EveryTrail.net  
 
The place for outdoor enthusiasts
 
 
 EveryTrail.com | Home  
 
 
 

« 29 April 2006. Return from Camp 2 | Main | Everest Basecamp »

Pheriche

Two days a go we completed our third cycle of acclimatization. The team (now nine of us) have slept at camp three on the Lhotse Face and have descended to Pheriche to rest.

To recap, the first cycle consisted of climbing to around 5800m in the Ice Fall and returning to base camp the same day. The second cycle took us up to camp 1 (6000m) for two nights and camp two (6400m) for one. In this, the third cycle we slept at camp 1, then camp 2 then camp 3 (7200m). After the third cycle we take a four day rest in the thick low air at Pheriche (c.
4257m). Some teams have taken a helicopter and descended to Kathmandu for their rest. This phase is called the “deep descent”.

According to the plan (always the first casualty in times of changing
weather) we trek back up to base camp on 12 May. After that we run our summit attempt.

Throughout our third cycle climb we were dogged by Shipton, a small Tibetan Mastif. At the top of the Ice Fall he followed us up double ladders. We were astonished on arriving at Camp 2 to find the mutt curled up in the entrance to Paul’s tent, exhausted by his efforts, having visited the base of the Lhotse Face (6600m). Shipton’s efforts were recorded in the AC dispatches
(www.adventureconsultants.co.nz) where the oddest feature of the story was the emails we received from animal activists asking “can’t some one save the poor dog” yet at no time did we get any concern for the three Sherpas who were killed in the Ice Fall (see last blog). Odd isn’t it? For the information of those animal correspondents; Shipton was not lost in a crevasse, nor frozen to death, nor delivered to the nearest kitchens, but carried down by Sherpas who are convinced that he is a reborn mountaineer. I am still trying to guess which of the late climbers I know of might have been reborn as a camp hound. I can think of quite a few living candidates.

The first time we climb from camp 2 to camp 3 is often considered the hardest single day of the trip. It is exhausting. We arrived burned and dehydrated from the intense sun and gasping in the rare dry air. Paul, George and I shared a tent and I began to melt ice for tea. It was to take an hour to make each two litre pot from ice.

In the neighbouring tent we heard the sound of someone throwing up over his companions; “Its OK, I always do this at altitude” we heard him say afterwards.

In order to keep the flame protected from the wind I wrapped the stove with its windshield, not realizing the potentially disastrous consequences of restricting air to the flame.

In the night, while brewing I felt suddenly hot, nauseous, and dizzy. I turned off the stove, threw away its windshield and opened all the tent flaps; with the thin breeze that flowed through our tent I slowly began to feel better.

It was not till morning that the ensuing bitter headache began to abate. My tent companions, Paul and George were very understanding (perhaps fearing that I would throw up on them) and pressed analgesics and sympathy on me.
Paul, an ex-paratrooper, said that CO poisoning normally leaves no clue other than loss of consciousness. Perhaps, George the Anesthetist suggested, it had provoked some kind of AMS episode. He kindly explained the basics to me. I have summarized them below;

(1)
Haemoglobin + oxygen = oxy-haemoglobin
Haemoglobin + carbon-monoxide = carboxy-haemoglobin Haemoglobin + carbon dioxide = carbameno-haemoglobin
(2)
carboxy-haemoglobin prevents oxy-haemoglobin forming so reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

“Oh thank you” I said, “that makes me fell much better.”
“Yes,” George continued “and don’t forget;

(3)the carboxy-heamoglobin has a half life of about twelve hours.

“So, you should start to feel better sometime tomorrow.”
“Oh wonderful” by now I was looking for a plastic bag to be sick into.

The descent on 6 May was no less tiresome than the climb. Stumbling down the Lhotse Face we passed Italian Uber-Athlete Simone Moro. He had just had his rucksack stolen from the bottom of the Lhotse Face. 26 kg of prototype tent, down clothing, sleeping bag and other equipment.
“What kind of person would have done that?” I asked.
“Someone short of money.” He replied sadly.

Yesterday was our first rest day here in Pheriche, our first day of “deep descent”. There is some hypothetical basis for this, according to George (quoting John West and Michael Ward). The aim is to achieve “an un-compensated primary respiratory alkalosis”.

“This is maybe ideal on summit day”, said George, “but not necessarily during the rest of the expeditions.” I confess to being too brain tired to ask him elucidate. Perhaps in the next blog.

Also yesterday, Paul and I walked two hours down to Pangboche to visit the serene Lama Geche again. He said we needed to visit him on our way back; in order to stop him praying for the team. He could go on for years if we do not drop by.

Meanwhile, other members of the group found the local newspaper had a story about Keith Richards. He had fallen out of a coconut tree in Fiji, but was said to be in good spirits (surely the wrong type of drug) reported the ‘The Himalaya’ 9 May 2006.

