Local time: 29 April, 18:20
Location: Base Camp
Altitude: 5300m
Weather: Very cold overnight, overcast and snow.
Today was a rest day at base camp, and I spent the time doing some much needed washing of clothes. However it never got very warm, so they are now frozen solid on the line! This is certainly not something that we ever have to worry about in Australia.
On a serious note, I am glad to hear that the big commercial teams are kicking up a fuss about the number of icefall doctors employed by the SPCC. I felt a bit unsure about writing about my criticism of the icefall route, but I am glad that something might be done about the situation. I really feel that the route could be made much safer, but this would require more manpower to explore safer alternatives.
Today we got acquainted with Martin Byrne, who is a newcomer to the team. Martin trekked in from Jiri, instead of Lukla, so it took him a lot longer to get here than us. Before the Lukla airstrip was put in, people had to drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and begin the trek from there in order to get to base camp. Martin is a police officer from Ireland and certainly keeps us entertained with his sense of humor and supply of Irish whisky.
I heard from Rudi at lunchtime to say that he had made it safely to camp 2 today.
Your Messages
Hi Cam, Thanks for your message. It’s often too cold to use the dining tent for anything other than meals, so we usually just lie in our tents and talk between the tents.
Hi Shanda, The sleeping pads keep us reasonably comfortable on the rocks, but not as comfortable as the camp bed that I use at base camp. It’s called a luxury low rise cot and the company gave me two to try out on the rough, uneven ground of Everest Base Camp. The way the cot is designed with independent legs, it seems to smooth out all the bumps. I’ll write more about it later, but it’s a great product.
Ann and Graham, The crevasses are about the same – in fact I even remember crossing some of them from last year with Fiona.
Hi Bill and Liz, Enjoy your trip!
Regards,
Paul.
I am also following some other expeditions’ climb, thought let you know what Mike Haugen noted about the icefall’s condition yesterday (on their way up from EBC to Camp 1):
“We climbed at a great pace until we came to a ladder over a crevasse that was not in the position that it was meant to be. One side was touching the snow on our side of the crevasse and the other side was free hanging down in the crevasse on the ropes that tied it to the other side. The only way to fix the ladder was to carefully climb across and reset the ladder. Since Casey got there first, he went out on the ladder. The ropes were firmly fastened to our side and Casey was attached to the ropes, so there was no way that he would take a big fall. Casey looked like he was riding a bull in the rodeo. He managed to tame the bull, get to the other side and begin to refasten the ladder before 15 sherpas showed up to confuse the process.”
Seems life is not easy up there…
Take care, and if you have some time during your rest days in EBC maybe you can write about your motivation (in case if it is not something what you prefer to keep in privacy, if yes please just ignore the followings). Tim mentioned you may have more time to reflect upon my question posted on your trek up to EBC. I guess it is difficult to remember for all the comments you have received so far therefore I copy here what I wrote earlier:)
“One of the best choices I think anyone can make is figuring out what they are passionate about and finding someone to help them on their way. I have been extremelly lucky to have incredible mentors in my life…who helped me a lot. Do you have any mentors? Parents? Veteran Everest climber? Any teacher of yours?”
Best, Mira
Paul, have you guys been testing your O2 saturation. If so, what altitude do you start to see a drop? Are you diminished at base camp? Thanks for the updates. Wade/USA
Thanks for another fine photograph and narrative. Hope that the weather clears soon so the clothes can dry adequately. And that the consensus builds that the icefall route requires additional attention and revision making it safer for everyone involved a good idea indeed. Your engaging smile is again present in this image of doing laundry in a cold basin remarkable cheerfulness it would seem to me. Hope that the weather turns better and the icefall receives needed attention and that you and team have a superb week and that Fiona and company reach BC safely and that you all have a wonderful and memorable experience together.
Best wishes..
wp
Hi Paul
Remember last year on the mountain when Fiona did all the radio interviews? Well, she is upstaging you again as she is getting the “top spot” on the home page of your myeverest.com. It works out that Fiona blogs after you do each day!
I really like the pic of you washing your clothes…although it must be frustrating when the clothes freeze. It does make it a tad difficult to keep warm with frozen clothing!
Seriously, continued success. I am loving saying this; so far so good!
MC
Well Paul I’ve made it this far and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it – everything has been fantastic. Our guides are great and tomorrow we are going to Kumjung where they live so wqe will visit their homes as well as go Everest View Hotel, Hillary school and the monastery. Keep well and I hope to see you soon love Marg
Hi Paul,
Is that the first washing you have done in nearly four weeks? Either you have brought lots of clothes with you or….?????? A wise idea to do it before Fiona gets there and has to share a tent with you 🙂
Have fun, Dame
Hi Paul, I hope that you are not doing the washing on our account, as we are sure not to smell very good by the time we get there!
I am feeling much better again, as Fiona had all the right medicine for me. I am looking forward to our next adventure tomorrow!
We talk and think about you often during our days. Take care.
Love Beck
hey i heard that a sherpa has died, so sad, do you know how he died and do you know his name or him in general, seems like a bad way to die but i am glad it was not you. where are you, and how do you feel? well i am happy because the day you meet up with Fiona is the day my grounding is over. lol. well talk to you later bye.
sincerelly daniel.
who was climbing with the Italian team – huge lost.
More on: http://thehendricksreport.wordpress.com/2007/04/29/everest-2007-update-dawa-sherpa-airlifted-off-everest-camp-2-damage-and-avalanches-galore-0428-0429/
Mira