Monday, 10 May 2010
Rest BC
6th May Today was a really settled day at base camp. Josh,Max,Stephen and myself did a bit of exercise. We did a liitle curcuit for 40mins which was good as it broke the day up but also opened my lungs up. It feels like your constantly becoming congested and a bit of a blow out cleared the lungs. We are all beginning to discuss all the different permutations that could happen over the next few weeks. The weather has been pretty bad so far.A metre of snow has fallen at the North col over the last few days. Yersterday, our Sherpas were up at 8200m loading the camp. Nuro is one of our top sherpas. He has summitted 9 times and moves like a machine. He went from the North col up to 8200m, dropped his load then all the way back down the ABC. This is an epic day. He came back down to base camp today for a couple of days rest before we hopefully go up for our summit attempt. The weather looks like it could allow us an attempt on the 17th or 18th. We are waiting for a detailed forecast. The main concern is the wind speeds. At the moment the snow has stopped and the winds have increased which is good to clear the snow from the ridge but does lower the temperatures dramatically.Lets hope it works out and we get a long enough window to get up there. I ordered an extra bottle of oxygen, giving me options slighlty lower down the mountain. It will also allow me to sleep at 7800m on oxtgen. I`m hoping this will allow me torest far better at this height. Since we`ve had 4 people leave there is a number of cylinders of oxygen now available for team members to buy. Most people have now got the set up I pre-ordered and will be starting on oxygen at 7500m. My personal thoughts are that having the extra both conserves your energy and allows you to rest better at 7800m. I am begining to really focus on the summit bid now. Hopefully another few days here and we will be away.
Base camp
7th May Today was a nothing day. I did a bit of washing, read my book and snoozed. The days seem to pass quickly considering how little we do. Everybody seems to occupy themselves and we sit and talk a lot. The weather is now one of the hot topics. We could be setting off from base camp on the 13th. This would mean us going for the summit on the 17th or 18th. The forecast is not yet detailed enough. All the teams have roughly the same information and are working towards this time frame. Lets hope it`s not to busy up there.
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Hey Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteI am addicted to checking everyday to see if you have updated your blog, its amazing reading, you are doing brilliantly! I hope that the weather is good to you, and you keep your fingers nice and toastie! The scenery looks awesome, especially with all the bright yellow tents dotted about. I have every confidence in you, keep eating and drinking, i cant even imagine how difficult that must be at that altitude. Ok, look forward to hearing all about your summit success!
Take care of yourself!!
Sam, p.s Mum and Dad are routing for you too! x
Hiya - Jonathan - I too am addicted - the weather looks great from here on a picture - but I cannot imagine the idea of Oxygen etc - but all the best
ReplyDeleteKatie is looking really well now - in her new home to - it really does look great - Josh will have changed so much when you see him - but you will have so much to tell him - He is a great climber but I guess not quite in your league.
I am hoping and praying for the Weather for you all
Sal
Hello mate sorry i missed you saturday i was gutted when Sue told me.Glad your keeping busy,I.E. Curcuit training, i thought a mountain bike and bob yak would of done so you could run supplies, like a small buisness venture on the side. Keep it up the goal is getting closer and im with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteHello old boy, I bet you stink by now, I have smelt your PT kit after 4 days never mind 8 weeks of sweat, I am so happy you have got your own tent! Great effort just wish I was there to kick your ass up the hill! (That’s if I didn’t have a fear of big hills). Glad that you are feeling better keep up the good work, take care mate and don’t forget my prayer flags! Mike.
ReplyDeletehey you, great to get the next installment. Have been thinking of you lots and telling people about what you're upto. We've just had a lovely weekend in the lakes, mole hills by comparison, but hardwork lugging F up when she gave up. Told her it felt like Everest to me and she said, 'nonsense, there's no snow', could've done with the sherpas tho!
ReplyDeleteDread to think of your personal hygiene after that last comment. Maybe thats the real reason you need to sleep with the oxygen?! Good luck and stay focussed. Hope the weather provides a good window on the 17th/18th and allows you to summit safely. Take care, keep strong and sending lots of love, energy and hugs. KBF&D xx
JD Your climbing bud josh not mentioned you once in any Facebook Blog Twitter etc. Well thats not on. Tell your sherpa's that he can handle funny shaped balls and play's a good game with them. See if it's lost in translation. Stay safe and hurry up wooly.
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan, once again it’s been great to read your latest post and share in your fantastic adventure. josh is so inspired I feel an expedition to highcliffe could be unavoidable this weekend! we’ll be thinking of you as you get closer to your goal and hope the weather is on your side over the days ahead. chris, adrian & joshua
ReplyDeleteEh up Son,
ReplyDeletegreat to here from you again and hope the weather holds for you. All the very best for the summit and remember poly poly and relax. As for the frozen condensation inside the tent, we used to brush it off before the sun got up and sweep it out of the tent. Not a vey pleasant pastime but it saved getting the gear wet when the sun hit. No doubt the bivvie bag will help.
Heard you on the telly last night, it was your report from BC. That was a pleasant surprise.
Abova all, stay safe and have fun.
Laurie
Hi Jonathan, Just a quick note as I am back from my own expediition - but only to Helmsley and back for Josh's pre birthday weekend... (tractors and tools everywhere) Just reporting in that sleep over at Acres Close went well - Isla and Josh seem to be even greater friends, Beth looks brill and was telling me that hopefully the summit for you is getting really much closer. I really hope so - perhaps it is why we are all feeling colder here as the weather is really strange... but hope yours is exactly as you need to acheive your dreams.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and strong
Sal
Hi Jonathan
ReplyDeletePete Smith here.... your old headteacher from many years ago back in the 'Newstead Days'. Can you remember that far back?
I'm following your blog...fantastic...well done! That is apart from envying you quite a lot.
Seize the moment and go for it, I am sure that you will make it, what an experience!