At Camp 4 (the South Col) - Audio update

< Newer | Older > Sat, 05/24/2008 - 14:02 — Mike Brennan

This is a new audio update from Mike Brennan climbing Mount Everest.

 This is the text of Mike's audio update:

Well here we are at the South Col, following yesterday's breathy audio blog with another breathy audio blog.  We've had another really long day up from Camp 3 starting quite late all the way up to the South Col and because of the terrible weather forescast for tomorrow night, we are going to have to try and go for the summit this evening, in fact I'm going in about 90 mins.  Greg and Nadir are here after a pretty rough night and a shortage of food and oxygen.  Ray pressed on gamely up past the yellow band today after a couple of alarms where he threatened to turn around, he finally did so and we are really sad about that. We understand it was bloody hard work.  It was hot, it was poor weather as well.  

Here we are at the Col.  We only had 4 or 5 hours to prepare and the weather is a bit borderline, probably windy, but there is really much worse conditions in the next week or so and this looks like our only chance, so it's not quite panned out the way we wanted. We are all pretty shattered I'm going to see if we have some luck with the weather and dig deep with the energy but we'll see. So watch this space.  I'll try and take the phone with me though if it's cold and windy I can't do much.Sue's ice8000.com site I thinks runs updates at the moment, reasonably contemporary.  I'll put some information on when I can.  I thought we were going to go in a couple of days and it's all happened a bit sooner and it's weird.    Ok sorry it's all a bit slap dash that's the way mountains and weather tend to be sometimes.OK. Wish me luck. Bye then.....

Messages

Prayers from the other side of the world

Dena — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 15:04

Mike, As you begin the toughest part of your climb, I will be praying that you maintain your strength, that the weather cooperates, and that you make the right decisions. I'll be replaying your audio message during the next 24 hours, and praying for your safety and that God be at your side. Dena (0800 May 24 in Seattle)

Thank you

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:18

Well I appreciate your thoughts and prayers, and certainly something happened for me as I got nearer the col and then beyond...I just got stronger, not weaker, despite my obvious fatigue....I just kept jumpimng every hurdle that appeared, metaphorically. I've never felt like that before in my life, and if that's the combined effect of other's thoughts and prayers, well give me more!!!

Hang in There

Visitor — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 16:25

Hang in there Mike!! Stay strong!
TJ in Dallas, TX USA

SUMMIT

Visitor — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 16:42

HI MIKE AND TEAM

GREG KEEP SAFE HAVE A GUINESS TOMORROW FOR YOU TAKE CARE ON THE FINAL PUSH WISHING YOU ALL SUCCESS IN YOUR EFFORTS, MESSAGE FROM JACKIE IN IRELAND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET ON IT AGAIN BEFORE YOU REACH YOUR GOAL...

LOTS OF LOVE AND HUGS FROM JESSICA, JOHN JACKIE AND IRENE

One, two, three...go!

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 16:58

Wow Mike!

Nothing like one, two, three, here we go! You have done all you can to prepare and so it basically comes down to luck and weather. I hope the weather will hold out for you and that you have the strength to get to the summit and back. You are a "winner" having made it to the Sol Col under these rushed conditions. No matter what the outcome, you have inspired many!

Best to you,
MC

Go for it Mike......

hughtooby — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 18:07

Well done - I echo Mary's comments ; South Col in these accelerated circumstances is a fantastic achievement in its own right.

Best of luck for the next few crucial hours and, above all, stay safe.

Ripponden's rooting for you!!

Best

Hugh

I did!

Mike Brennan — Tue, 06/03/2008 - 06:20

Thanks Hugh, it all was extraordinary really, and before I left home I promised myself I'd stopp being so cautious this time...and it worked....just!
I appreciated your support at the time, I really did.

Good luck

Simon E — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 20:02

We're behind you Mike
Give it your best
Many eyes are on you. If the power of thought is worth anything you'll breeze it!
Simon

We are living every single second for you at this time!!

MIKESBRO — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 20:03

Hey Mike, we are sending so many positive thoughts with love to will you through these next hours!! This truly IS your moment!!
You have already achieved so much and so many around the world are united in willing you forward with every step... above all take care bruv!!
GO MIKE GO!!

With all our love
Norman, Jane, Mark and Jonathan
XX

Greg

fred roberts — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 20:06

Really sorry to hear that Ray turned back he must have had his reasons which we will get to know soon, Ray's wife has just been on the phone to Elaine and she like the rest of us would like to know why, purely for the fact that he is in good health, because he seemed to be one of the stronger members of the team. good luck to you, mike, and Nadir on your push up the hill, stay strong, but stay safe. see you soon Mum and Dad.

You are a winner

Kendalwolf — Sat, 05/24/2008 - 23:34

Remember, you are a winner whatever the final outcome. You have achieved so much more than most of us will ever achieve, and you have inspired those of us who have been following your journey. Our positive thoughts are with you.
Christine and Clive C

Good Luck!

Visitor — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 07:48

Hope all goes well for the final push Dr B.

"Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win"

Eggleston family, Kendal

The TOP

Visitor — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 12:18

Hi Dr. B. Where are you right now? Been thinking of you and wishing you well and all success...Filled with admiration. You are attempting to do something far beyond my ken. My attempts at life are so limited compared to yours...and I admire you for it.
Wishing you all the very best, and see you before too long!!
Love, Kate Riley, Kendal

message of encouragement for Greg & team

Visitor — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 14:09

It seems like the whole world is glued to this fantastic site! You guys are absolute stars! There is a whole prayer chain being generated for you all amongst all my Christian and other religious friends. We are all praying for your success, but mainly your safe-keeping.Congratulations to you all, you are all winners already!
Biggest hugs ever, Barb and RRRT and the whole world!!

Couldn't wait....

Visitor — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 17:23

Mike...have hardly thought about anything else all day other than your summit attempt and above all....your saftey. I am totally and utterly speechless at your bravery and strength of character to get so far. PC is on permanently now waiting for news.....you'll hear the cheers from there !!! The biggest hug. JAcq.XX

Dr. Brennan,

wmpopper — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 18:18

Hope that you are well and safe.
WP

Hi Mike, not sure where you

paul-janet — Sun, 05/25/2008 - 22:02

Hi Mike, not sure where you are but have been checking all day for news - the suspense is excruciating!! I am sure the whole of Kendal (and far flung corners of the world according to other messsages) is waiting with baited breath for news of your achievement and safe return. Oooh - just hope you made it but whatever - you are amazing and have achieved so much. Stay safe and well and let us know soon what is happening up there!!! love Janet