Right so we have reached Everest Base Camp – more on that in a little bit.

My last blog was from a little town called Nyalam. Not the most aesthetically pleasing place in the world and the food matched its looks but a few treks on some nearby hills got that acclimatisation process underway. We were staying in a nice little hotel but being on the 5th floor made headrushes an often occurring event. I was in a room with Jonathan, a Yorkshireman who is trying to become the first firefighter to climb Everest, and Max, an all-American chap of a similar age to myself – two examples of the contrasting characters on this expedition but both great guys.

The most prominent issue was of course going to the loo. Unsurprisingly, when one drinks c. 6 litres of water per day, it makes the oh so sought after 10 hour sleep even more out of reach as one’s bladder inevitably comes calling at 2am.

After leaving Nyalam we headed to Tingri. I was warned that the stray dogs, of which there are hundreds, would make a bit of a scene but it was more hectic than I imagined. It was modern-day 4 legged warfare out there that lasted 24 hours a day but a good pair of earplugs just about did the trick. We did some more treks and reached around 5000m which was a good benchmark for what was to come, and some of the views were just fantastic. The weather was perfect – fingers crossed that it lasts.

Had a nice couple of days there and one of the guys brought a rugby ball as their luxury item which provided some entertainment. It turns out that Josh has a pretty good knack of football as well as rugby. Quite a few team members have been suffering from somewhat unstable bowels, thankfully I avoided any complications, which temporarily curtailed their acclimatising but all is good now.

Fast forward and here we are, at Everest Base Camp. WOW!! For years I have had a picture of Everest on my wall at home and on the background to my laptop, yes, I am that sad, so to finally be here and have that exact view every morning is an incredible feeling. Ever since I came up with that grand plan of climbing Everest, I never wanted to see it until I was about to climb it and I cannot believe that time has come.

When we first caught a climpse of Everest, the northeast ridge and that fearsome north face, it sent my hairs standing on end. I have literally dreamt of that moment and it didn’t disappoint. The photo doesn’t come close to doing justice to the sheer magnitude of this mountain. Base Camp itself is on a massive rocky plateau with sets of tents sporadically placed around. It is windswept and despite the amazing views it is not a particularly welcoming place.

We are in Base Camp for the next few days before heading up to ABC and then the North Col at over 7000m. I am seriously excited to get onto the mountain proper, it is going to be our first real test. I will update you all after that.

A couple of random things to finish with. Number 1, I wish Digby all the best with the Procession at St Andrews. For those that don’t know, and that is probably most of you, the Procession is very surreal event that typifies St Andrews. 100+ characters (represented by students at the uni) who have been involved in St Andrews’ illustrious history dress up in outfits that suit that character, whether it be Mary Queen of Scots or Fridtjof Nansen, and march around the town with thousands turning out to watch. A sight to behold, worth googling anyway.

Number 2, I heard the other day that Newcastle United were promoted back to the Premier League…what more could I ask for!! I hope that Mr. Baker Baker will finally be silenced!