Following on from yesterday's expressed concerns about the likely imposition of communication restrictions by the Nepalese military (in order that we don't harm relations between Nepal and any of her neighbours), I'm sending this update early as it may be my last for a while.
We are asked today, apparently, to surrender all phones and equipment for external communications. We MAY be allowed to go to a central military camp some way away in the Base-camp area, and use our equipment, under supervision, whatever that means, and any allowed dispatches will have to be approved first. Clearly this is unwieldy, to say the least, and the precious batteries will soon flatten anyway without pretty constant attention! There have been military personnel searching some camps, emptying all tents and bags, though not yet ours, and statements have been made to the effect that if one member breaks the rules then the entire team will be deported.
Clearly this is all very sad, but I hope you will understand if things dry up from my end. I may be able to call my dear site-watcher/ moderator Harry from time to time, for him to put a brief update, or I may get away with audio updates. We still have had no email access to the planned BC email address, but somehow there is talk that we may yet get this, even if only briefly perhaps. If you want to send any messages, as before, then please continue to do so, as I hope to see them eventually, presumably after the Chinese have released their restrictions after summitting?

Sad times. On a lighter note, I'm pleased to report that after skilful care from Dr Rob Casserly yesterday, I'm feeling great today, for which I'm very grateful. Dehydration, it seems, can be a terrible thing.
Also, for Susan, I met Scott today, which was great pleasure, and he looked and felt very well, planning on a night at camp one tomorrow. He's already lost his satphone, but hopes to periodically update, if only by audioblog "under supervision". We'll try and sort something out between us, if we can.

Messages

Sally B, I'm glad you enjoyed Brazil, I wish I was there sometimes, as you can imagine! With respect the oxygen masks, we don't use them until the last few days, say from 7300m on the way up to the South Col and then summit. No, I don't like one, but learned last time to think of more as friend....without it, most "normal" people couldn't safely summit, and that's that.
Richard and Linda Williams, I'm glad of your interest and good wishes, less so of your beer taunts! I like my comforts as much, if not more than the next man, and seperation from them over these weeks is very hard to bear. We will probably go lower down in a few weeks for some relative pampering, but the key word there is relative!.

Responses from Ray next:

Jan
Hi Jan got you're message last night , it's always good to talk on the phone it's just never long enough. I hope you have not opened your card yet as I’ve still got my whiskey. I'm still feeling good and had a great day in the Icefall yesterday. Got back tired and thirsty but still keen for more.
It looks like I have a new nickname after Ran called me Lyndsay, can't believe i've just put that over the web!
Take care lots of love Ray x x x

Colin
Cheers for the message. It's about time Dave and you started training, you might have ended up as those people who leave the training to the last minute or worse still don't do any. Now who could that be? I can't believe I come all this way to climb and get away from technology and here I am putting messages on a web site, roll on Asda. Good luck with the Etap I might be wishing I was there instead of here when it comes to the hard stuff.

Andrew
Hi Andrew hope things are still bad at work, well I don't want to be away when things are quiet. That would be daft. I'm not missing a thing from work infact i've not moved tent once since getting here, something STMBC would not know about. Are you worried about finishing below SAFC? Two good games coming up against the Smogs and yourselves. At least no matter the results i'll not be involved in any of the flack after in the office. Now get back to work and stop skiving!

Responses from Greg:
Mum and dad, uncle Dave and Anne, thanks for your messages, it is great to have correspondence with you, I had a great day in the ice fall yesterday, crossing the ladders is ok as long as you focus on the ladder and not the bottom of the crevasse! Look forward to seeing you soon.
Respiratory team, thanks for your messages, I hope that you are working hard but not too hard, great to see your messages, best wishes, Greg.

Adi and family, thanks for your message pal, look forward to seeing you on my return.

Paul, thanks for your message mate, when I return I will probably shave my beard off, and I am sure that with you being follically challenged you may find a use for it! Best wishes mate.

Elaine and Heather, thanks for your love and support, I hope you are coping well in my absence, Di said that I could have the rest of the year off on full pay on my return! love Greg