Tuesday 15 May 2012

We are off

So this is it the culmination of seven and a half weeks of preparation here in Nepal and countless hours in the gym, cycling and out on the hill before then.

We are planning to move up to Camp Two tomorrow at 1.00 am followed by a rest day. Subject to the weather holding we would then move up to Camp Three on Friday, Camp Four on the South Col on Saturday with a summit bid on Sunday. At least all you insomniacs could follow our progress over Saturday night! I should add though that this is subject to the weather and the rope fixing taking place on the 18th. Am I nervous? You bet, not just from the point of view the danger but also how will I perform above Camp Three. I really don't want a repeat performance of what happened on the North side two years ago. Yes the mountain will still be there next year but I won't be! Thankfully I've not got a bad cough and I should be Hepatitis E free. Hopefully I can just continue to put one foot in front of another. I'm still not thinking about summit day as a lot can happen weather wise over the next five days. So mentally I've broken it down into 8 hours to Camp Two, 7 or 8 hours to Camp Three, 7 hours to Camp Four then14-18 hours return trip to the summit and back. There that doesn't sound quite so bad does it!
We are all packing now, checking gear, replacing batteries and trying to reduce as much weight as possible. Somehow I don't think I'll be getting much sleep before we set off this evening!

14 comments:

  1. Good luck Ian! Wishing you the very best for a successful attempt.

    Stay safe.

    Al

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  2. Ian,
    The very best of luck, although as I always say " you make your own luck". You have worked really hard for this.

    You have kept us amazingly well informed with your blogs, which have been a revelation in more ways than one. Through them we have been able to follow your adventure and it has been a privilege to be able to take a peek in to your world over the past 7 weeks.

    We are all immensely proud of you and hope that you realise your dream of being able to look upon the World from a very special place. If you only needed love to get there, you would reach your goal in record time. Of course that's not possible, but we hope that every step you take is made just a little bit easier by knowing we are all willing you on.

    Enjoy the journey and of course the view. Above all take care and keep smiling!

    From us all, with love,
    Neil

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  3. Great information, wonderful details, love reading this blog.

    All our very best wished Ian. Hope everything hold together for you over the next few important days; weather, health, fitness and gear.

    Klaus & Angela.

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    1. Very many thanks, Klaus and Angela. Best wishes Ian

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  4. Paul Green in Dorset15 May 2012 at 19:22

    Ian - keep it going fella, me and the other trekkers from Exodus who missed you in late April are reading your blogs daily, and rooting for you -stay safe and summit for the South-West.

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    Replies
    1. Paul, very many thanks for your good wishes and support. All the best Ian

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  5. Good Luck...Keep ploding...Keep safe...:))

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tony, great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Cheers Ian

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  6. best of luck ian,hoping the weather holds out for you,am loving the blog,keep us updated...if you can!
    take care and enjoy!

    gareth
    n wales

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  7. I wish you all the luck in the world, Ian. You can do this.
    Stay safe
    Helen

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    Replies
    1. Good Luck Ian, we are all thinking of you in Devon.
      Pauline

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    2. Many thanks, Pauline. Fingers crossed!

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