Everest Update

Its April 18th and we have been at BC now for almost a week. Its been an exciting 10days since I last posted a blog here, the team finished the walk in without too many problems. From Namche we had a long day to Deboche before we pressed on to Dingboche and a day's rest before the final 2 day push to basecamp. We arrived on the 12th and all the team were in good form despite the odd headache. We had a whole day of doing nothing the next day which was just what we all needed as we all had some dirty washing and also dirty bodies that needed cleaning. The 13th was Puja day and as ever it was a great day, check the Marie Curie website for some great bits of film from the ceremony. Although it always seems like a laugh its a really serious affair, with the lama blessing the expedition so that we are all safe. After about an hour we break from the religious side of things and crack into the coke and beer. Its a great experience and one that should never be missed. All good things come to an end however and the following day was ice fall day. Ran, Rob, Dave and myself set foot in the notorious Khumbu icefall for the first time this year. We climbed up for over 2hrs through large tumbled blocks of ice until I was happy with progress (in truth the sun came out and it got too hot). After a wee break we turned for home happy with the day and boasting to fellow expedition members about the experience. The following day saw us back in the icefall, only this time right to the top. Ran went really well and after a mere 3.5hrs we were all drinking juice and eating chocolate while waiting for the sun to arrive and warm our cold limbs. The descent proved to be rather slow with all of us feeling the heat, but it always finishes and by 1.30 pm we were all taking our crampons off and walking back to BC. Not much has happened since then, I've finished my book (great autobiography by Heckmair of Eiger 38 fame) Rob has done his washing, while John has walked to camp 1 on Pumori today. Ran has just been hanging out telling great stories about his past adventures which has kept all around him enthralled. WOW some one has just burst into the tent to say the 08 Everest Basecamp bakery has just opened and its giving away free apple pie. Now Blogs are important but............ Stay safe KC