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Post a comment | Return to Weblog Subject: Snow at Camp 2 Posted by Rob on 07 May 2005 03:40 GMT+1 08:25 NST The plan was to try and go high on the Lhotse face again, possibly up to the Yellow Band. On 5 May we rested, but a couple of us took a walk to the base of the Lhotse Face for exercise. Acclimatisation really works! The first time I did this walk, it took over 2 hours and I was out of breath all the time. I had to stop and catch my breath in spite of walking slowly. This time, we just walked along, at 6500m! Amazing how much easier it was. I guess I have more red blood cells after a month :-) We avoided the base of the face since there had been a lot of new snow and it was snowing again. The exercise was good. That night we got about 10 inches of snow at Camp 2 (it is really winter there). The sherpas decided there was too much snow on the steep ice and hence too dangerous. So on 6 May we headed down in the morning, back to base camp. When we first arrived, the mountain was fairly dry, but now we walked down among 10 inches of new snow. A superb lunch greeted us all at base camp. My Acclimatisation phase is now done. Today (7 May) we will drop down to Pangboche or Orsa for a few days. The forecast up the HIll is strong winds for a few days. Also, the sherpas have only done one carry to the South Col, so it is not ready for a summit attempt. It will be another week before the weather and the sherpa build-up is ready. So I look forward to a few nights in a bed! I'll be in touch once I'm back up to base camp. Now comes the waiting ... thanks again for all the support, Rob

Comment #1 Author: Austin Tate (a.tate@ed.ac.uk) on 09 May 2005 12:00 GMT+1 16:45 NST Can you post a pohoto or two Rob? Take one of the Everest face at least. It would be great to see what you are seeing. And lets have one with you on it :-)

Comment #2 Author: Rosemary Gilligan (r.e.gilligan@herts.ac.uk) on 09 May 2005 17:56 GMT+1 22:41 NST Hi Rob Richard sent all the BCSAI committee your details. So I thought I would have a look. Its amazing to hear what you are doing and see all the photos. you will be happy to know the most important item of the last meeting was being told that once you have climbed the hill you will be one of an elite group of people who have done, and I forget how Richard phrased it, but i know it was very impressive. Hope the weather clears soon, so you get your chance. I'll keep reading your diary, even for IT people its amazing to be talking to someone on Everest. All the best Rosemary

Comment #3 Author: Stephen Cooley (MUST429@aol.com) on 10 May 2005 02:17 GMT+1 07:02 NST Rob, Val sent Mom some information on your adventure, and she forwarded it on to me. It gives me chills to read your comments. I'll bet it seems like a long way from the Hogbacks of Deer Creek Canyon. Keep up the good work, Be Safe, and ring me up when you get back to Colorado. Stephen

Comment #4 Author: Valerie Milne on 10 May 2005 09:39 GMT+1 14:24 NST 2nd foal born last night to be called Sherpa. Make the most of the bed. love V