Caudwell Xtreme Everest - Exploring Human Physiology At Extreme Altitude
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BLOG: Kay Mitchell  8th Apr 2007
 
Thank goodness for logistics

I am sitting in my office, listening to Miles Davies. You may think that I have miraculously transferred back to Archway, but in fact this is courtesy of the fantastic Logistics team that we have here. I am sitting in a Drash shelter, at a wooden table, with my laptop, printer, Ipod and speakers, and laminator on it. We have mains power, most of the time, and it is roughly comparable to being in a normal office, without the cold and lack of oxygen, of course.

We have been at base camp for three nights now, and yesterday was particularly cold as it snowed in the afternoon. The views are amazing (another difference from the Archway office!). The ice fall, that our climbers will have to navigate in a few days looks awesome, and definitely not to be taken lightly.

More and more climbers are arriving and setting up camp, and trekkers from all parts of the world are ambling through to look at the ice fall. We have had visitors ourselves, in the form of some of the Young Everest Study investigators. Also, a Consultant from Charing Cross hospital.

Mike Grocott is very pleased with how things are going so far. The research is on schedule, despite temperamental machinery, and everyone is working well together. Tomorrow, we will have a Puja ceremony first thing. This is the blessing ceremony that appeases the Goddess of Mount Everest.

I had mixed feelings when I first arrived at base camp. I was pleased that I had finally reached our destination, but nervous about the fact that we will be here for at least eight weeks in an extreme environment. Temperatures are dropping to -20 at night, and I am getting extremely cold feet despite my boots which are supposed to cope with temperatures down to -40.

Still, it being Easter Sunday today, we had an Easter Egg hunt, with BBC guy ob Liddel acting as a superb Easter Bunny at 06.30. Happy Easter to one and all.


Comments on this article
By: Lamont RossWhen: 11th Apr 2007 17:10
Hi Miss Kay,
With temps to -20 at night, cold feet is not surprising. Ryan has mentioned the hot water bottle in the bottom of the sleeping bag. I hope the time there passes rewardingly! Thank you for the blogs.
Continued safe expedition.
Lamont


By: Norma EdgeWhen: 11th Apr 2007 16:33
Hi Kay

Glad to hear that the Easter Bunny is good at high altitude!

If it is any consolation my feet are ALWAYS cold and I am considerably closer to sea level than you are.

Ian is looking forward to his trip (I was going to say coming out but it didn't sound quite right!) at which point I shall be in charge of the allotment. He is worried in case I get better results than he does!

Digging party at the plot this Saturday, sausages will be sizzled in your honour!

Tale care.

Norma xx
: )



By: Anne HamblyWhen: 10th Apr 2007 16:43
Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying reading all the info. on this website. It all sounds facinating and the scenery looks wonderful. I am taking a keen interest because my son James is one of the volunteers in the first group and is expected to arrive at base camp in the next few days, I think. Just wondered if or when we could send him an e-mail or if he would be able to send one when he gets there? Anyway good luck with it all and will look forward to reading more 'blogs'!


By: Sara SpencerWhen: 10th Apr 2007 11:45
Hi Kay,
Congratulations on reaching base camp. We are loving the blogs.
Take care,
Sara


By: Stanton NewmanWhen: 10th Apr 2007 10:22
Hi Kay, Thanks for keeping us all up to date on progress along with the photos. It looks and sounds fantastic if a little cold. Please say hello and happy easter to all at Base Camp. Stan


By: Allen bordoleyWhen: 10th Apr 2007 10:08
Dear Kay, Namaste
Thanks for the blogs. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and the ambience of the area.
Please give my regards to Caroline Silver Lewis, a volunteer patient. I will be on the East Rongbuk Glacier (North Side of Everest) in a couple of weeks, amidst the cold, snow, upward views and an early cup of tea (chia) in the tent in the morning.
Good Luck to all,
Allen Bordoley


By: allen bordoleyWhen: 10th Apr 2007 09:56
Dear Kay, Namaste. Thanks for the blogs. Glad that you are having a phantastique time. Enjoy the scenery.
Please give my regards to Caroline Silver Lewis, who is a volunteer patient!!
I will be on the East Rongbuk Glacier in a few weeks (Everest North side) enjoying the snow, cold, scenery and early morning tea in the tent.
Tashi Delek, regards, and Good Luck
Allen Bordoley.


By: F.L.OWERWhen: 10th Apr 2007 05:32
The salmon departs in under 2 days


By: Ann ScraseWhen: 9th Apr 2007 17:42
Dear Kay
Thank you for your superb word pictures. I hope my daughter Emma was one of the visitors you mention from the Young Everest Study.
God Bless,
Ann Scrase


By: Isabelle LemettreWhen: 8th Apr 2007 22:17
Dear Kay,
Happy Easter to you too and enjoy the Ceremony tomorrow. Thinking of you all.
Take care
Isabelle


By: NicnacsWhen: 8th Apr 2007 19:12
Hey kay
Glad to hear you're having fun! Sounds fantastic, if a tad cold. Hopefully it will be warmer when we get there....

It all sounds so fantastic. Say hi to everyone and good luck to you all.

Big hug
nicnacs
x
p.s. your car is fine :-)




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XE Blogs:
Other blogs by Kay Mitchell:
23/12/09
Getting ready for the Christmas Break!
26/11/09
Talking it up
23/05/09
Everest Summit Anniversary
20/05/09
Summit Success
14/05/09
Oh what a beautiful morning!
12/05/09
The more it snows!
07/05/09
Taking the piss!
17/04/09
Trek A9 are well on the way

More blogs by Kay Mitchell>