described one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. The other climbers were not far behind, with Jangbu Sherpa and Lila Tamon, both high altitude climbers. The team only had time to briefly take in the view and pose for photographs before they started on their journey back down past the campsite at 8300m to the more comfortable camp at 7700m. They have reached this campsite and so our families, friends and supporters can all breathe a large sigh of relief! The team hope to take 2 days to reach ABC, where they will rejoin with Geoffrey Weir. Geoffrey, who has been suffering from a bad head cold and slight altitude cough, made the wise decision not to go any higher on the mountain.</p> <p>I am so proud of each of the 6 climbers, they have made wise decisions, climbed into the unknown and achieved greater heights than most people will ever dream of. -</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/17/wednesday_17th_may_summit_news~805752/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-16:/2006/05/16/tuesday_16th_may~804591/everest20062006-05-16T17:57:41+02:002006-05-16T17:57:41+02:00 <p>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!</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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…</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/16/tuesday_16th_may~804591/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-13:/2006/05/13/saturday_13th_may~799453/everest20062006-05-13T19:15:39+02:002006-05-14T19:16:22+02:00 <p>Three days ago the team set off for their summit attempt. Now this is not as straight forward as simply moving from one camp to another until you get to the top of Everest, no, nothing my husband does is as straight forward as that! First there is the two day walk up to ABC (which I couldn’t face a third time), then they will have to wait at ABC until there is a suitable weather window, and that is the part that isn’t simple. Since today I was woken by the sound of howling winds and snow being blasted at the tent at 30mph, and that’s just at Base Camp! So I have been left on my own, with no one to speak to (unless you count the cook who really doesn’t know much English other than breakfast, lunch and tea). Well I thought I was going to be resigned to a life of complete boredom, and would be talking to the yaks by the end of the first day! It’s amazing how wrong you can be… </p> <p>I had been left two tasks by the team before they left: firstly I had to try and acquire a Nokia phone charger. Unfortunately our radio system doesn’t work between BC and ABC (there is the small matter of the 7000m Changzheng Peak between us, and as far as even I know radio waves don’t pass through mountains! The system should work though once the climbers reach the North Col, so I can have contact with them when it is important. Amazingly Geoffrey’s mobile phone works (although he didn’t bring a charger- hence the challenge), so the idea was that I would text weather forecasts from Geoffrey’s mobile to the satellite phone, which the team have brought. I was wondering which of the passing yaks looked technologically minded and might have a charger, when someone popped their head round the mess tent door and said, “Hello Kate”. Well I could have been knocked over with a puff of snow! He was someone who had been following our progress on the website (I’m ashamed I can’t remember his name), and had joined a commercial trekking company to try and climb the North Col. We had a great chat, and I asked if on the off chance if he happened to have a Nokia charger- my luck was in because he has absolutely every technological gadget possible. So boys, challenge number one complete!</p> <p>The second task may not be so easy… on a regular basis a yak herders come to the door with a spectacular array of beads, cans of coke and fossils found on the slopes of Everest. They hover in the doorway asking an extortionate amount for their wears. Jonathan thought it would be a great idea that I should try and bargain in Jaffa cakes instead of dollars to secure a fossil. The only problem with this task is that I haven’t seen a yak herder since then team left- they must have heard I was on the hunt for a Nokia charger!</p> <p>My evenings alone have been spent holed up in the mess tent with my feet curled near the gas heater watching the DVDs Alan McDowells left behind. Last night when it was going to be a second rerun of ‘Skip the Dog’, I heard a knock at the mess tent door. It was Patrick from the Everest Max team up the glacier. Would I like to come for tea? What an offer! How could I refuse? Imagine, the evening spent in the company of English speaking people! Needless to say Skip the Dog would have to wait for another night. It turned out to be a great evening (they even had beer!), and I staggered back to my tent to fall into a deep, deep sleep (after half a mug I might say), to be woken this morning by that howling wind…</p> <p>So there it goes while those poor souls have been lying about waiting for the weather to improve at ABC, I have been socialising with locals from home, and been beered and dined by other teams… it’s a hard life I know! So I’ll keep you posted on the progress further up the mountain, and as soon as Chomolungma. Mother Goddess gives us a break and allows the summit team to go for it, you shall of course be the first to know…-K </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/13/saturday_13th_may~799453/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-10:/2006/05/10/wednesday_10th_may~789810/everest20062006-05-10T18:43:25+02:002006-05-10T18:43:25+02:00 <p>Well the team have had 3 days of rest at Base Camp, and they have made the most of this time by taking it easy, reading, playing cards and eating plenty. The team are in good health and have certainly benefited from good food and decent sleep at night. Geoffrey had a word with our Sidar Luckpa, about the fact that we were not getting enough meat in our meals. This has made a huge difference and we have been treated to chicken, yak or pork most nights.</p> <p>In the morning the weather here is sunny, and several of the team (Jonathan, Neill, Fergal and Raymond), have even been spotted sunbathing- which was not a pretty sight! Thankfully yesterday it was not quite as warm and they kept their t-shirts on! The afternoon generally brings wind and the temperature drops so we are driven inside the mess tent to play cards, read or go for a gentle walk. Fergal had also found a new past time (obsession) on the computer- he switched on to listen to some music and discovered solitaire, well he hasn’t moved from the computer for two days. In fact I have only just wrestled it off him because he managed to beat the computer for the first time in 48 hours!</p> <p>Yesterday we took the short walk down to the Base Camp village to have a coke and a change of scenery. This village has to be seen to be believed! It is made up of a number of temporary huts with yak dung burning stoves in the middle to heat the space. Local villagers come up here to live for the season and try to eek out a living by selling drinks and fossils from Everest. We stayed long enough to drink the fizziest coke I have ever tasted before heading back to out fresh smelling??? mess tent.