New audio update from TA on Pumori.

This is the text of TA’s audio message:

Hi this is TA calling in from Pumori base camp, under sunny blue skies, we are about to lose that sun and then the temperature will plummet. Today was perhaps one of the toughest days yet for me as well as one of the funest, such is the paradox of high altitude mountaineering.  Starting out the hike to our rock face for our practice session, I felt as though someone had stolen one of my lungs, I was instantly panting and struggling to find a rhythm, for going up hill and each step brought a bunch of coughs.  A few others that shared the day too had the same struggle.  I persevered and we arrived at the precipice that would be our training ground for the day.  At points where I almost coughed to the point of vomiting I looked over to Everest, and had a large sense of déjà view and wondered if I would ever unlock the secret of staying healthy in the Himalayas.

I did my best to stay present in today and just focus on this climb and not wonder ‘if’.  We practiced jumaring or rope ascension, passing anchors and repelling, before enjoying a warm spell for lunch.  After lunch I felt as if all my energy had been stolen from my body and I took a long time getting my harness back on.  I did one ascension and repel then rested as my turn for the double jumar ascension drill.  I thought I would do the shorter of the two but was then called over to do the longer stepper one.  Something deeper within me took over and I powered up the line with good technique stopping only to pant veraciously at the effort.  I past the crux and felt great to be standing at the top all be it severely out of breath.  I continue to treat my cough with warm humid air and I hope it decides to leave soon.  In the mean time I’m doing my best to stay positive, despite the sore throat, hoarseness, and fatigue it seems to be causing.

I heard from Paula today that the fundraising part of the climb is going well and nearing $4900.  I hope it can keep pace with me as I give this climb my all and venture to sleep at advanced base camp tomorrow at 5700 metres.  Our wonderful Sherpa’s have fixed the lines almost to camp one, they are within 150 metres so rapid progress, health allowing should be made over the next week.  I would appreciate your thoughts and or prayers for the healing of this cough, and please send infusions of energy my way.  Thanks for your support, special hellos today to Takunda and Zander.

Thanks for following along and I will catch you all tomorrow.

TA

TA is attempting to raise one dollar per metre of Pumori ($7161) during her climb.  TA is climbing Pumori in honour of her mother Denise, a breast cancer survivor and 100% of the money raised goes to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  Click here https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=21241

To donate online or click here http://www.taloeffler.com for a downloadable donation form.