Rest day now, HUGE day tomorrow

< Newer | Older > Mon, 05/12/2008 - 14:00 — Mike Brennan

Tomorrow we hope to get to a point about half up the centre of the Lhotse face, for crucial acclimatisation. It's expected to be very cold and windy.Today was always going to be a rest day, which was just as well, as I had a poor night and I've been tired out all day. I felt a bit headachy and nauseated throughout the very long night, and slept very little. This was partly the big altitude change, and partly my reluctance to take my half a sleeper(due to the former). There are some tent bases which make it feel as if your head is lower than your feet whichever way round you lie, and this is such a tent. Ah well, one more obstacle....
My tent-mate rose earlier than I needed to, to go down to BC, and most of the day since, I've lazed about listening to music and trying, unsuccessfully to doze...either too hot, or snowing through the gaps in the zips, or both!
The weather seems to be breaking up, with a lot of snow persistently falling, and strong winds across the Lhotse face.

The Lhotse Face:

Tomorrow should be our biggest test yet, as we try to climb the steep icy face up towards camp three. We are at around 6400m here at ABC, there's just over an hour's ascent towards the base of the face, perhaps at around 6700m, then there is the steep face itself, eventually easing off a bit in angle up to the tents, precariously placed at 7200m. The South Col, site of camp four, is just under 8000m. Ropes are fixed to help us up,but it's strenuous and increasingly exposed...no place for an accident. It's been very busy apparently over the last two days, with a lot of rock and ice falling down. Helmets will be needed, but with some of the debris falling nearly 2000m, they may be of limited use!
The first group, including Andre, didn't quite reach the camp, but today's effort from Kenton, Rob and Ran did brilliantly in cold, windy conditions, reaching the area of the camp in four hours.. a stunning time, undoubtedly aided by Ran using oxygen from much lower down than is usual. He's clearly going to do well with it.
The weather is the key tomorrow. If we are beaten back by conditions, and then the threatened spell of poor weather materialises, we will be out of phase with the others, and our chances of summitting in the limited time available will be badly hit. Hence the idea that it is a HUGE day for us.
Today was a frostbite day potentially, so no room for silly mistakes up there tomorrow.

Messages:

Margaret, Shanda, Simon and Harry, thanks for the supportive messages. Margaret, I have to say I'm a different type of beast to Fiona and Paul (Adler), they were awesome!
Harry, I had the impression the ITN news programme was a sort of magazine programme, not a news bulletin, sorry if I misled you!.

Responses from Greg:
Hi folks, a collective thanks for all your messages,( battery power is low), your support is awesome! Heather, have a wonderful birthday tomorrow, miss you so much, we will have a joint birthday party when I get back, love Greg xxx.

Messages

Keep your spirits up

Kendalwolf — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 15:01

Totally in awe of your efforts - just keep your spirits up now as you aim for the top. YOU CAN DO IT (weather permitting of course!). As you will have heard from others, it is hot and sunny here in the Lakes - which makes the descriptions of what you are having to cope with even more impressive. We watched for you on ITN but didn't see anything unfortunately. Keep going now!
Thinking of you.
Christine and Clive C

Mike-take the sleepers!

billrea — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 15:25

Mike-take the sleepers! Never did me any harm....
Hope all goes well tomorrow [and from then on].
Bill

Tremendous Tuesday

Visitor — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 15:53

Positive thoughts beaming over to you from me.. I hope they get through ok. Fingers crossed re weather,health,etc.. It sounds very tough. Dig deep for lots of grit. Remember to drink,drink,and drink.. Jackie x

Fingers and toes crossed for you!

Alison.Bloxham — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 16:01

I cannot believe the effort you must be going to, keeping us all so incredibly well informed about your climb. It is a truly awesome effort and so very much appreciated by all of us mere mortals at home! The pictures and descriptions are so evocative. It is making the Everest season seem a very special time. As if you haven't got enough to think about just putting one step in front of another!! I'm keeping everything crossed for a succesful day tomorrow for you and for a hold in the weather! Everyone is rooting for you - have got quite a few of your patients on treatment and they all seem to be wishing good things for you! Stay safe and keep smiling! Alison

St Albans school website

Mike Brennan — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 20:04

Below is what appeared on Saturday on the St Albans school website. Your picture of the flag is also on the school site!

"School Flag's Everest Attempt
10th May
Old Albanian Mike Brennan is at this moment preparing to make his attempt to climb to the summit of Mount Everest. He is in the same climbing party as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and the group was stuck at base camp with all communications equipment confiscated by the Nepalese Army while the Chinese climbed to the summit with the Olympic Torch. Now the torch has made its trip to the highest point in the world, the climbers can begin to prepare for their summit attempt. Couriers have managed to reach Mike at base camp, carrying a St Albans School flag, which he intends to take up to Everest's summit with him, though he is a little concerned by its size. You can keep up to date with his summit attempt by visiting his blog."
Wishing you strength and luck for your tough day tomorrow. Harry
PS Sadly missed your interview, IF it was shown.

Good luck!

Graham Watson — Mon, 05/12/2008 - 21:43

Good luck Mike! If things go right I'm sure you can do it. Just remember to turn round when it feels right and let's hope that's at the top.
Cheers, Graham

Hi Ray

Caz — Tue, 05/13/2008 - 08:19

Well it's getting exciting now as you're actually starting the ascent. It sound extremely scary and I would rather you be doing it than us!! Hope you're keeping well and the sore throat has gone or indeed is better. I went to the last game of the season. It wasn't brilliant, but the atmosphere was good. Keano certainly needs to spend alot of money and try to attract some quality players, however I think he'll have his work cut out and he's already said the fans should brace themselves for the worst. So from that I take it he knows it's going to be difficult to attract them the club and this area. Watch this space. I did the Race for Life on Sunday morning, small fry to the strenuous work you're enduring ha ha. Nothing much else to report really. Jan & Pip were over at the weekend for Paella. Pip is making herself quite at home now at our house and she's even letting the other dogs in the street know she's there. I think she may be the boss. We'll e-mail soon. Take care and good luck as always. Lots of love Claire & Paul xxx

We are all thinking of you Mike.

unclec — Tue, 05/13/2008 - 10:13

All of the Ellis clan are thinking of you and your colleagues efforts. Hope all goes well.
Colin & Sue.

Mike

Visitor — Tue, 05/13/2008 - 12:00

Good luck Mike, dig deep, keep tight hold of the rope. The HUGE day obviously requires a HUGE effort but with your determination and all the good wishes being transmitted you will succeed. Blimey I can hardly eat my lunch so excited! Guess what.. I managed to eat the lot surprise surprise
Sue E