Location: Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5350m
Local Time: 17:45, 23 April
Weather: Fine 1C no
Hi all it’s Paul here.
Well today has been spent packing gear to carry up to camp 1 tomorrow. Although I am far from 100%, I want to go up to Camp 1 and see how things go. If I really run into trouble, then we still have enough time to go down the valley and get really well before trying again. There will be quite a team of us going up tomorrow, and with the few people that are already at camp 1 it could be a bit crowded.
The plan
We are going to have breakfast at 5am and then head up into the icefall at 5:30am. We should be at camp 1 around midday, but we will be taking it slow in the safe parts, so it might take us a bit longer. We will spend a couple of nights at camp 1 and then if we are feeling ok go up to camp 2. After spending 3-4 nights in camp 2 we will come back down to base camp for some welcome rest.
Sorting Gear
We have got our climbing gear ready, snacks for the climb (Gu gels, as we are finding these are really easy to digest and provide good energy), radios (we will radio our position back to base camp every hour), clothes, walking poles, down suit, jacket and vest, a couple of books, and our first aid kit. This has all been packed away ready for a quick departure tomorrow.
Communications above base camp
We will be taking all our technology up with us, so we should be able to bring you live pictures and reports on our progress. However it’s possible that the satellite phone will not work as camp 1 is in the Western Cwm; a narrow, deep valley between Everest and Nuptse. These mountains may prevent us from getting a link with the Thuraya satellite, which is a geostationary satellite (doesn’t move), so if our view is blocked we will be off the air for the time we are up there. This has happened to us once on another mountain.
Your Messages
Thanks for everyone’s messages about Phinjo. We have heard that IMG are going to set up a fund for his family. When we have more news we will post to this site. IMG’s web site is www.mountainguides.com and I imagine that it where they will provide details.
Michelle – great to hear from you. We have passed your messages onto Jim. Please don’t hesitate to send messages to him through us – it’s really no hassle at all. Jim says he loves you and will talk to you soon. He has tried a couple of times, but the sat phone has been out of service. He is heading up to camp 1 with us tomorrow – should have time to write an update on our site in the next days.
Joseph – will pass on your message to Dasona.
Alan A – Thanks for helping Nick and us out. Much appreciated.
Deb – Passed on your message to Dan.
Tam – Your question about muscle wasting has got us all talking. Most people think that they are losing muscle mass and fitness, but we are trying to do walks every day, even if it’s just for an hour. Some people have been doing weights with rocks, and pull-ups with two ice axes hammered into overhanging ice. We haven’t done much for a couple of weeks as I have tried to get healthy. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.
Bye for now,
Paul.
I see my sister Michelle got a message to Jim; Sorry to here about the loss and the injured. Continue to be safe.
Jim, Michael says hello and wishes you the best, and he can’t wait to climb with you again in NH when you return. Be well.
Paul
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Greetings from Taos, New Mexico
Good luck as you start your journey up the mountain and getting your bodies used to the higher elevations. I saw on the IMG website where Dave Hahn is one of your coaches. You are in good hands with him. Tell him hi from everybody in Taos.
Good Luck and may Chomolungma be with you all.
Jon
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Hi guys, good luck! Enjoy being on the move, and hope you are safely and comfortably (as far as possible!) tucked up in C1 by the time you read this.
How’s Mary’s walk going, has she started?
Chris & Bridge
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G’day mates! We are Americans that just returned from 2 years in the Outback at Alice Springs. We are now back in the States (Maryland) & came across your trip while reading about other expeditions. We are National Geographic junkies & are always interested in the personal side of great efforts. We wish you the best & will be following your climb all the way. Hope the mountain gives you a fair go. We have some interesting memories of both Melbourne & Kathmandu to share with you.
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Dear Paul and Fiona,
As you probably know, I couldn’t wait to get back down from the mountain, but since I am home all I can do is think about everyone!! The first thing I do in the morning is run to my computer to read what all of you are doing, as well as many times during the day and the last thing I do before I go to sleep at night! You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear about the accident this week and my hear goes out to all that are there. I can imagine how it affected all, especially Dennis. The night the Sherpas met the Climbers, Dena came to the tent and told me how when Dennis met Phinjo it was the most remarkable and touching thing she had ever seen and she wished she had a picture of it. She said they bonded at first sight and the power between them was indescribable. Please tell Dennis I send my regards.
