We have now spent four nights at Base Camp which have provided many intriguing tales as well as some good challenges.

After a few rest days we went for a trek to 5600m up a frozen river / valley. Luckily the team has recovered from their somewhat free flowing bowels so we all made it.

The next day however provided a rather sterner test. Josh described it as a “dig deep” day which was a very apt description. The night before was seriously cold and snowy and as we were settling in for bed, an enormous avalanche went off. It made me think of my friends climbing from Nepal, I wish them all the best. The aim of the day was to get to 6000m which in itself shouldnt be a massive issue but the route was very steep and very bouldery. Combine this with a layer of fresh snow made for a challenging days ascent.

I enjoyed the challenge and as the first real test we had experienced, it spread the group out a fair bit. Though I managed it, not all of us made it 6000m, but it was a satisfying checkpoint to reach. As much as anything else, it was a good way to guage the fitness and ability of the group.

Yesterday we experienced what is known as a Puja. This is a religious tradition that is the custom before an expedition to Everest. The sherpas won’t set foot on the mountain until this ceremony has taken place. A local lama from the Rongbuk Monastery (highest one in the world) comes to bless some of our equipment that we intend to take to the mountain. The ceremony includes throwing rice onto a pile of rocks that have been decorated with Prayer Flags. This would have been fine but sitting near the front put one in the firing line for the barrage of rice. It concluded with flour being thrown and this provided the Sherpas with immense amusement as they could easily justify showering us with flour by saying that it would ensure our safely on Everest.

We are now waiting at BC for another day before heading up to ABC and then to 7000m and the North Col. This should provide a much sterner test for everyone.

I look forward to keeping you all posted on how things have gone.