At breakfast David gave us the unconfirmed news that sadly there have been some fatalities.
No doubt the armchair coroners will be quick to summise as to why the deaths occurred but until their teams and climbing sherpas return to base camp this would be pure conjecture. For now our thoughts are with their families.
This is after all the day we were due to summit. The high winds arrived as predicted and whilst they drove some teams back there have been some summits today which is incredible.
The weather forcecast is still indicating a second window opening up on Friday the 25th.
This means we shall return to Camp Two early tomorrow morning, rest for a day, go to Camp Three on Wednesday and Camp Four on Thursday.
It snowed overnight here at base camp and every so often I'd be woken by the snow 'whooshing' off the fly sheet making a sound just like a cheap rocket racing into the sky on bonfire night.
Talking of flysheets. I understand from Pema, our Sirdar, that because the ultra violet light from the sun is so strong here at base camp that after their eight weeks of use the flysheets will have to be replaced.
Not a day for any humour, one of reflection.
No doubt the armchair coroners will be quick to summise as to why the deaths occurred but until their teams and climbing sherpas return to base camp this would be pure conjecture. For now our thoughts are with their families.
This is after all the day we were due to summit. The high winds arrived as predicted and whilst they drove some teams back there have been some summits today which is incredible.
The weather forcecast is still indicating a second window opening up on Friday the 25th.
This means we shall return to Camp Two early tomorrow morning, rest for a day, go to Camp Three on Wednesday and Camp Four on Thursday.
It snowed overnight here at base camp and every so often I'd be woken by the snow 'whooshing' off the fly sheet making a sound just like a cheap rocket racing into the sky on bonfire night.
Talking of flysheets. I understand from Pema, our Sirdar, that because the ultra violet light from the sun is so strong here at base camp that after their eight weeks of use the flysheets will have to be replaced.
Not a day for any humour, one of reflection.
That is sad news Ian. Glad to see that JG take a cautious approach with its clients and you are safe. In the meantime thoughts are with the families of those concerned.
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then a season comes along which makes the news for the wrong reasons, primarily due to the weather. Obviously all our thoughts go out to their families. This May so far we have had 1 weather window which sadly has cost lives but when one sees the sheer amount of climbers heading to Camp 4 on one rope one has to ask why can't these numbers be controlled better. I am very glad that David is being conservative but now there may be pressure on the JG team for the 25th window, there may not be another window before the monsoon arrives. Ian, be safe, think clearly and make 100% sure you can come down before you go beyong camp 4. It's not just about fitness but the numbers which may be holding you up. All the very very best.
ReplyDeleteKlaus
Stay safe mate!!! (or as safe as possible given the circumstances). Good to know your team leader is judging cautiously!
ReplyDeleteI think your picture of the Lhotse face rope conga said it all - everyone here lost for words!
We are receiving sad news via the media as we speak. My thoughts go out to those involved.
Take care and keep the bloggs coming!!!!
Cheers
Matt