</p> <p>Our evenings have been spent using the wonders of modern technology- 7 of us have been crowded round 1 laptop trying to watch one of the DVDs that Alan thankfully left behind. Unfortunately not everyone has a great view of the screen so there are regular discussions about whose turn it is to sit on the outside. </p> <p>We have discussed a number of weather forecasts today, to try and decide when the team should move from the comfort of Base Camp up to ABC. None of the forecasts gave a definitive answer (but then weather forecasting is not an exact science), so we have also taken on board the advice of our Sidar and decided that the team should move tomorrow. They will then wait at ABC until there is a suitable weather window, which at the moment is forecast for later in the month. But then things change on daily basis around here so keep watching this space!-K</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/10/wednesday_10th_may~789810/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-07:/2006/05/07/sunday_7th_may~781889/everest20062006-05-07T15:39:07+02:002006-05-07T15:39:07+02:00 <p>Sunday, no rest for the wicked, back up at 8am for a delicious breakfast of porridge, but the good thing about breakfast at BC is that there are a range of other cereals available, so no porridge for me. After this everyone was forced to have a shower, some were reluctant to go but thankfully everyone gave in, in the end. Fergal was heard saying “ I take a shower once a month whether I need it or not” Steve reckoned that he hadn’t broken sweat over the last week and didn’t need one, I can confirm that he did break sweat through his speed anyway. (A shower- pure luxury, I never imagined that I would appreciate a bag of hot water slung up on a hook inside a tent as much! At least my hair doesn’t freeze when I try to wash it at BC! Such a difference a shower makes, it was getting hard to recognise some of the team under those beards- mind you Fergal is still trying to do his best Desperate Dan impression!- K) Anyway after this we had an excellent lunch and a matinee showing of “The Firm” now this was great but for the fact that a 15 minute part of the Film was missing, this was a borrowed DVD so if you buy from the street traders in Kathmandu what do you expect?</p> <p>Other news, Fergal has lost one camera and broken another, so he is on to yours Fr Dessie, so Fr Dessie, I would check your insurance, you probably will not be getting it back? Doctor Jonathan’s base surgery is open again, so if want an appointment, book early to avoid disappointment. </p> <p>A word of thanks again to those helped us with food of expedition, Andrew Maxwell from Musgrave cash and carry, we still haven’t eaten all the chocolate and Jaffa Cakes!</p> <p>We have not heard from the North Col climbers since they departed last Saturday, which we think is a bit strange; however we suppose they will be back at work Monday so the emails will start then? </p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/07/sunday_7th_may~781889/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-07:/2006/05/07/saturday_6th_may~781882/everest20062006-05-07T15:37:50+02:002006-05-07T15:37:50+02:00 <p>Saturday (6th May) we all returned to BC, now the 26km walk back to BC was equally as bad as the first time we travelled this route and everyone will be happy when we return this path for the last time, however this is part of climbing Everest and so must be endured. Everyone was really happy to be back to the oxygen rich environment of BC and we all enjoyed a meal of Yak stew. Saturday night’s entertainment was a viewing of “Top Gun” and if you haven’t seen it in a while we would suggest that you rent a copy now! Last night was a really late night and we all managed to stay up until 11pm, unbelievable I have no idea what we do when we get home and have to stay up late?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/07/saturday_6th_may~781882/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-07:/2006/05/07/title~781879/everest20062006-05-07T15:36:15+02:002006-05-07T15:36:41+02:00 <p>Hi All,</p> <p>I would like to report that since our last blog (Thursday) I had reported that Hassie and Fergal were making a second attempt to make it to 7700m, camp 2, well they did! Brilliant, well done, the day before we had turned around because of the cold, well, they set off in down gear from head to toe and you guessed it? It was boiling hot and they had to strip down to their base layer instead, what a difference a day makes on Everest. So after reaching their high point they returned to ABC with Kate for a well earned rest. (I had been set a task while Raymond and Fergal set off on their climb- Raymond and Neill had spent the night before in a tent belonging to some Italians, and they needed me to clear their gear into one of our tents. This sounds like a simple enough task, but two hours later I was exhausted and the tent had just about been cleared. After that it took another two hours to melt enough snow to allow for 3 cups of sweet black tea. For those of you who know me, the altitude must be affecting me if I’m drinking black tea! I must say that having reached the North Col, I can now appreciate how difficult the climb beyond 7000m will be for the boys, but I know each climber if well able for the task ahead-K)</p> <p>That evening we had a big group discussion with the climbing Sherpas and our Sardar and we decided on a battle plan for our summit bid, so here it goes, we return to BC for a few days rest, then 2 days walk back to ABC, climb up to the North Col to spend an overnight, climb to camp 2 (7700m) and then return to ABC, this will complete the acclimatisation phase of our expedition, after this we will be in a position to make a summit attempt, this we be from around the 20th May onwards. This is the current plan anyway. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/07/title~781879/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-06:/2006/05/06/new_photos~780473/everest20062006-05-06T19:31:28+02:002006-05-06T19:31:28+02:00 <p>Check out our Gallery section of the website to see the latest photos from base camp, ABC and the Everest North Col </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/06/new_photos~780473/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-05:/2006/05/05/friday_5th_may~778749/everest20062006-05-05T21:15:00+02:002006-05-07T15:34:03+02:00 <p>Thanks to Kate’s for the blog on Wednesday, she is much better at it than I am, so Kate’s will be looking after the updates from tomorrow on hopefully.</p> <p>Anyway what’s been happening around here, well first I must defend myself to those comments about my white knees (Chocolate Brown I like to think?) Now Paddy the porter has a little thing about knees and it was in fact jealousy that was making him laugh, what else could it have been? And as for the weight of my rucksack, again my pack was very heavy and in fact I carried all my own stuff up the North Col, I could name and shame those who didn’t but I will not, although Paddy has very strong little fingers!