You have probably arrived at Camp 1 by now and I’m sure it was an incredible experience. I am so glad that you are both feeling better to start climbing up. (Hoping that the entire team is healthy and ready to tackle the mountain!) AS I told you before I admire everyone that is summitting and have the highest regards for what all of you are doing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers constantly and will be until you arrive home safely. Please tell everyone hello and TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER!! Keep up the GREAT work!!
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You are in my thoughts as you tackle the icefall and make your way up to C-1. I hope you and the entire team will feel well enough to continue on to C-2 to better acclimate. I am wishing you all a safe, enjoyable and successful climb.
Quote
This day may be done but be ready to adapt, improvise and execute for tomorrow is on its way. MC
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Hello from New Hampshire, USA
I am a friend of Jim and Michelle’s. Love following your adventure through the website. Please tell Jim that the entire Moultonborough Central School spent Friday ‘hiking’ and experiencing nature for Earth Day in various Lakes Region locations. Thought of you while we were on the ‘summit’ of Rattlesnake–1200 ft elev with 30 third and sixth graders!! The kids were in awe!! Isnt that how you got started, Jim? We are sending good vibes your way for a safe journey.
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Good luck with the trip and I pray for safety for you all. I have enjoyed keeping up with you and look forward to your progress. God Bless
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Paul, Fiona and the whole Team
We are following your amazing journey with great interest, excitment and above all concern for everyone’s well-being (particularly in light of the recent sad events). Best of luck for the next few days as you go up to Camps 1 and 2. We hope that Paul’s illness improves, but most importantly that everyone stays safe.
Cheers DP, Maddi, Zac & Sienna
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good luck with camp 1 and 2. looking forward to hearing how things are further up.
meals and danny
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Hi Fiona & Paul
I have just caught up with reading your daily postings after having a 10 day break over Easter. I am so sorry to hear about the tragedy last week – how awful for the families of those who died and also their extended family at base camp. As I write this, you are probably starting your climb to camp 1 and our thoughts are with you both. will keep pushing from this end! We Love the photos please try and keep them coming. On Saturday night Leo and I had dinner with Mary, John, Ann, Ron and the Marshalls to farewell Mary. She is really looking forward to seeing you both. Please stay well and safe.
With much love Jo & Leo
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Hi Paul and Fiona, We have been following your adventures with great interest, full of awe at what you are doing and achieving. So very sorry to hear about the accident and our heartfelt sympathies to everyone. Most importantly, keep well, keep safe and good luck getting to C1 and 2. Luv and prayers go with you. Liz and Bill
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Hi Paul and Fiona, I went down to Mary and john’s for the weekend to wish Mary a good trip and safe return. John told me how the web site works and how the the messages are transmitted it is quite mind bogling. When you get back you should write an article on that aspect for the College magazine I am sure there would be a lot of interest. Sorry to hear about the accident. Best wishes Ron
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Dear Fi & Paul
Hope you are tucked up safe and warm at camp 1 as you read this. Look forward to even more inspiring photos if the amazing technology allows! keep safe and well. love, jan
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all the best guys – stay safe
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Fiona, Just heard your interview on 3LO – you sounded terrific and only a little bit breathless so living at altitude must be doing the trick. I hope the ABC called you rather than the other way around and are therefore spending our 8 cents a day properly!
Please let us know when the next interview is to take place.
Lots of love to you both
Jo & Leo
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Hi Fiona,
I too just heard the interview on 3LO, you sounded great (if a little breathless) and it was really good to hear your voice.
I know that interview was pre-recorded so is a few days old but is still great to hear. Hopefully they will follow you up with further interviews.
Good luck for the climb up to the higher camps in the coming days. Hi to Paul too!
Love Lou
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Hi from Namche Bazaar. We made it out of KTM on Saturday and arrive here on day 3, taking it easy. It was a hard slog, so I can really appreciate the effort you’re making. Best of luck.
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Hi Fiona and Paul,
Good luck as you now head on further up. Heard you (Fiona) on the radio and just wanted to know when and where you got your knowledge about the MCG? Kidding, it was a great interview. Thinking of you both, J & M
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