Local time: 9 May, 17:45
Location: Base Camp
Altitude: 5300m
Weather: Light snow in the morning, but then fine thereafter.
Hi it’s Paul at Everest base camp. Well, after I got down from C2 yesterday, I had a shower and some food and I felt great, so I decided to trek down to Gorak Shep and meet up with the ladies plus 1.
Long Lunch at BC
I stayed for lunch at base camp, as I knew it would be much better than I could get at Gorak Shep. Lunch was a long affair, as almost all of us were together except for Rudi. Someone pulled out some wine and a bottle of Chivas Regal, and before long it was nearing 3pm and I hadn’t left yet. I tore myself away and began the walk down. It didn’t take long and it was really great to get there and see them all.
Meeting the Ladies plus 1
They are a great group who have clearly had a lot of fun together. Cas cracks a lot of jokes to the amusement of all.
Bad weather delays Kalar Patar plans
This morning we woke up and it was very cloudy and snowing lightly, so Kala Patar was not looking good. I radioed base camp and asked if the group could come a day earlier, and Ptemba said that was fine. So we packed up our gear (I noticed that Julia has a hairdryer along with about twice as much stuff as everyone else) and left Gorak Shep a little after 9am. The walk into basecamp was a bit tough for most as some were recovering from tummy upsets, and the altitude was having an effect. But after a few stops for chocolate and water we made it into base camp for lunch.
Getting settled at BC
After lunch everyone settled into their tents, and Cas has even started working on a small rock patio. As I write this most are in their tents having an afternoon nap, although Marg has been up and about.
Your Messages
I have only answered a few messages here. Everyone else is sleeping, but hopefully tomorrow they will be able to. All your messages were beautifully read out by Julia after dinner last night.
Hi Ann, We don’t get out of out tents C3 at night if we can help it.
Hi Jennifer, Yes, I made it to C3. I didn’t sleep too well though.
Hi Shanda, I am pretty sure our friends Chris and Bridget used that water filter last year when they accompanied Fiona and I on the trek in. It worked well.
Hi Steve, The Herald Sun story is right. I did fear for my life. I haven’t ever told the full story of what happened (I was strongly discouraged from doing so at the time by IMG), but I will write about it later. I was not happy with this situation (being prevented from telling the story) and hence it’s one of the many reasons I am not with them this year. And glad of it.
But did I fear for my life? YES, VERY MUCH SO. When I ran out of oxygen (I still don’t know why, but I have a very strong theory, supported by some evidence and also similar things happening to other people), my personal Sherpa had climbed ahead of me and was no-where to be seen, and I couldn’t recover my breath. At first I was cold and panicky – it felt like someone was holding something over my mouth and suffocating me. I was breathing really fast and couldn’t catch my breath. But after a while I started to not care so much, I felt warm, and just wanted to curl up in the snow and go to sleep (I was lying down in the snow). All my muscles and particularly my legs didn’t want to move. After nearly half an hour my Sherpa came down and gave me his oxygen. I came to my senses again and all of a sudden I realized what a predicament I was in. I realized how I had so easily given up on life. My only thoughts were how we were going to get down with only one bottle between the two of us. (If I had been using a different oxygen system than IMG, then I would have had a spare bottle.) Fortunately a super strong IMG Sherpa came along and gave me his bottle, which only had enough oxygen to get me down, but at that point I didn’t care at all. I was so grateful. I got down, but was really wobbly on my feet, and fell over many times back to the South Col.
On the second day I got to nearly the Balcony, but you are right, my legs felt so tired, and I had come so close to death the day before, I realized that this isn’t the place where you push your limits. I had also seen that most of the climbers that day were pretty weak, me included, and I had a bad feeling that someone might need rescuing and there might not be many people capable of helping. Me also included for both sides of the point! So I decided to turn around while I still could and come back another day. So here I am.
I am not upset at what happened with my oxygen, or not making the summit, but I am really upset with the way that IMG reacted and the way that I was treated. That’s all I can say on the topic now.
Regards,
Paul.
Hi Paul, Great to read your updates after a time away.
I am frustrated because for the last few weeks my computers have been down, being repaired and I have been missing your updates and progress. However, on a positive I guess, things have been “slightly easier” without me hovering in the backpack!!!
From the topics I see you have been to C3. I have got one Google earth update and wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is fantastic. How often is your position plotted to be placed on a google map???