</p> <p>Back to the North Col, well, the North Col was very hard and took us up to 5 hours to complete, it would have been hard enough without the extra weight of our rucksacks and this certainly made it a lot more difficult. Luckily our campsite is the very first camp site when you arrive at the North Col, so we rolled it our tents, now Jonathan, Fergal, Hassie & I had good 2 man tents, however Geoffrey & Steve were particularly lucky to get a one man tent, this has helped very well with the bonding of the climbers and Geoffrey & Steve are now refusing to sleep alone! So after another uncomfortable night we awoke to a delicious boil in the bag meal of you guessed it? Porridge! We then set off on the 4 hour plus climb to 7700m, and after 1.5 hours we reached a height of approximately 7300m and had to turn around, it was unbelievably cold and would have needed to have dressed it our down gear, we had set off in fleece with a Goretex shell, but this was totally inadequate for the conditions, this said we have learned from the experience and will be better prepared on the next occasion. So after returning to the tents we took a break and waited for Kate arrival who was attempting the North Col, and brilliantly she made it! Now not being sexist or anything like it we thought she would not make it, you could take 100 people of the high street and ninety percent would not be able for the North Col climb, so it was our delight to see Kate hauling herself up the last fixed rope to reach the North Col, well done Kate.</p> <p>Steve, Jonathan, Geoffrey & myself then decided we would go back to ABC, Hassie and Fergal decided they would stay at the North Col for another night as would Kate as she was too exhausted to make the return journey to ABC, Kate did suggest that this was the hard thing she had ever done.</p> <p>Life back at ABC is much more comfortable and relaxed than the North Col, and we have heard that Fergal and Hassie have taken a head stagger and have decided this morning to attempt 7700m again, Kate is still awaiting at the North Col and shall return this afternoon with Hassie & Fergal.</p> <p>That’s all for now.</p> <p>Neill</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/05/friday_5th_may~778749/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-05-03:/2006/05/03/wednesday_3rd_may~773611/everest20062006-05-03T18:54:44+02:002006-05-03T18:54:44+02:00 <p>Well, I’m all alone at Advanced Base Camp, apart from 2 cooks and Paddy, our newly named porter. We are not sure what Paddy’s real name is, but he has become the new life and soul of the group. He appeared about a week ago down at Base Camp where he started bringing in hot water and soup. Lukpa our head Sherpa described him as a ‘Tibetan Hardman’ but really he is far from it- he has a great smile and is always up for some craic! </p> <p>The 6 summit climbers set off this morning to spend their first night at the North Col. The are intending to spend the night sleeping at 7030m, before climbing up to the next camp at approximately 7700m, tomorrow. They will climb straight down without spending the night at this high camp, and are due back to ABC sometime tomorrow afternoon. The plan was to leave this morning at 10 o’clock, after a hearty breakfast of you’ve guessed it- porridge, eggs and pancakes. The team managed the hearty breakfast but the 10 o’clock departure was a bit more elusive. Perhaps the boys were still running on Fermanagh time, and departure was closer to 11 o’clock (and no, Fergal was not the last to be ready)!</p> <p>The mess tent was spread from one end to the other with crampons, water bottles, chocolate bars and climbing harnesses. Each climber claimed that they could not fit another thing into their rucksacks, and by the time they had packed in a huge down sleeping bag and coat there was room for nothing else. Jonathan was even heard trying to convince a Sherpa to carry his sleeping bag! Paddy came in at this point, lifted Neill’s rucksack with his little finger and threw it up and down, laughing at how light it was. If you consider that on the way to ABC Paddy probably carried close to 4 stone, he probably did think it was light. Paddy was already laughing hard at this stage, when Neill tried to put on a clean pair of socks. As soon as Paddy caught sight of his white knees, that just finished him off- he had to go into the cook tent to recover, and I haven’t seen him since!</p> <p>After numerous cups of tea, and grunts to try and fit everything into tiny rucksacks, the climbers were ready to set off. I have to say that they resembled a bunch of Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Participants on their first hike, with cups and water bottles hanging off their rucksacks. </p> <p>I was half hoping for a day where I didn’t need to speak to anyone, since living in such close proximity to 6 hairy climbers is enough for any girl. My plans for a day curled in my tent with a good book were soon destroyed. No sooner had the guys left, when I heard a shout for the Northern Ireland Team. I was descended upon by not one, but two other teams who had just called in for a chat- and incidentally if I could fix it, an oxygen mask. So much for a good read and peace and quiet! Several cups of tea later, and one fixed oxygen mask I finally got some peace. By that stage it was of course time to write this blog. I hope you have not been too bored by my recounts and I promise Neill will be here to entertain you again in the next few days. Now all I have to do is remember how many degrees the satellite phone needs to be tilted at, which direction it must face and the two passwords Neill told me about last night, in order to send this blog, so here goes…</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/05/03/wednesday_3rd_may~773611/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-29:/2006/04/29/saturday_29th_april~771392/everest20062006-04-29T19:26:14+02:002006-05-02T19:26:40+02:00 <p>Saturday morning Adrian, Alan, Andy and Francis were due to leave base camp at 09:30, unfortunately their transport turned up at 09:00 Chinese time and not Nepal time, so after a mad panic to get all their gear packed and ready we said a tearful good bye to the boys, we have really enjoyed their company over the last month and they will be sadly missed by all. Adrian was in tears at leaving base camp as he has enjoyed the cold, snow and the miserable conditions, don’t worry Adrian its ok for a man to cry, Andy nearly broke the handle of the 4x4 he was in such a panic to get away from BC! As for Alan he has been missing Linda so badly he was also in a panic to get away, Francis was as cool as ever.</p> <p>After this, the day was spent relaxing in the mess tent and highlight of the day was watching Sahara and the Borne Supremacy on DVD, Geoffrey was quite taken with Matt Damon movies and has been asking for a repeat showing! </p> <p>Sunday and the team moved out for Interim camp again, and no one was really looking forward the prospect of a 4 hour walk (make that 5 for Kate) in the boiling heat, anyway after approximately 4 hours we eventually arrived at the camp and set up for the night, dinner this evening as particularly delicious consisting of Indian boil in the bag meals, I think I got a vegetarian option, excellent, luck me. The camp we also were lucky enough to occupy was like lying on a bed of nails, so a wonderful night of sleep was had by all.</p> <p>Monday morning we awoke to have another a beautiful breakfast of Indian curry again! This was the first time ever I have had curry for breakfast and hopefully the last, the curry was so good that I still tasted it a day later. So after breakfast we set out on the four hour (again make that 5 hour for Kate with poor Raymond trailing behind!) walk to Advance Base Camp, this is comparable to the walk from Base camp to Interim camp. Again we eventually arrived in our ABC in great health and spirits.