I am writing this from China which basically means our journey from Kathmandu to Friendship Bridge which is the border went smoothly, in fact, I don’t think I could have chosen a worse word! Our team departed Kathmandu early on the 6th and the roads were somewhat primitive.

As I said in my last post, Katmandu is dusty and chaotic and this is none more evident than when a passenger in a minibus. There were potholes everywhere and after a somewhat restless sleep, a wee kip would have suited me very nicely but the Nepalese clearly thought otherwise as yet another bump catapulted my head into the ceiling…painful reminders of where we were but it was an enjoyable journey.

Fast forward past a somewhat challenging border crossing into China and everything changed. The Chinese roads were completely smooth which was a relief. Picture the final five minutes of the Italian Job, pre-Michael Caine’s great idea, (something that still intrigues me but that is a red herring) and that was what the road was like. Jeremy Clarkson’s heaven with steep cliffs and hairpins galore.

We have now reached Nyalam which is at about 3750m - a bit of a gain from where we were so there are a few headaches floating about amongst the team but nothing serious. Today was fun as we went for a bit of a wander to 4000m or so which was a good way to get the red blood cells produced and to get the legs moving after so much travelling. The next few days will take a similar pattern, “climb high, sleep low” is the best acclimatisation pattern and should stand us in good stead for when we reach Base Camp (5000+ m) in a few days time.

One of the more exciting things is undoubtedly the stocking up of western goodies while we have the chance. What I mean by this is basically Pringles, Milkybars but sadly no Diet Coke anywhere (it is a flavour thing before you ask). Matt and Pete, two top guys also climbing for H4H, find it amusing that I would want it anyway and in their eyes I should “man up” – probably true and Matt has served in Afghanistan several times so I should probably listen to him. I also purchased a $2 watch which made me very happy. After 20 mins one of the buttons fell off so it is now stuck on Nepalese time – fine when we hit the mountain but for now I have to think 2hrs 15mins ahead in Chinese time. Nigel gave it a lifetime of 2 weeks, I reckon more like 1 but who knows.

I doubt I will be writing again until Base Camp where I will be very excited I imagine but you just never know. Access here is sporadic so thought I would take advantage while I could!