Anyway, will try and read to catch up with your progress. Any updates on weather and windows.
Regards
Phil M – Sydney
hello Paul and Fi Fi,
Wow! this site is fantastic. i have been following the trip daily. Vickye and i are in Mexico diving. i am planning on another trip to Everest within two years. As you know hvaing been so close to making the summit lives with us every day that we can make it on the next attempt. i hope that you get it done this time. The climb is so dangerous, the less in the ice fall the better. your attention to detail certainly increases your chances of success. Please send an image of the package i sent to BC. this will be great for the presentation about attempting extreme goals, failing and coming back again, and again. Climb safe. Jack Gerstein, Winter Park, Colorado
Hi Paul,
Thanks for correcting me. You & I talked about IMG’s response last year. I remember your distress with them. I’m also glad you made the right decision to come down when you did. Wise men are usually the ones who are smart enough to back off & wait for another day. Heroes are usually those that don’t (and are awarded posthumously). As far as I’m concerned you are both, and are still alive to tell us all about the next attempt. One added benefit is that you can now teach others so that they don’t get into the fix you did. What a wonderful legacy you are leaving (even before you have “legated”). Stay well & keep those emails coming. They are truly an inspiration for us all. Finally, if it makes any sense to you, I am getting some sort of adulation for having a friend who emails me from the slopes of Everest. What a delightful and unexpected benefit.
Steve
Paul,
Followed yours and Fiona’s dispatches last year through Everestnews and now with MyEverest. Great concept. I see you finally mentioned IMG can’t wait to hear the full story as I’m sure all us Everest Junkies are curious to know exactly what happened. You hear good things about Asian Trekking and Summit Climb but things are always sketchy about IMG.
Keep up the great work on the hill and with the site. It is great to hear from everyone and makes things much more interesting especially for those of us who hope to go to Everest someday. Shows how many different people react to their surrondings. Good luck with your climb and always stay safe.
Cheers
Hi there…
Heard from Lhakpa in Namche. His voice sounds much better. Said that the medicine you shared with him did wonders. He was sleeping in Namche on Wednesday, and planning to head up valley on Thursday and, I’m guessing, should be at EBC sometime on Thursday or latest Friday. Thanks again for looking after his health. He sounds stronger and extremely excited about the climb. He REALLY wants to see you on top and back down safely. As do we all. Glad you had a great lunch with the team. Give everyone my best. paula.
Hooray and well done to all of you.
Reading between the lines I see that it was a challenge , both physically and mentally , so well done to all of you. Enjoy yhe sights and sounds of base camp -you are a priveledged few!
Off to Merrimbula with Laings shortly -hope that the walk into town from the accomodation is not too taxing !!
Love and congrats to all,
Sandy and John
What a great achievement to all reach Base Camp, no wonder most of you are resting!!!
It must be great for you to have some company from home Paul.
How long are the group staying in Base Camp?
Have fun together.
Rose
Hi paul, fiona, beck, marg, julia and gang
Great to hear you are all together at base camp and that paul is safely back down again. Keep the climing photos coming. They really are amazing – I just love them.
Beck, I forgot to tell you that melbourne lost again. Yes that is no wins and 6 losses so far. Probably a good season to miss out on!! The game on Sunday was close. We played Port Adelaide at the MCG and only lost by 5 points. Some dodgy umpiring decisions and inaccurate kicking by melbourne. On the plus side, we definitely look stronger with neitz back in the side..fingers crossed because I they really need a win! This week it’s the Bulldogs at Telsra Dome and then West Coast at Subiaco…not looking great!
Take care all, love meals and danny
Dear bunch of “high achievers” (including the vital Support Team), your admirers in the Wallaby Club send their very best wishes for your endeavours on Everest. We look forward to your ongoing progress bulletins. On behalf of the Wallabies,
Ian Edwards President.
Hi Fi and Paul
Great to hear you are both together again and getting closer to the main event 🙂
Paul it sounds like things are going really well for you this year, we have our fingers and toes crossed for you…Looking forward to tracking your progress!
xx Sammie
I cannot say how much I admire (and envy) you all – what an outstanding achievement by everyone. You have entertained us with your daily reports, entranced us with your photographs and made us feel as though we were with you every step of the way. I can almost smell the yaks as they pass by carrying their loads!