</p> <p>The rest of evening was spent repairing the generator and other things around ABC, we have came to the conclusion, that if it going to break it will break on Everest, it has become a full time job fixing equipment.</p> <p>Tuesday has been a rest day at camp, preparing equipment and food for higher up on the mountain, tomorrow morning at 8 am we move out for the North Col, we will hopefully camp at the North Col for the night and the following day climb to camp two 7700m, this will be our highest point Everest before making a summit bid.</p> <p>That’s all for now from the monkey, Kate will probably be keeping the Blog up to date from tomorrow on.</p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/29/saturday_29th_april~771392/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-29:/2006/04/29/saturday_29th_april~771386/everest20062006-04-29T19:23:01+02:002006-05-30T18:40:37+02:00 <p>Saturday morning Adrian, Alan, Andy and Francis were due to leave base camp at 09:30, unfortunately their transport turned up at 09:00 Chinese time and not Nepal time, so after a mad panic to get all their gear packed and ready we said a tearful good bye to the boys, we have really enjoyed their company over the last month and they will be sadly missed by all. Adrian was in tears at leaving base camp as he has enjoyed the cold, snow and the miserable conditions, don’t worry Adrian its ok for a man to cry, Andy nearly broke the handle of the 4x4 he was in such a panic to get away from BC! As for Alan he has been missing Linda so badly he was also in a panic to get away, Francis was as cool as ever.</p> <p>After this, the day was spent relaxing in the mess tent and highlight of the day was watching Sahara and the Borne Supremacy on DVD, Geoffrey was quite taken with Matt Damon movies and has been asking for a repeat showing! </p> <p>Sunday and the team moved out for Interim camp again, and no one was really looking forward the prospect of a 4 hour walk (make that 5 for Kate) in the boiling heat, anyway after approximately 4 hours we eventually arrived at the camp and set up for the night, dinner this evening as particularly delicious consisting of Indian boil in the bag meals, I think I got a vegetarian option, excellent, luck me. The camp we also were lucky enough to occupy was like lying on a bed of nails, so a wonderful night of sleep was had by all.</p> <p>Monday morning we awoke to have another a beautiful breakfast of Indian curry again! This was the first time ever I have had curry for breakfast and hopefully the last, the curry was so good that I still tasted it a day later. So after breakfast we set out on the four hour (again make that 5 hour for Kate with poor Raymond trailing behind!) walk to Advance Base Camp, this is comparable to the walk from Base camp to Interim camp. Again we eventually arrived in our ABC in great health and spirits.</p> <p>The rest of evening was spent repairing the generator and other things around ABC, we have came to the conclusion, that if it going to break it will break on Everest, it has become a full time job fixing equipment.</p> <p>Tuesday has been a rest day at camp, preparing equipment and food for higher up on the mountain, tomorrow morning at 8 am we move out for the North Col, we will hopefully camp at the North Col for the night and the following day climb to camp two 7700m, this will be our highest point Everest before making a summit bid.</p> <p>That’s all for now from the monkey, Kate will probably be keeping the Blog up to date from tomorrow on.</p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/29/saturday_29th_april~771386/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-28:/2006/04/28/friday_28th_april~763405/everest20062006-04-28T20:39:07+02:002006-04-28T20:39:07+02:00 <p>Base camp life seems to roll from one day into another, it is not the most interesting place in the world and the routine goes as such, get up around 08:30 have a wash, have breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00 then you are free until lunch time.</p> <p>Breakfast normally consists of porridge etc, now today Pemba the cook excelled himself and for some reason accidentally thought lunch was breakfast, curried potatoes, semolina and mixture of rotten vegetables for breakfast? I have no idea what he was thinking? But needless to say everyone dived into the Weetabix and Cornflakes boxes and left the locals to eat the lunch-breakfast meal that Pemba had prepared. Now one team member young Alan McDowell decided that he was not a team player and that he would selfishly eat a boil in the bag meal that he has been carrying for the last month, a few or the others turned green with envy, but I was ok as I do not like beans and bacon!</p> <p>So back to this free time, well this is normally spent drinking Tea and slagging each other off, we haven’t ran out of detail yet! However today was some what different in that Adrian, Alan and I decided that we would go and see the Indian team, they had a very sick climber on the North Col a few days ago suffering from HACE and he had to be lowered down the North Col and carried on the back to Base camp on the back of a sherpa! Now this was an amazing feat, not the lowering bit as there were 30 plus climbers available and willing to help, but the carrying, can you imagine a man or woman carrying another person on their back for 22km! Amazing, now the good news is that the climber was taken to Kathmandu yesterday and is fine, that’s the nature of Altitude related illness the simple cure is descent, and the oxygen rich air cures almost all problems instantaneously. Anyway the Indians we called to see were out and all we got was a Indian who could only speak a few words of English, mind you his English was better than our Indian!</p> <p>After this we called over to see the Everest max guys, they were just down from the North Col and full of beans with their achievement, they offered us the full box set of James Bond movies, but we had to decline as some of the team may have gotten carried away, we have enough James Bond wannabes in the team!</p> <p>We then returned to our tent to discover that some of team had resorted to child labour, unbelievable, I have heard of “when in Rome” but this has been an all time low, imagine employing kids to wash and dry your clothes! Steve Hodge and Raymond Hassard you should hang your heads in shame! (Can I just say that the child labour Neill refers to is not strictly true- the girl was at least 14. A side from which I fully support anyone who is prepared to wash Raymond’ now stiff socks, not to mention the rest of his underwear. –K)</p> <p>So back to the normal base camp day, Lunch comes along at 12.30 every day and consists of a three course meal, now the fresh vegetables seem to have run out a while back? And the food is getting worse by the day, that’s my opinion but there are others grumbling as well about the slipping standards, I just hope things do not get any worse! </p> <p>After lunch the afternoon is your own, so you can read, listen to music well if your die pod worked! Or wander about base camp. Now today we went down to the village close by base camp and sampled Tibetan tea, disgusting is all I can say! I have no idea what it tastes like, in fact I could not describe it only to say there is a generous helping of both salt and butter in it! Not for me or anyone else from the west, but the locals love it.