It has been a month and a half since we have seen our partners. Conversation always turns to food and sex at this point in any expedition. I am going to conclude with just one example. Over a pot of fresh breakfast coffee today, Guy recalled a Rob Hall story;

Rob on phone to girl friend after very long expedition; “Make sure you have a mattress strapped to your back when I get off the plane!”
Girlfriend; “Make sure you are the first off the plane!”



Comments

Hi Vic,

Like the medical equations. sorry you got CO poisoning though!

Its very very windy here in the UK so we are off windsurfing at the weekend. Which must seem a million miles away from everest!

Hope the summit attempt goes well. Have you seen the man with no legs yet?

Mark

Victor,

I have a (very) small token of thanks that I would like to send you for your help and support on Everest this year - can I have a postal address please(I've lost your email address)?

I hope that all goes well for you.

george

Hi George,

I am preparing to climb Everest via the SOuth Col in 2007. Based on your experience, would you rather recommend AC, AAI or IMG? (I also heard that Robert Link is offering great services).

My email is attila.jelinko@email.com

Hope you are doing well.

Bests
Attila

hardcore gangbanging free hardcore toons

hardcore gangbanging free hardcore toons

Hey man...sorry I missed the party. nokia6630

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Madonna says she may adopt another child from abroad following her proposed adoption of a Malawian boy...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...

Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...

thumbnails group sex group mature sex Colombia's vice president is "baffled" by Kate Moss's success following cocaine allegations...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly signs a $42.5m (22m) film deal starring his character Bruno...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Lord (God, Heaven) helps those (them) who help themselves... Lettice

Lord (God, Heaven) helps those (them) who help themselves... Lettice

Classical singer Russell Watson postpones his forthcoming UK tour after undergoing brain surgery...

Classical singer Russell Watson postpones his forthcoming UK tour after undergoing brain surgery...

Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...

Pioneering screenwriter Nigel Kneale, best known for the Quatermass TV serials and films, dies aged 84...

Pop trio Atomic Kitten will reform to play a concert in support of jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields...

Record company EMI sign a deal with the estate of crooner Dean Martin to use the singer's likeness...

Record company EMI sign a deal with the estate of crooner Dean Martin to use the singer's likeness...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

Jonathan Ross is dubbed "risque" by Ofcom but not in breach of rules over an interview with David Cameron...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

Record company EMI sign a deal with the estate of crooner Dean Martin to use the singer's likeness...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

TV host Oprah Winfrey gives audience members $1,000 (526) each to donate to a charitable cause...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly signs a $42.5m (22m) film deal starring his character Bruno...

Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly signs a $42.5m (22m) film deal starring his character Bruno...

A musical about the witches from The Wizard of Oz breaks West End box office records, its producers say...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

Pop trio Atomic Kitten will reform to play a concert in support of jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields...

Pop trio Atomic Kitten will reform to play a concert in support of jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields...

Pop trio Atomic Kitten will reform to play a concert in support of jailed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Singer George Michael lends the piano on which John Lennon wrote Imagine to an anti-war exhibition...

A musical about the witches from The Wizard of Oz breaks West End box office records, its producers say...

A musical about the witches from The Wizard of Oz breaks West End box office records, its producers say...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Doctor Who takes three prizes at the National Television Awards in a repeat of its success last year...

Classical singer Russell Watson postpones his forthcoming UK tour after undergoing brain surgery...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

William Styron, whose Holocaust novel Sophie's Choice became a film and an opera, has died, aged 81...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

Veteran game show host Bob Barker is stepping down from hosting The Price is Right after 35 years...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

The first stage of a 150m investment in regional museums is praised for boosting visitor numbers...

Colombia's vice president is "baffled" by Kate Moss's success following cocaine allegations...

Colombia's vice president is "baffled" by Kate Moss's success following cocaine allegations...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

Jonathan Ross is dubbed "risque" by Ofcom but not in breach of rules over an interview with David Cameron...

Record company EMI sign a deal with the estate of crooner Dean Martin to use the singer's likeness...

Record company EMI sign a deal with the estate of crooner Dean Martin to use the singer's likeness...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

London-born rapper Sway is to be honoured at the BET Hip-Hop awards in the US...

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

The Rolling Stones cancel a gig in Hawaii and postpone other tour dates as Mick Jagger suffers throat troubles...

Madonna says she may adopt another child from abroad following her proposed adoption of a Malawian boy...

Madonna says she may adopt another child from abroad following her proposed adoption of a Malawian boy...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

Social networking site MySpace is to block users from uploading copyrighted music to its pages...

TV host Oprah Winfrey gives audience members $1,000 (526) each to donate to a charitable cause...

TV host Oprah Winfrey gives audience members $1,000 (526) each to donate to a charitable cause...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...

Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly signs a $42.5m (22m) film deal starring his character Bruno...

Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly signs a $42.5m (22m) film deal starring his character Bruno...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are leading the way at this years MTV Europe music awards with four nominations...

Veteran actor William Franklyn, known for voicing the 1960s Schweppes TV adverts, dies aged 81...