So near and yet so far

< Newer | Older > Fri, 04/11/2008 - 10:43 — Mike Brennan

Here we are at Tukla, actually a little lower than last night at 4620m. We had a good walk in 4hrs or so, initially downhill back to Dingboche, then a rising traverse to here. There's really only one decent lodge here, and as we are back on the main Everest trail it's very busy. I remember this as a cold lodge, and so it is now, doors forever opening, drafts galore. We met Rob here on his way back to BC having come back down from there with his trekker friends. He is truly awesome in his capacity to cover large amounts of terrain, let alone height, and at speed.
Just tonight and tomorrow in lodges before we get to our immediate goal of Everest BC, and we will welcome it. We're still laughing lots, and perhaps thinking more of the mountain ahead of us. The holiday bit is coming to an end.
Everything about Everest is inevitably big, and this lodge sits at the foot of the largest terminal moraine I've ever seen, towering above us, and presenting yet another famous slope for first thing tomorrow. We have maybe a 3-4hr day tomorrow to Gorak Shep, at 5100m, then we are nearly there, at last.

Messages

Thanks as usual for your interest and support. Trevor and Jacqie, it's great to know you're watching me, and I really think it will make a difference to me when the going gets tougher. Ruth, you show great sef-control, well done. How come football has never come up in ALL those consultations?!
Nick and Betty, it's kind of you to follow my journey, and I hope you remain well whilst I'm away...or I'll feel suitably guilty! Alison, I'll try and watch my posture, but I'm so knackered most of the time that it's a miracle I can stand at all.

Here's a bit from Ray.

Gaz Can't believe you didn't give the safc result in you're message. Speed up the hill was aided by rock music on
my mp3 player.
Wendy,John and Jonny
Thanks for the message I was never going to mention the slice of rice, now I have had to tell them all about it. Look forward to having it again.
Jan
Thanks for the message darling, good to hear you are ok and everyone ls looking after you. Don't turn Pip into a girlie dog or else. Hope to speak soon when we get to Base Camp. All my love x x Ray

Messages

Hi Greg and team

Visitor — Fri, 04/11/2008 - 15:16

Brilliant to read how you are all getting on...sounds like your aclimatisation is going well and you are all making good progress! Have a couple of monkeys for you Greg- so hurry up and get back because we are saving them for you!! Trav says "remember to take baby steps" but dont get left behind! Furly says "have fun and any good looking yaks!" Barb says "any velcro marigolds?"(for the yaks) We are all thinking of you and following closely.
Good luck and keep safe Greg from everone at work.

Keep up the good work!

Kendalwolf — Fri, 04/11/2008 - 15:44

We thought we had posted a message to you - but now can't see it on the site - maybe a Senior Moment or two! To repeat what we said originally, we are really enjoying following your adventure, it almost seems like being there, and we are full of admiration for the efforts you are making - makes our next week cycling in Norfolk seem a bit tame (altitude will not be a problem!). Good luck with the next part of your journey -we look forward to reading all about it.
Clive and Christine Carroll, Kendal.

SAFC

Caz — Fri, 04/11/2008 - 20:17

Hi Ray
Hope your fit and well Paul and me have just been catching up with your progress on the wesbite and we've registered to get updates etc. After sunderland winning at the weekend we're looking pretty safe now. Tough game 2morrow though against Man City. Tell Greg, Paul is trying to organise a trip to Moscow for the cup final (yeah yeah not without me ha ha). I hear the vodka is fab over there!!!! We'll let you know the Sunderland score 2morrow, ha'way the lads!!!!! London marathon is on Sunday so we'll let you know who wins in what time, but Paul can beat 2hrs 31mins at the moment, super fit (not). Have a good day 2morrow and we'll e-mail soon. Luv Paul and Claire xxx

Augusta

Cas — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 08:24

Hi Mike

A moment of typical madness saw Rose throw away a good position yesterday . Triple bogey on the 15th and his wheels came off . Ended the day +2 after a 78. Leaders Immelman SA -8, Snedeker US -7,Poulter and Lefty on -5....And now the big surprise..Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam both made the cut.
All the Best

Cas

Hi Ray it was good to get

Visitor — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 09:05

Hi Ray it was good to get your message. Hope you are eating and sleeping alright.Mel came round on Thursday we had a curry and a couple of glasses of wine (well Mel a bottle!) Pip had her hair cut yesterday and she is now sporting a lovely new pink bow in her hair! Sounds as if you are enjoying the walk in. Spoke to Elaine yesterday might go and visit her and Heather if our Paul goes to Liverpool match. Take care, lots of love Jan and Pip xx

No golf updates here...!

Ann T — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 09:38

Just logging on this am to see how you're getting on. I can't believe that you're so close to BC already! Good progress, keep going! Just out of interest, what's the political feeling at the moment about the Olympic torch going up the mountain?

Football; back to back run tomorrow. Liverpool v Blackburn at 1.30pm; Utd v Arsenal at 4pm. Am slightly nervous as Wegner is reliant on this match to determine whether the Arse of Nal win the title... we'll see tomorrow. You've got more chance of me wearing a Liverpool shirt than giving you any golf updates I'm afraid!

Off for a trundle round Buttermere now, will prob get wet. One of them cold, damp days here.

Take care, Ann x

Hi Ray. Thankyou for the

Visitor — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 11:35

Hi Ray. Thankyou for the message, it was good to hear from you. I sent a message earlier today, it was on screen then disappeared so if you get two the same, sorry. Glad you are nearly at base camp, you seem to be doing well. Its starting to rain here so nothing new there! Johnny going to have a trial scubba diving lesson with the air cadets tomoorrow, I will let you know how he gets on. Take care of yourselves Wendy, John and Johnny x

Glad to hear you are nearly

Jackiek051 — Sat, 04/12/2008 - 14:57

Glad to hear you are nearly there, keep safe and well Greg, Love always Jackie John Jessica and Irene xx

Greg

fred roberts — Sun, 04/13/2008 - 16:27

Hi Greg, its amazing to be able to keep up to date with your trek to base camp,and great to see pics .Hope your getting enough food and sleep and managing to keep warm. Keep well and safe love you loads. Good luck and best wishes to you all. Love Mum.

Hi Ray

Gilly — Tue, 04/15/2008 - 09:44

Hi Ray. Was good to hear from you this mornin I was just on my way to Gills to send you a message. Now is the time for the hard work to start,GOOD LUCK to you all,We are all thinking of you's. Enjoyed looking at the pictures are you sure you're not in Aspen? Thought I spotted a pair of ski's or was that Mikes feet in the background.Bernie is looking after Pip on Friday,and Claire is having her on Saturday.Poor Pip wo'nt be welcome in Normas car anymore.It seems the walk in has helped with your training...They don't call you relentless Ray for nothing.Keep focussed I know you will be .Keep safe. Lots of love Jan and Pipxx