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Post a comment | Return to Weblog Subject: Puja! Posted by Rob on 17 April 2005 13:46 GMT+1 18:31 NST This morning we had our Puja, the formal blessing before going up the mountain. It isn't a request for a blessing, but a request for forgiveness for us unworthy mortals to tread on the snow of the hill. It seemed to have gone with good omens. Of course, lots of chang meant it wasn't clear how it really went. Tomorrow (monday 18) we head up through the icefall to Camp 1. Should be interesting! We have breakfast at 5 am so that we get most of the way up before the sun hits it. We will spend one night at Camp 1 (6000m) at the top of the icefall. If the weather is good and we feel good, we will go to Camp 2 (6300m), otherwise come back down. So I might not be back in touch until Wed or Thur. Today got cloudy for the first time in a week, so who knows! Otherwise I'm feel fine and fit. We went to Pumori Advance Base Camp yesterday at 5700m and felt really good. Great view of both the north col and south col. The mountain is pretty dry now with little snow. I'll miss having tea at my tent at 7:25 am when the sun hits it. And already having to sleep on the ice and avoid going to the toilet in the night is getting hard! Tomorrow, into the breach! best to all, Rob ps. When we first arrived, I was not able to send an email so say we were at base camp but I was able to send a message via I-X. Thanks!

Comment #1 Author: Austin Tate (a.tate@ed.ac.uk) on 19 April 2005 14:48 GMT+1 19:33 NST Good to hear that I-X was able to help get news of significant activity-based events through even when e-mail was a problem. That's part of the idea. It can work with many kinds of communications routes and even with several at once.

Comment #2 Author: DICK MILNE (santa.milne@worldnet.att,net) on 19 April 2005 20:56 GMT+1 01:41 NST Nice to begin getting more updates. See some of your old buddies from Alpine Ascents are just a week or so ahead of you,following them also. Take care/Dad

Comment #3 Author: Graham Ingram (graham.ingram@vodafone.com) on 19 April 2005 21:55 GMT+1 02:40 NST Nice one Rob, Sounds like all is going to plan so far and you are in the routine of the climb so to speak. Hope it's not too cold at night for you. Best wishes for continued good fortune. Cheers Graham

Comment #4 Author: Marc Eisenstadt (m.eisenstadt@open.ac.uk) on 20 April 2005 09:29 GMT+1 14:14 NST Hi, Rob ... Austin just told me about your expedition... WOW! Fantastic... You'll be interested to know there's another (audio)blogger / 'Seven Summits' / 'Xtreme Podcasting' climber out there near you right now: Lorenzo Gariano, who is climbing with Alexander Abramov's team. Lorenzo is reporting back regularly via Satphone -> wav -> audioblog -> podcast on http://everest.open.ac.uk -- his latest report from 19th April is from base camp and about to head up to intermediate camp; you may have met up already, but if not, keep an eye out and say hello! Most of all, have a safe and wonderful expedition! All the best from Marc and the gang at the Open University's Knowledge Media Institute

Comment #5 Author: Marc Eisenstadt (m.eisenstadt@open.ac.uk) on 20 April 2005 09:42 GMT+1 14:27 NST duh... in my enthusiasm (previous comment) I forgot to look at your respective routes: Lorenzo is on the North face, so you'll have to say hello another time!

Comment #6 Author: Dorothy Milne (santa.milne@worldnet.att.net) on 21 April 2005 21:11 GMT+1 01:56 NST Have audio tapesz on book Seven Summits. They are just on Everest for 1st time. Gives me a new appreciation, which I already had. Also new appreciation for Aconcagua. Have so many details I'd like to ask you about, but know you don't have time. Love hearing from you. mom

Comment #7 Author: V (valerie_milne@hotmail.com) on 22 April 2005 19:22 GMT+1 00:07 NST Computer still on the blink but following you so far. Primulas rule OK? Keep taking the tea.

Comment #8 Author: Jim and Donna (jdamrau@myawai.com) on 23 April 2005 16:19 GMT+1 21:04 NST Hi Rob; We are looking forward to hearing from you. Where are you??? Please let us know. Talk to you later!