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Himalayan
Experience MOUNT CHO OYO EXPEDITION 2002 (8,201m)
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Base
Camp to Advanced Base Camp
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These
updates are being sent via the Indian Ocean INMARSAT satellite.
Hello all,
On the 8th of September we left our comforts of Base Camp only to arrive
at the comforts of Advanced Base Camp at an elevation of 5650m. Thanks
to the great meals prepared by our cooks, everyone arrived in good health
after the 22km journey and 5 day stay at base camp.
From here the true bulk of the Turquoise Goddess (Cho Oyu) can be seen
looming over our camp. Its steroid induced massif can only be compared
with that of Mark the Muss flexing up to it (or stretching as he claims)
each morning. Stuart, the estranged Canadian, still insists on night
watch in order to protect us from straying bears, and Sue feels delightfully
safe with such, as well as having 7 other team mates to bodyguard her
against foreign straying climbers. James is complimenting his medical
studies with a proficient and intense suntan course, complimented only
by fine dining and participating with the other Brits in traditional
affairs. Paul and 'The Colonel' continue their patriotic stance to the
Monarchy by rallying to the occasion with the Queen's profound grammar
and literate proficiency that unites us all with a 'jolly good show'........and
Ian just continues to dance in the afternoon snowfalls whining Johny
Williamson songs and throwing snowballs at bordering expedition members
with the fine country hospitality he is renown for.
There is no shortage of colourful banter amongst members fed from the
various members of the Commonwealth (ie Australia, England, Canada and
New Zealand). On the 10th we participated in the traditional Puja ceremony.
As the resident Llama chanted his prayers, all climbers and Sherpas
alike were blessed with safe climbing and success on the mountain. Even
though its full significance may have blown over our heads along with
the incense and smoke, it portrayed an air of confidence and festivity
into our climb.
On the 11th we all successfully completed a return load carry to camp
1 (6400m) after conquering the 'gentle' scree
slope as described on this website. This slope was called several
different names by us climbers - none of which can be repeated for innocent
readers.
Today (12th Sept) is Simon's birthday so we have declared it Australia
day for him. The Aussie flag flies proudly in the mess tent, and his
verbal banishment has been lifted temporarily between meal times - although
talk has it that his freedom of speech may be threatened once again.
Regardless of his limitations he proudly wears his newly acquired Kangaroos
jersey (an Australian rules football jumper) graciously given to him
by his fiancé Sonia and is presently running around ABC kicking
goals like a little kid.
On the 13th we will again move up to camp 1, this time for an overnight
stay. The following day will be used to advance half way to camp 2 to
further our acclimation process, before returning to ABC. At present
snow continues to fall on the mountain offering some challenging climbing
and hopefully in the near future the weather will behave considerably
for our advance on the mountain.
All at ABC send their hello's to their families, friends, pretty-girls
and foxes waiting back home. 'The Colonel also wishes to send his best
wishes to the BBC. We hope to further update you all when we return
to ABC in a few days time.
Happy Days
HIMEX - Cho Oyu 2002
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