have arrived back now in base camp and feeling very exhausted. we started our climb at 2.30am nepal time as the wind died down. there were bout 20 other ppl trying for the summit also.

last night climbing was very cold and more steep and icy than I expected. the night seemed to go on forever, you can’t see anything, except ur feet. I concentrated so hard on not trying to make a mistake becoz there was a huge drop off as the track climbs itself to the top of peak. we climbed in Mountain boots and used our ice axe for the duration of the climb. using mtn boots was very tricky over rocks and scrambling up rock face but after awhile u git used to it.

once sunrise came my hands n feet warmed up well and at this stage the steep rock climbing stopped at round 5900m, then moved to snow wearing crampons.

you then cross a narrow ledge, with one slip would c u fall all the way to the bottom of the mtn, u can safely assume I was crapping myself, as I was very tired, thirsty n hungry at bout 6am.

only 4 tried the climb, 2 summited, me reaching 6050m and the last climber is still out there, we assume coming down now after summiting.

once past the ledge, u put ur crampons on and make ur way thru crevasses to the summit headwall. by this time I was getting a massive headache and feeling sick from altitude. I knew in myself that if I pushed on the symptoms would get worse and I would have nothing left for the descent - I chose to turn round with bout 140m to go from the summit.

I don’t regret it, I’m disappointed but I know most accidents happen on way down when totally out of energy.

even now sitting in my tent I’m feeling so drained, I just couldn’t get to the top from the altitude but that’s way it goes - I’m just not good at high altitude ....haha.

so to everyone I’m sorry I couldn’t summit, but my body gave it all, it just wasn’t to be today.

paul n sim - thanku for the info on soft restart as u can c I got the pda going.

thanku for all ur msgs been outstanding - just sorry I couldn’t come thru.

thanku all.