Marg and Beck we are dying to see your photos when you get back, and to hear all your stories.
Paul, stay well and safe, We are praying for good weather and a wonderful climbing experience for you.
All our love
Jo & Leo
Hi Paul and Family,
Glad to hear that everyone is in BC and feeling reasonably well! I can’t wait to hear more as all of this news is fueling my mind to get there next year!! With hard work we hope to be able!
Take care all,
Ann and Graham
Hi Paul,
First of all congratulations on everything you have achieved so far. I have been following all your postings and I have the utmost confidence that you will reach the sumitt.
In relation to your comments about IMG. Are you going to voice your experience through this site or through an alternate medium and also do you have any concerns about what IMG’s potential reaction might be?
Again all the best Paul.
John
Glad everyone seems to be doing well. Paul, thanks for sharing a bit of the real story of last year’s summit attempt. I will look forward to reading the entire story at some point when the time is right. Meanwhile, it is so exciting that you have your support team there with you and soon you will be on your way for the summit push! Fingers crossed for health and good weather!
MC
Hi Marg (and all the others). Congratulations on reaching base camp. All your hard training has paid off! You are one amazing woman. Look forward to catching up when you get back. Maree
Congratulations to all of you! What a fantastic achievement. Looking forward to reading all about base camp and keep those great photos coming.
Denise & Marg, I will have a capuccino for you this morning at Maling Rd in celebration!!!!!!
Maureen & John
Hi Denise and all,
Congratulations to you all, I admire you all on this great acheivement. Have just spoken to Dad, he is off to see Mum for lunch so will pass on the news, he was rapt as I’m sure Mum will be. Enjoy your time at base camp, I guess you’ll be doing a bit of exploring in the time you have there. When do you have to head back down?
Take care,
Love,
Anne
Well now I definitely want to hear the rest of the story. That all sounds uncool….
Paul,
That is a phenomenal story about last year’s experience and the oxygen. So glad that you got out of there safely and are having such a good trip experience this year.
I’ve been following both your climb and Fiona’s trek. Now that my communication responsibilities on this site have been reduced, I’ll be more active in posting.
Take care,
Judy
well done on a successful rotation. ‘chivas regal ‘at 5300 mtrs. sounds pretty good to me! have a good rest.are you heading down the valley? cheers…[ken.nz]
Hi to all you happy climbers!!
Well Mum you made it…..of course you did! You were always going to. I told Mel and she’s rapt for you. Fiona I’m sure it must have been wonderful to see Paul’s face after so long. Good work to all of you, when it’s time you can just roll back down to Lukla – no problem. Saw Kay today and she said she was going to post a message but forgot how to turn the computer on. I hope you’ve all caught up on some rest. Enjoy having all of your support surrounding you Paul.
With love always, Jacqueline xo
G’day Paul! So glad to hear things are going well and that you’re in good shape. You remind me of my Papa who proudly tells me that “Any fitter and (he’d) be dangerous”. He’s 90 not out. Terrific to hear Fi and the crew have arrived – lots of love to both of you. Janet’s doing great … only 10 weeks to go! She calls me Map Man or Mapa Hombre because l LOVE Google Earth. Now with you over there, l’ve got a genuine excuse to spend time glued to it! With you all the way – Dave.
Hello all,
Congratulations girls + 1 for making it to Base Camp. It is great to see the photo of you all and Paul. Enjoy! Is the hair dryer working well off the solar panels Julia? 🙂
Love, Dame and Beck
Hi Marg
Congratulations Marg and to the rest of the girls,what an achievement. we have so enjoyed the photoes and updates.Look forward to some very interesting stories and photoes over some wines (are you having withdrawel yet) and a big cosy fire. Neil is coming for tea tonight so can fill us in on your phone calls.
Have a safe journey down Marg and Paul we wish you every success for this climb may you stay safe and well.
Love Elizabeth & Robert
Congrats to you all on your team effort in making it to BC. Finally worked out how to turn the computer on thanks Jac 😉 Happy you’re all safe and healthy, look forward to having you back on level ground. Harrys here for tea Monday, promise we wont poison him. Enjoy the rest of the experience. Safe descent.
Love Kay (aka computer whizz ’07) and Sach x
hey buddy
whats happenin, be nice to the girls eh!! am proud you r doin this ! njoy and come back safely – take a lot of pics !!!
anusch & family