Safely at C3 (7400m)

Yesterday Michael arrived at Camp 3, the highest point on the trip so far at 7400m.

The climb from Base Camp to Camp 1 over the Khumbu Icefall is approached with respect. The climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 lacks the technicality of BC to C1, but the Western Cwm can produce some spectacularly stifling, warm days––making it hard going at altitude. But the climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 produces it's own kind of trials.





One of the AC guides put it like this: "The sheer immensity of the Lhotse Face (1400m), the punishing winds which funnel down it, hard surface ice conditions, the huge altitude and the fact you have to camp in the midst of the face, combine to make the trip to C3 a major upper mountain test."





Yesterday, 2 May, Michael and the main climbing team left C2 and climbed halfway up the Lhotse face to C3. Reports are they made the climb in good time. The goal was to spend one night at C3 without oxygen, typically a restless night but a defining point in demonstrating that the acclimatisation program has been completed.




Upon arrival, the climbers set about melting snow and preparing to rest in their tents, which are secured with ropes and anchors to the mountain face. Today they will begin their descent, eventually to Base Camp where another rest cycle commences in anticipation of the first attempt upon the summit.

Go Mikey! Go!


Lhotse Face - Images
• Top Image: Mark & Andrea
• Middle Image: Guy & Sebastian
• Bottom Image: Frank, Chuck & Climbing Group