Khumbu, Borat and Beyond

Over the last couple of days things have certainly ramped up at Mt Everest. Michael is on his way up the Hill for his first trip to Camp 1.




On April 13 Michael finally had his first trip beyond Base Camp. The team spent about 3 hours on the Khumbu Icefall, climbing almost halfway to Camp 1, which involves a gain in elevation of some 300m. The icefall is a dangerous. Apart from one particularly interesting crevasse (get video) the climb was relatively uneventful.



But that's not to say it wasn't taxing. Several of the climbers on the team have run marathons and they likened the three hour climb at 5,000m to running a marathon. In Michael's words: "Just got back from first climb up the mountain. I am exhausted... Absolutely."




The next day, April 14, was a welcomed rest day. The kitchen team (pictured) brought hot drinks and hot towels to Michael and his mates. Over breakfast the team discussed the merits of the film Borat, which they viewed the previous evening. Apparently the entire team did not quite appreciate the style or content of the film––but where are you going to go? I'm confident Michael was enthusiastic in his support for some comic relief.



Yesterday was April 15 and another day of active rest at Base Camp. But unlike the previous rest day, the camp was full of activity as Michael and the other climbers and guides (pictured) prepared their packs to head up the Mountain. It sounds as if a consistent feature of the emotional climate on the trip has been a mixture of nerves and excitement. With loads packed and checked it was time to relax and prepare for the effort ahead. Michael will spend his first night on the mountain tonight (April 16) and we hope to have word from the team shortly.