-N</p> <p>So after copious amount of tea we returned to our base camp tents. (I think that the lads actually drank coke and listened to a rendition of the local Base Camp talent on a Tibetan stringed instrument). I am assured that it was hardly Robbie Williams in concert, but it kept people happy and gave them something to do for the afternoon. In fact one of our Sherpas is still missing and was last seen in search of more butter tea! Judging by breakfast, goodness knows what culinary delights await us tonight????- K</p> <p>Stop Press</p> <p>After all the complaints made today about the food, Pemba and his staff have total surprised us with a culinary delight fit for a King! Chicken, roasted potatoes, rice and vegetables, quite an unbelievable meal, and to top it all this was followed by a cake (baked at base camp) for the team members who are leaving us tomorrow to return home. Thank you, Pemba.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/28/friday_28th_april~763405/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-27:/2006/04/27/thursday_27th_april~760642/everest20062006-04-27T18:48:13+02:002006-04-27T18:48:13+02:00 <p>Today we welcomed Hassie, Kate and Francis back to base camp, everyone is now safely in camp and we will be resting for the next few days, the North col Climbers (Francis, Adrian, Alan and Andy) will depart from Base camp in two days time for Kathmandu, and everyone will be sorry to see them go, as they have kept us entertained over the past weeks. </p> <p>That’s all for now</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/27/thursday_27th_april~760642/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-26:/2006/04/26/wednesday_26_th_april~758057/everest20062006-04-26T19:07:12+02:002006-04-27T18:48:36+02:00 <p>Disaster struck last night at Bc last night when the generator went out and Andy and I had to dive into our tent early than we expected, we have been missing all the others who are still up at ABC but we have been heartened by the news that most them have made it safe to the North Col and back to ABC, the lucky …….</p> <p>Anyway this our breakfast was the normal delightful porridge, (a word of warning to everyone when I get home never offer me porridge!) the rest our day was a normal base camp day, simply visiting other teams and drinking tea, I must admit base camp is a bit of ghost camp at the moment, as everyone seems to be up at ABC or down at a lower altitude.</p> <p>The highlight of the our day was Jonathan, Steve, Fergal, Geoffrey, Adrian and Alan returning to BC, the guys returned this evening at 5pm full of stories of their adventure, and their difficult return from ABC, they timed it really well as it just started to snow as they entered the mess tent and it has not stopped snowing since, in fact there is as much snow on the ground now as last week, so I think we shall be stilling put for another few days? </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=507000"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/000/507000_a941cc0ed1_m.jpeg" align="" alt="Photo of North Col" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Hassie and Kate have decided to stay at ABC for another night and Francis decided that he would also stay in case they were in any danger? They may return to BC tomorrow but with the snow lying everywhere I would doubt it?</p> <p>Thankfully with Steve returning to BC I was able to fix the generator, Steve was a great help and advised me that Red is Live and Black was neutral, brilliant if there are any lines that Steve put up near you, you are in no danger, he is an electrical genius!</p> <p>Adrian is in much better mood now that he has returned to BC, we thought we had lost him for a few days there, but the extra oxygen has certainly recharged his batteries?</p> <p>Alan has grown a lovely Ginger head of hair and it suits him well! Well we think so; we will get an image on the web so please send your opinions to: no_one_loves_a_ginger_baby.com</p> <p>As for Steve and Jonathan the trip to a higher altitude has had little or no effect other than Steve has said I can have another drive in the DB9 in the Summer.( Steve, I promise I will not crash it again)</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/26/wednesday_26_th_april~758057/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-25:/2006/04/25/tuesday_25th_april_they_made_it~755495/everest20062006-04-25T19:43:31+02:002006-04-25T19:43:31+02:00 <p>Well to the North Col, the team set off from Advance base camp this morning for the North Col and after many hours on the steep glacier slopes, over the ladders etc they finally reached the North Col at 7000m, I received this news from Adrian via Phone and he will give us a full run down tomorrow, as for us at base camp its been another day of Tea and coffee.</p> <p>More Tomorrow</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/25/tuesday_25th_april_they_made_it~755495/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-24:/2006/04/24/monday_24th_april~752734/everest20062006-04-24T19:21:07+02:002006-04-24T19:21:07+02:00 <p>This morning everyone arrived for breakfast except Hassie or Neill, that’s right Hassie, so after a good breakfast Andy and I decided to descend to BC for a rest, I had agreed this with Jonathan yesterday after feeling so unwell, although feeling fine today we agreed that this was best for the long term, Everest isn’t a spirit it’s marathon and I am going to be there at the finish. Just a short note of thanks to Jonathan he has virtually seen half the people at BC and half the people at ABC his surgery has never stopped since arriving here, and the main cause of illness, altitude.</p> <p>So Andy and I headed off down to BC this morning. This was a long walk of 22km in total but was really enjoyable as we met Phil from the Everest max team, one of Swedish guys who is planning to ski off the summit! I gave him some advice: “don’t do it” and “sharpen your edges”, then we met the Army west ridge guys and spent a while with them, Everest has been great for making friends and all the boys and girls from the British Isles have been fantastic, I suppose we are all in it together and everyone is looking out for one another.</p> <p>Thankfully Andy I have been well fed and are sitting in a heated mess tent, I wonder how miserable the others are? Luckily for Andy his adventure up Everest is now complete and he’ll not have to venture that way again, he damaged a rib through coughing so much, so I’m sure he is happy to get back to his loved ones in N.I, As for the rest of us the adventure continues for a few more weeks with many sorties higher on Everest.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/24/monday_24th_april~752734/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-24:/2006/04/24/monday_24th_april~752711/everest20062006-04-24T19:15:11+02:002006-04-24T19:26:42+02:00 <p>Sorry readers is has been 3days since our last communication, this was due to us moving to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) and the fact that I have been ill and no one else seemed interested or did not know what to do!