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Post a comment | Return to Weblog Subject: Sunny base camp Posted by Rob on 24 April 2005 06:39 GMT+1 11:24 NST It is a second rest day here at sunny base camp. We got down from Camp 2 on Friday and will probably go back up to camp 2 again on Monday (25). I've just spent the past hour sitting in the sun outside my tent in my little camp chair, reading a book. With my shirt off of course! We have had snow every afternoon for the past week, but it melts the next morning. Life isn't too hard with good food, chairs and gas heaters in the mess tent. But I'm still sleeping in a tent on a glacier and going to the toilet at night is not fun! Of course, we have to drink a massive amount, so it is always necessary. The trip to Camp 1 and Camp 2 went fine. The icefall has about 16 ladders, some very impressive, but all safe so far. Impressive! It was a real slog the last mile up the Western Cwm at 6200m. For once I felt the altitude and it was hard work. A three-day rest at camp 2 however and all felt fine. I just always get out of breath when walking up any small hill. But we are now ahead of pace for acclimatisation. Better to be ready a bit early... I collected about 25 envelopes of primula samples on the way to base camp. However it might be that none of them contain seeds! I found primula up to 5000m, but seeds are very hard to find. It was fun to try anyway. There must be 200 people and tents here, but we keep to ourselves to avoid picking up any illness from any other camp. I have seen a few friends from other trips, always nice. Current plan is to head up again on Tuesday. love to all, Rob