For the second Sunday in a row we have a rest day at ABC. Were it not for our presence here this would be a monochrome world. From the black of the shadows under the rocks through the greys of the rocks themselves to the various hues of lighter grey on the snow-clad mountain flanks to the pristine whites of the peaks. But we are here and this presence brings vibrancy and life, and attracts life in return. The rocky shoulder that we occupy above the glacier is dotted with the yellows and reds of our tents, the blues of our cook and mess tents, and most striking of all the reds, blues, yellows, greens and whites of the prayer flags. Where there are people, ourselves adorned in jackets and other clothes of all colours of then rainbow, then other life will be attracted. For all that this appears to be a barren landscape (there is certainly no obvious vegetation to be seen) this is far from the truth. From the smallest of insects and spiders that inhabit the rocks, and our tents given the slightest chance, to the pika mouse hares that dash from cover to cover, to the choughs that constantly circle our camp hoping for scraps, the environment of ABC is far from barren or lifeless. Indeed it is a privilege to be in such a beautiful place surrounded as we are by the majesty of the Himalaya. Looking across the Gyabrag glacier we see the Nangpa La, the ancient trade route between Tibet and Nepal. On this day of rest it is salutary to consider what extremes of need or hatred must have driven ancient peoples to undertake this crossing fraught as it would have been with perils in all forms. For all that nights are bitter at ABC the days are really very warm. After washing a few bits and pieces earlier this morning a temperature of 36C was recorded in our tents. Certainly plenty hot enough to allow drowsy thoughts to mingle with plans for future days and the beauty of our surroundings. Occasionally a tune from a music machine being played quietly in a tent would drift across the camp and on one occasion the curiously appropriate gritty timbre of Joe Cocker could be heard singing 'You Are So Beautiful'. Yes indeed - that song could have been written for our location. But while the prayer flags carry our thoughts to the high places, at that moment my thoughts, and I am sure those of many others here, Tibetan, Nepalese, and European, were with those other beautiful people at home far away without whose love and support we would not be here. You Are So Beautiful!
And then at 12:45 sharp the lunch gong rang out and we returned sharply ABC. After another superb lunch of quiche, hash-browns, bean salad, and tinned fish, Tim Calder gave us an update on the situation. Eagerly we listened - and what an update it was. While there could be no certainty it appeared as though the weather was dictating an an early summit attempt, and this probably needed to be as soon as this coming Thursday. While subject to change, the present plan was that we would take another rest day here at ABC tomorrow (Monday), then move up to Camp 1 on Tuesday, and then to Camp 2 on Wednesday. Once at Camp 2 we would concentrate on eating and drinking as much as possible, catching a little sleep if possible b ut without too much hope of this, before striking for the summit of Cho Oyu in the small hours; cutting out Camp 3. This would result in a very long climb to the summit of around 1,200m, with a rough guide return time of 14 - 18 hours, but would give the best opport
unity for as many people to summit as possible bearing in mind the weather forecast. With our heads still coming to terms with this, Passang Tenzing Sherpa then breiefed us on the oxygen systems that we would be using, demonstrating its use and regulation. We were then invited to sign for our own Summit oxygen masks.
A day of 2 halves indeed. From the reverie of a hot morning of domestic preparation and thoughts of home to the reality of a summit attept this week!
And then at 12:45 sharp the lunch gong rang out and we returned sharply ABC. After another superb lunch of quiche, hash-browns, bean salad, and tinned fish, Tim Calder gave us an update on the situation. Eagerly we listened - and what an update it was. While there could be no certainty it appeared as though the weather was dictating an an early summit attempt, and this probably needed to be as soon as this coming Thursday. While subject to change, the present plan was that we would take another rest day here at ABC tomorrow (Monday), then move up to Camp 1 on Tuesday, and then to Camp 2 on Wednesday. Once at Camp 2 we would concentrate on eating and drinking as much as possible, catching a little sleep if possible b ut without too much hope of this, before striking for the summit of Cho Oyu in the small hours; cutting out Camp 3. This would result in a very long climb to the summit of around 1,200m, with a rough guide return time of 14 - 18 hours, but would give the best opport
unity for as many people to summit as possible bearing in mind the weather forecast. With our heads still coming to terms with this, Passang Tenzing Sherpa then breiefed us on the oxygen systems that we would be using, demonstrating its use and regulation. We were then invited to sign for our own Summit oxygen masks.
A day of 2 halves indeed. From the reverie of a hot morning of domestic preparation and thoughts of home to the reality of a summit attept this week!