</p> <p>Anyway, three days ago we set off for interim camp. This involved a journey of 11kms to an altitude 5800m, the last of us left base camp at around 12.00pm and followed along with the yaks, the reason for this is if you saw the yak herders, you wouldn’t trust them as far as you could throw them, so the possibility of equipment going missing is highly probable without giving these guys an escort along the way. The journey was straight forward enough, but a few days earlier would have been very difficult with all the snow around. So after 4 hours we arrived at interim camp, I must admit I was expecting a nice flat area- wrong! It was a few small hills with just about enough area for two tents, and the 30 yaks! Anyway we got the tents erected and managed to drag ourselves into them. There were a few of the boys that wanted to sleep with some of prettier yaks but I had to insist that this wasn’t sporting! After a cold night, we moved off the next morning to ABC- again we waited until all the yaks were loaded and ready to go, now the day before we had no problems keeping up with the yaks, however this day the yaks took off like a bolt of lightning and that was the last we saw of them.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=502070"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/070/502070_c771d1d867_m.jpeg" align="" alt="Yak herders" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>After an exhausting 4 hour walk we arrived into ABC, and guess what? Ours was the highest camp there, a few of team had to be restrained at this point, I pointed out that we were closer to our objective and that it would help with acclimatisation, even the mild mannered Steve Hodge began to curse, little did I know I would also pay for this high camp!. Eventually we reached our tents at what seemed like the North col itself and chose our accommodation for the night. At this stage most of us felt unwell from the sudden gain in altitude, some of us more than others. There was not much movement around the camp that evening, with the minimum of work done. The next day everyone was up for breakfast except Raymond and I, now this is nothing new for Hassie as even his nagging wife (Kate’s words not mine) could not get him upJ but I can normally struggle up for breakfast, however on this occasion I could not, and after a consultation with Doctor Jonathan he deduced Young bull induced AMS, (altitude sickness, induced by going far to fast and not going slow enough!), self inflicted. So the rest of team spent the rest of day sorting out the equipment and food supplies for the rest of expedition, I don’t think anything too entertaining occurred, but ABC is a miserable place and for the first few days after arriving there no one feels well, so that was probably why there was none of the usual fun and laugher out of the gang. Last night everyone went off to bed early as the generator would not start, much to the annoyance of everyone.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/24/monday_24th_april~752711/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-20:/2006/04/20/thursday_20th_april~743369/everest20062006-04-20T22:49:39+02:002006-04-20T22:49:39+02:00 <p>Last night we had another night of snow at base camp so it was decided to stay at base camp for another night, it has become a growing frustration, with all the team keen to get further up Everest, the North Col climbers have become very aware that time is running out for them as they will have to leave base camp at the end of the month and unless we get to Advance base camp very soon they will run out of time to climb to the North Col. Today was a lazy day around base camp with the Indians climbers calling for coffee this morning, after this Jamie McGuiness called in with a sick climber, now this a spot of luck as he had a spare R-bgan, this being the faulty satellite that has prevented uploading images and data to the web, so Jamie kindly loaned us this unit for a while, this has allowed us to send the latest images back, so please take a look at the gallery for the latest images.</p> <p>After lunch, I spent the afternoon sorting out the comm’s kit while the rest of gang decided to turn their hand to a spot of ice climbing in a frozen river just beside our base camp, now to call this Ice climbing would be a gross exaggeration, the part of river the guys were playing on has less of fall in it than the mess table in the mess tent, so any images that appear on the web of this “ Ice climbing” will be of a climber lying on their fronts for effect, what a bunch of spoofers! This said this training was very useful as most of the gang had to learn how to put on a climbing harness again, in fact one Jonathan Salter was seen running about with a harness on upside down., probably just as well to get the mistakes out of the way before heading to the serious stuff.</p> <p>Tomorrow we definitely are going to intermediate camp, the weather has improved today and the yaks are booked so we must go</p> <p>That all for now must go to bed, sorry about the standard of the update today, but I have writers block today…</p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/20/thursday_20th_april~743369/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-20:/2006/04/20/wednesday_19th_april~741448/everest20062006-04-20T10:44:52+02:002006-04-20T10:44:52+02:00 <p>Hello Everyone,</p> <p>After another night of snow the team decided that it would be better to stay at base camp for another night, well I am not sure if we decided or the weather, however we are stuck here for another night. Breakfast was different today for the first time in a few weeks, this was due to the delivery of our equipment and food yesterday, and so we had Wheatabix, cornflakes etc, thanks to Andrew Maxwell at Musgrave Supervalu for these. Once breakfast was over doctor Jonathan opened the Surgery for his first patient of the day, this is becoming a regular occurrence and a must say a big thank you to Jonathan on behalf of all of our team for his medical assistance, he has been a great asset to our team.</p> <p>Camp visits are also becoming a frequent event and this morning we had a visit from Patrick and Rowena from the Everest Max team, they have just cycled from the Dead Sea to Everest base camp, a journey of 8000km through 8 countries, and you thought we were mad? I must say great people and its great to entertain other people from the UK and Ireland, next on the visitors listed was Noel Hanna, Noel’s is Bannbridge in N.I and is climbing with a Russia team, he only arrived into base camp yesterday, so hopefully we shall be talking lots more to Noel in the near future.</p> <p>Now on to the base camp humour:</p> <p>Steve Hodge has given up on the Street lighting and has moved on to a new project, a wind generator, he is in negotiations with Chinese as I type and he told me last night that all he needed was a few holes and with as many Paddies around that shouldn’t be a problem! Thanks Steve.</p> <p>Fergal Corrigan has really taken the Tibetan way of life on board and has taken up chanting, last night he was heard chanting “come on Fermanagh, I hope Tyrone never win another all Ireland” so its good to see that he is turning Green and white again, maybe Fr Dessie, if your reading this, you say a few prayers for us and Fergals return to his rightful colours? </p> <p>Allan McDowell’s investigation into the stolen chocolate is still on going, Allan stated that the police do not comment on individual cases, but that he will leave no stone unturned, well judging by the number of stones at base camp this may take him some time, but it will keep him entertained.</p> <p>Andy has decided that this base camp is not for him and very keen to move ABC and equipped was his uncle Buck Hat and boots I am sure he will be warm enough anyway, please keep checking the gallery and you will see what I mean.