Local time: 18:00 13 Nov 2007
Location: Chhukhung
Altitude: 4730m
Weather: Bloody freezing now. -10degrees?

Hi all, again you have the pleasure of reading today's report written by me, Darren.

Currently sitting here in Chukhumg and it's very very cold. Not sure how the locals live in these conditions but, looking at a 6 month old baby here they are definitely bread tough, or don’t have any thermostats in their bodies (they don’t seem to feel the cold like we do).

Periche
Had a nice lazy morning this morning, with the old guys of the trip getting out of bed around 7am and us younger folk rising around 0930 (yes, for those that know me that's a very very rare event for me indeed, but hey, it's freezing here and the sleeping bags are soooo nice and cosy!!!). After a late breaky we had a little wander around Periche and visited the medical clinic there out of interest. I will own up here how the lads got me pretty good (they threatened to write about it themselves if I didn’t include it in the report myself). Basically for 100rs($2 aussie) we all got our oxygen saturation levels measured. I was pretty keen for this and after being told no needles were involved I went outside to get money. When I came back inside the guys had been conspiring with the doctor and had picked out some nice big needles and showed me the needles that would be used. I quickly said I was no longer interested in getting my measurements. Yep, I'll admit I hate needles..........

Trek to Chukhumg
The trek up the valley from Periche to Chukhumg was very spectacular and gave us our first glimpse of Island Peak (6189m) which we are due to climb in a few days time. Very exciting indeed and even though this is a big mountain in it's own right it looks dwarfed by the 8000m mountains surrounding it.

Upcoming Plans
Current plans (apart from trying not to freeze to death) are to trek tomorrow to Island Peak base camp (4970m). There we'll take a rest day and organise our climbing gear ready to climb to highcamp at approx 5600m. Then, at around 1am the following day we'll depart for the highlight of our trip, climbing to the summit of Island Peak. Yay! :)

Darren

Your Messages
Hi Mum & Rob

Thanks for the message. I will bring back some photos and video to inspire Rob for next year. All is well.
Love Dave

Adam, Shelly & the Kids
Thanks for your message. As usual you are full of great advice and I will definietely keep that in mind over the next few days as we begin our climb higher and colder.
Send my love to the kids.
Love Dave

Hi Amy

Thanks for your message.It is currently the only I hear about what Grazia is up 2 :-). Including accidents. As far as the beard is concerned, I kinda agree with you..but will not shave until Kathmandu the earliest. The cold...well one gets used to it a bit, and also limits the time one spends in it , say between getting out of warm clothes and rushing into the sleeping bag..( same again in the morning ) During the days however it can get quite warm while trekking and as long as one dresses properly it is ok. All this will change from tomorrow as there wont be any type of heating at Basecamp what so ever. Again thanks for the message...have a fun day on Thursday

Cassra

Hi Mum and Dad B
Great to hear from you both and that your holidays are going well. We're having a great time here, just a bit weary after all the walking/climbing at altitude. We trekked 7-8k today and climbed 500m, a rest day! Back at 4800m tonight and -5 to -10C in our rooms tonight. In tents for the next 3-4 nights and heading to Base Camp tomorrow. Very much looking forward to getting there.

See you both in a few weeks. Enjoy Lord Howe Is.

Love
Paul B

Hi Liane, I definately wouldn't consider going back to Everest for a better summit moment. It's too dangerous. There are lots of schools around the region that the Sherpa kids attend, although many of them have to walk for a long time to get there (up to 2 hours). Paul A.

Hi Neil, Clearing your nose Nepalese style involves a large snort followed by a big spit. Cas has perfected an imatation of it, which our Sherpas find very amusing. Paul A.

Hi MC, We'll know how technical Island Peak is soon, but I it shouldn't be too technical. The dangerous sections should all be protected with fixed ropes. I think there is a little bit of glacier travel involved, but not much at all. Paul A.

Hi Gaz and Bridge, the Gokyo lakes are definately worth visiting and the Cho La pass is good fun. Cheers, Paul A.