Updates

Update on Geoffrey's Progress Friday 18/05/07

After checking the latest weather forecast we will stick with our plans. (17th) we plan to trek to Interim camp, then on the 18th up to ABC. We will have the 19th free in ABC and will reformulate our summit plans according to conditions and forecasts. So far the forecast has turned more and more in our favour.
For further information check out the team website Project-himalaya

A brief update on Geoffrey taken over the phone on Tuesday 01/05/07

We have reached advanced Base Camp.
So far everything is going well. Food is OK. Condition are OK
Acclimatising to the higher altitude. We decided to do some climbing on the North col, all went well. Will send further updates when we return to base camp.

Friday 27.04.07

Just a quick update from Geoffrey via phone. The team has reached Interim Camp at 5700metres. They will stay there for today and tonight before moving to advanced base camp(ABC).
Interim Camp is not a pleasant place to be, harsh terrain and quite dirty. It has been snowing all day.
Sadly one of the team members has had to return to base camp, a member of the British Army has developed severe shin splints, with a 6-8 week recover period. Regardless of the loss to the team, spirits are high. Geoffrey is in good form and will be in touch soon!

Wednesday 25.04.07
Hi All

We said farewell to two of the team who traveled with us into base camp. It was one of the teams birthday yesterday. The kitchen produced a chocolate cake which went down well. The team produced a large bottle of Chinese champagne which was more a sweet wine with very little fizz. But we had a good evening.

This morning we packed for ABC the Yaks arrive tomorrow. We move to interim ABC tomorrow. Packing and unpacking barrels is not much fun. Trying to remember if you have packed everything you might need causes repacking several times.

It is interesting being back so soon after last year. I keep thinking back to how we done things last year. Some changes are forced due to the different people and different ideas. But we have gelled as a team and we are looking forward to moving to ABC.

Tuesday 24.04.07
Hi All

Well back at base camp. Everest was in full view yesterday and today. It was a bit windy yesterday and today, but not cold. We all managed a good night and all awake early with first light.

Food and accommodation at base camp excellent. Now we must sort our gear for Advanced Base Camp. We will leave on Thursday for ABC staying at interim ABC for two nights before moving into ABC on Saturday. The additional night at Interim ABC should help with our acclimatization process.

Our ceremony (Puja) will be held on Sunday when we all show our respect to the mountain.

Mean while we have settled into BC life of eating, drinking (lots), sleeping, listening to our music and sorting our gear.

The trip into BC was much more pleasant this year and thanks to Jamie for the suggestion. However Chinese food as you know is not my thing. The food at BC is excellent.

All power is solar with no generator making a noise. Martin Strum and my friends at Camphill would approve greatly. Our entire mess yes entire mess will be removed from BC and ABC. NC is a little more difficult.

Some who traveled with us into BC will return home tomorrow (Wednesday. One of those traveling home tomorrow celebrated a birthday today.

Friday 20.04.07
Hi All

Well at last moving again after acclimatization. Food was ok in Lasha but some have been ill with flu symptoms and some with tummy problems. My tummy has just started today. Better to get it over with! We travelled some 200k today in 4X4 vehicles towards base camp. Plenty of pee stops on the way as our bodies adjusted to the altitude gain which was only 300m.

We arrived in Shigastse about 4.30 in the afternoon in the heat of the afternoon sun. The town is fairly large with modern infrastructure. The hotel is just ok but at least hot showers. The journey this year so far has been easier than last year. Bought a box of bananas today for 4 pounds in money not weight!!!!! for the team. 12 1.5 litre bottles of mineral water for 3 pounds!!!! Raises a question over the food cost at home being blamed on transport when every item had to be shipped into Lasha!!!!

We move on tomorrow to shergar where the facilities will be more spartan so long shower tonight and tomorrow morning. No training for over 0ne week starting to get the shakes!!!! We spend two nights in shegar and move to base camp on 23 with a height gain tomorrow of only 300m and then 1000m into base camp. Currently just under 4000m and feeling ok.

i hope to send a further report tomorrow if Internet in shegar. internet connection via base camp is using sat.

Regards to all Geoffrey Ps Sorry of english and spelling but altitude!!!!!

Tuesday 17.04.07
Hi All

Left Katmandu yesterday and flew over the Himalayas, great views. Arrived in Lhasa in the early afternoon moved another two hours from UK time. Now 7 hours ahead. Lhasa is a free city but you can only travel to it through controlled areas. Security very evident at the airport visa and passport checked at least 6 times. Lhasa is being improved and a major city with proper roads even traffic signals!

Gear all arrived safely!!!! Now on way to base camp by truck. Glad I do not have the same road journey this year!

Altitude at 3600m has caused a few problems but all are now adjusting to the height gain. Food ok!! Managed food without garlic but everyone else had the awful stuff. We are staying here for three nights to adjust to the height.

Geoffrey