</p> <p>Anyway that’s all for now hopefully I will be able to get some image on the site this evening.</p> <p>Neill</p> <p>Ps. I received a call last night at 1.30 in the morning, its great to hear from people at home but we are 5 HOURS ahead of BST and not 5 behind, maybe someone could explain this to Ewan? </p> <p>Thanks for all the good wishes, messages, and interest in our expedition. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/20/wednesday_19th_april~741448/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-18:/2006/04/18/tuesday_18th_april~737677/everest20062006-04-18T21:56:41+02:002006-04-19T16:44:51+02:00 <p>Monday night brought the first snow to base camp, and when we wrestled ourselves out of our tents this morning we were confronted by more than a few centimeters of snow. As you can imagine with the limited clothing we had this was not a pleasant surprise. We all then assembled for breakfast and shortly after a lorry arrived with, you guessed it, our equipment! After all the hassle it was hard to believe but it had finally come through, and was sitting on a lorry in front of us. Now this arrival caused major panic and even those in bed, Fergal & Andy managed to get up!<br> We then unloaded the contents and set about checking that all had been delivered, now as expected, the head torches and few other items were missing but nothing to stop us climbing the mountain. Morale has hit an all time high, with Adrian now having something more to lose, all the rest of us were just glad to receive enough equipment & food to go higher and have a chance at climbing Everest. So now the ball is firmly back in our court and it's up to us to make the most of this opportunity.<br> Otherwise today has been a quiet day with little other excitement.<br> Neill</p> <p>Well speak for yourself- quiet day indeed! Between the squeals of excitement form hardened mountaineers, when the barrels arrived to the grunts of trying to put on warm gear, it has been quite a day!</p> <p>Personally I have really enjoyed the barrels arriving. Not only has it meant clean warm clothes (which was essential when snow has arrived), but to my amazement Geoffrey has packed enough chocolate and sweets to stock a shop! So tonight I shall look forward to a good nights sleep in thick warm down sleeping bags, and in the mean time I shall snuggle up in the mess tent beside a heater wearing my newly arrived down boots and my ... down jacket.<br> Kate</p> <p>For me waking to yak bells and snow on the ground reminded me of a perfect Christmas morning. As Neil has already said our kit arrived and after 16 days in the same clothes this was really a treat for me ,I have to thank everyone for the things they shared especially Allan who has been a savior more than once. Next time I do this I will chose traveling companions who are more my size as everyone was willing to offer a medium something.</p> <p>Adrian. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/18/tuesday_18th_april~737677/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-18:/2006/04/18/17th_april_2006_easter_monday~737675/everest20062006-04-18T21:54:43+02:002006-04-18T21:54:43+02:00 <p>Yesterday afternoon, Steve and I went for coffee with the Indian climbers this is fast becoming a daily event as they have great food, tea and provide good entertainment, their leader is a real character and is a wealth of knowledge having been high on Everest before. After this, we all assembled back in mess tent for dinner, Easter Sunday has been a very quiet day, with not much going on other than drinking tea & coffee, it's a tough life being a high altitude mountaineer! When dinner was over the group assembled into two groups to play cards, one group was lead by Alan, decided that snap about or above their level, and other consisting of Geoffrey, Francis, Fergal and I decided on a game called twenty five a more mature game I thought.<br> Anyway the card games continued until 10pm with the rules called to question on numerous occasions! Now I must say they are all a load of cheaters, and the sooner the equipment arrives the better, as there is a card game book in Kate's bag so that will hopefully sort out the rules. Isu, one of cook boys joined us at mature table and proved to be quite a card shark, winning all the games he played, Fergal suggested that if he continued in this trend Isu may have difficulty playing with broken fingers!<br> After we all retired to our tents, this very annoying coughing noise commenced from within our camp site, this was most annoying and as it turns out the coughing noise was caused Kate with a very sore throat, thankfully Raymond had a solution, now the solution may sound awful, but there is no reason to call relate or the care unit just yet, the solution was very simple, just put a pillow over Kate's head and tell her to stop it, no complaints please as this was quite effective, no one was injured, and Kate is much better today.</p> <p>Monday morning and breakfast was held at normal time with a few of the team deciding to take a wash & shave, just as well as it was becoming difficult to recognize some of the team with so much facial hair.<br> On the equipment front we heard it had left Kathmandu yesterday and should arrive tonight at base camp, so here's hoping, on to the communications front and Hp are sending out Hard Discs to handle to altitude and the cold, however we also still await the delivery of the broadband sat modem from AST in the U.K. So the sooner it arrives the better as then we can start to send back images of the expedition.</p> <p>Neill</p> <p>Well what more can I say? Living with this bunch of hairy men has been an experience. The sooner the barrels of kit arrive the better. For the last few days half cleaned, still smelly socks and holey underwear have been hung around the mess tent. This is hardly the sort of interior decoration that helps with appetite. Life in base camp has taken on a familiar rountine- attempting to wash in a bowl of warm water inside my tent and trying to avoid the site of now hardened mountaineers washing, eating breakfast and reading.<br> I am looking forward to the move up to Advanced Base Camp, and I also eagerly awaiting the change in Adrian's attire, and I have to admit that clean, warm clothes is starting to sound good.</p> <p>Kate</p> <p>This afternoon we all went out for a walk, Francis, Geoffrey, Fergal, Hassie & I headed up one of the local mountains beside base camp, we reached a maximum height of 5750m a new altitude record for Fergal & Francis. The rest of the gang took a much harder walk, although it looked easier and walked out the track to Rongbuk village, the longest 10k in the world. Adrian & Alan where almost converted by a Buddhist monk in the Rongbuk monastery, but when they heard it would cost money they both declined.</p> <p>Equipment update, as I type our kit has been flown to Kondari and is hopefully on the road to Base camp.</p> <p>Anyway everyone is safely back in camp and enjoying dinner.</p> <p>More tomorrow... