Today is a rest day at ABC following the exertions of the last couple of days which saw us climb to Camp 1, stay the night, and return to ABC. While climbing to 6,400m was very strenuous it should be emphasised that Camp 1 was well prepared for us and, all things considered, we were comfortable. Shared tents had been erected for us and where necessary the snow had been levelled, the gas stoves had been set-up ready for use and there was a bag of ice in each ready for melting.
Following breakfast of porridge, a delicious yoghurt, chippati, fried egg, fried mushroom salad and various hot and cold drinks we gathered our high altitude climbing gear together ready for transportation up to Camp 1. While our big boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and other gear had all been checked at Kathmandu they were checked again before being stacked ready for the porters to carry up. We also looked in detail at our glove/mitten strategy for climbing above Camp 1.
The skies are darkening and we are expecting a dump of snow in the next few hours. We shall shortly double-check that our tents here at ABC are secure while sparing more than a passing thought for our fantastic Sherpas who are currently heading for Camp 2.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we shall once more climb to Camp 1 and stay overnight before the day after climbing some distance towards Camp 2 in order to practice the serac-avoiding ice-climb using fixed ropes. Once competent we shall return to Camp 1 and stay a second night before returning to ABC on Saturday. Therefore if things proceed as planned there will be no further blog until the weekend. We are however in the lap of the weather gods and if things change then a new blog will be issued.
Following breakfast of porridge, a delicious yoghurt, chippati, fried egg, fried mushroom salad and various hot and cold drinks we gathered our high altitude climbing gear together ready for transportation up to Camp 1. While our big boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and other gear had all been checked at Kathmandu they were checked again before being stacked ready for the porters to carry up. We also looked in detail at our glove/mitten strategy for climbing above Camp 1.
The skies are darkening and we are expecting a dump of snow in the next few hours. We shall shortly double-check that our tents here at ABC are secure while sparing more than a passing thought for our fantastic Sherpas who are currently heading for Camp 2.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we shall once more climb to Camp 1 and stay overnight before the day after climbing some distance towards Camp 2 in order to practice the serac-avoiding ice-climb using fixed ropes. Once competent we shall return to Camp 1 and stay a second night before returning to ABC on Saturday. Therefore if things proceed as planned there will be no further blog until the weekend. We are however in the lap of the weather gods and if things change then a new blog will be issued.