Hiking to base camp
It’s just over a week since we flew into Lukla and later today we will do the final part of the trek to reach base camp. Last night we stayed in Gorak Shep (5,140m). Getting to Base Camp itself is no easy task. I think because it’s called ‘base camp’ it somehow doesn’t sound very high. But if you think of it in terms of say Mont Blanc you realise it is indeed high. Mt Blanc is 4,810m… Base camp is 5,300m!
I’m feeling really good. Being ill in Namche really knocked me off my stride for a few days. I knew I was back to normal though when I caught myself in a tea house a couple of days ago, cup of tea in one hand, huge tea spoon of chocolate spread in the other!
The hike is really beautiful and now we’re higher we’ve lost the trees and most other vegetation too but the snow and the staggering huge mountains are making a really nice frame for the photos that we are taking.
At 5000m - stunning surrounding mountain
I’m getting used to living in a tent again and I quite like it, or at least I’m telling myself that as I’ve got another couple of months in there. I’m enjoying getting to know the others on the team better. Mitch has the funniest laugh, it’s more of a high pitch giggle, him laughing is really making me laugh. There’s another guy with us, Alex, and I discovered he
lives just 20mins away from me in the UK! He’s climbing Lhotse (which means
we’ll all climb together until Camp 3, where he’ll carry on up and we’ll turn left and carry on up.).
This week (apart from being ill) has been a good start. Now that we are almost at base camp I feel like the trip has really got going. I’m thoroughly enjoying having the luxury of choice each day when I change my knickers and I’m delighted to report I’ve managed two showers so far (trust me, that’s good up here)…
This is Stew, he's part of our climbing team
It's always important do a ridiculous pose when standing on a large rock! (There are several people who will appreciate this picture-you know who you are)
Thanks for the update. hearing it all from you, mitch, stew and summitclimb brings it all home to me the challenges you have set. Stay healthy and fit.Best wishes Bob (Stew’s dad in heswall)
Squash, thinking of you all the way from Canada, sending you positive warm energy on your Ascent up Everest. Safe journey Squash, looking forward to watching your miraculous descent !! Keeping everyone on my facebook informed of your progress~
You are a good writer.. I forgot about Mitch’s laugh, I can hear it now and its making me smile!
Hi,
Good going .. It is indeed a beautiful hike, I have been reading about you and your plans for a couple of months and its rather Inspiring and will be following your story very closely. Wish you all the Best for your en-devours.
That pose is indeed riculous, and that is why I LOVE it. I will be following your progress every day and am wishing you the best of luck from the US. I wish I were there with you guys. Your team is so lucky to have you. I love you!!!
Alison
Squash it all sounds amazing what your doing well done!!
Everyone is following you and your blogs are fantastic
Xx
Squash, I’m glad you’re feeling better.
I wasn’t expecting updated blogs during the climb, I’m intrigued how you’re doing it.That said, I am enjoying your experience and your photos.
Keep going and please do be careful – you may not feel like it, but you’re a credit to the UK, forget giving footballers OBE’s you’re much more deserving and deserve much more for what you do, especially this. Just please, get back safely.
Take care,
Tim
Hi Squash,
Good to see you’re doing well (again)! I wish you a great and safe climb, go for it girl!!
I arrived in KTM las Thursday and will be heading for the Khumbu on Tuesday. Then back after a week of acclimatizing and up to Cho Oyu!!!
Don’t worry too much about your knickers, you won’t be changing them anymore at one point, I can assure you ;D Who cares….
Best regards,
Annette
Oh yes – we know who we are!!! Ha ha!
Your website is fantastic Squash – we’ve just been sat here for AGES looking through all the photos/videos. Hope all’s still going well up there. We’re finally home but missing you all lots!
Remember… the Fizz Whizz will solve everything – keep crackling!! xxx