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/18/17th_april_2006_easter_monday~737675/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-16:/2006/04/16/16th_april_2006_happy_easter_sunday~731139/everest20062006-04-16T10:14:36+02:002006-04-16T10:14:36+02:00 <p>The team were awoken for the first time this morning by the Sherpas, for the 8am Punja, now for those of us of the non Buddhist faith, this is a religious ritual, that is carried out as a blessing of good luck for people climbing Chomalungma(Everest). So all the team, were promptly made get out of their semi warm tents and sit on a freezing cold mat in the wind around a stone built cairn, this ritual must have gone on for 45 minutes, but was very interesting with a monk from the local Rongbuk monastery leading the service, he blessed all the climbing equipment we had present and will bless the rest of the equipment when it finally arrives, the ritual ended with the drinking of Coke (Black Gold) and beer everyone then the throwing of flour and rice over each other so quite messy, although we have not changed clothing in a week or so another day's dirt will make no difference, after the 45 minutes, all of us have agreed never to complain about religious ceremony taking to long in a church building as the cold had to be felt to be believed!<br> After this Punja, we enjoyed breakfast in the recently rearranged mess tent, yes as predicted, the Sherpas had rearranged the tables, something to do with planning permission? Fergal thought we were exempt, as this was a temporary structure, but it seems the rules are different in Tibet than back home.<br> Having been blessed we took our chances and sent a text to enquire about our gear . The results were good and Adrian might have something to be blessed at the next Punja when we get to Advanced Base Camp (ABC). Life at base camp is pretty routine with the drinking of tea and the teaching of Chess under Raymond's watchful eye. Book swapping is also a popular pass time however Geoffrey is holding this up as he insists on chatting idly with senior officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth office. With this much excitement there is plenty of time to see each others true colors (Linda you will see what we mean when Alan takes his hat off). Andy is entertaining the camp site with some high altitude juggling . And our doctor has dealt with Sherpas suffering from dog bites, sore eyes, coughs, alleged altitude sickness and camp chair sores. As for Steve the electrician his qualifications are subject to a stewards inquiry as base camp is still without street lighting. He seems too preoccupied with noting down quotes and quips. Neil has managed a coffee with most of the other groups at base camp and even managed an interview with the Discovery Channel.</p> <p>Oh, tinman if you are out there please make contact again, and iceman please reveal yourself.</p> <p>Adrian/Neill 08.00 BST</p> <p>All articles, grammer and spellings are subject altitude and attitude. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/16/16th_april_2006_happy_easter_sunday~731139/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-16:/2006/04/16/15th_april_update~731029/everest20062006-04-16T08:58:02+02:002006-04-16T10:10:35+02:00 <p>Saturday 15th April 2006<br> Hello from Base camp,<br> Firstly an update on the equipment situation, yesterday 14th April, Geoffrey's<br> wife Gillian was in contact with Lady Sylvia Hermon MP, Lady Hermon then got<br> in contact with Downing St, who passed on our problem to the Foreign &<br> Commonwealth Office, they then in turn contacted the British Embassy in Nepal,<br> who then contacted the Nepalese authorities, the reply we then received was<br> that our equipment would finally clear customs on Sunday 16th April at 10am,<br> they also agreed to give any assistance in safe guarding the transportation of<br> equipment to the border, including a possible air lift and or military guard.<br> We would like to thank everyone who help us in this issue..<br> Anyway on to the fun and games at base camp, earlier today I had this great<br> idea of walking to intermediate camp, so Hassie & I set off on what we thought<br> would be 3.5 hour walk, well 5 hours later we staggered into base camp pretty<br> exhausted from our walk. Adrian suggested that I needed mouth to mouth from a<br> yak as to aid my recovery but I declined the offer, although I suggested that<br> all of us may have partaken in this activity in the past, present partners,<br> wives & girlfriends excluded of course.<br> Thankfully we made a full recovery, Sat afternoon all the rest of team went<br> out for walk and enjoyed the fantastic views of Everest, after this Fergal<br> had a wonderful idea of rearranging the mess tent, now for those of you who<br> know, Fergal recently rearranged the bar he owns, this took him months and we<br> hoped that this task could be completed much quicker or else our food would be<br> cold! So after much lifting of tables a final layout was agreed, just in time<br> for dinner, I wonder will the Sherpas have it changed back for tomorrow<br> morning?<br> Dinner was of the normal excellent standard and everyone enjoyed the normal<br> evening banter, slagging of each other, oh the Triumpt 20 Girls keep asking<br> for images of Francis, well we captured some excellent ones of him at the<br> dinner table, sleeping as usual, so they are coming soon to the gallery, when<br> we get our broad band modem delivered!<br> Steve is still awaiting his emai from Lawrence Dallagalio, now we have told<br> Steve that we can't receive email at the moment and that we don't want<br> messages from a team that hasn't really won anything recently, so if any of<br> Irish six nations players would like to email <a href="mailto:steve@everest2006.com">steve@everest2006.com</a> that would<br> be great.<br> That’s all from me, I am spoofed out for now,Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/16/15th_april_update~731029/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:everest2006.blog.co.uk,2006-04-14:/2006/04/14/14th_april_update~726861/everest20062006-04-14T11:22:01+02:002006-04-14T22:02:27+02:00 <p>14th April 2006 Update</p> <p>Alan and Andy enjoyed their first night at Everest base camp, they both<br> complained bitterly this morning that their tents had been much too quiet with<br> no dogs barking and that it as much too warm for sleeping and they would like<br> to return to Tingiri as soon as possible for an awful nights sleep, after some<br> negotiations they agreed to stay at base camp.<br> This morning all the team went for walk around base camp and meet up with the<br> Indian team. Tea was taken and we found that the Indian team had a lot of<br> experience on Everest. It turns out the world is a very small place indeed,<br> with a member of the Indian team having worked with a guy from N.I that we<br> know, namely Kevin Smith but they had never heard of Ewan Ballantine which<br> amazed us as he has often told us of his international connections, the<br> Indians have also invited us to join them n the highest game of Cricket on<br> earth which will be videoed for the Discovery channel and might even make us a<br> record breaker weather permitting of course. After this we enjoyed lunch and<br> then had our first basecamp shower, now a basecamp shower at the moment<br> entails a large basin and a cup, as our solar showers are in the barrels in<br> Kathmandu, however I must admit that it is fantastic to feel clean again after<br> so many days without a wash. There are a few of us that have not washed yet,<br> but I feel that peer pressure may also result in them taking a wash also or<br> Allan has promised those who don’t a code red. </p> <p>Neill </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://everest2006.blog.co.uk/2006/04/14/14th_april_update~726861/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>