BLOG: Kay Mitchell 27th Apr 2007
Thank Crunchie it is Friday
Today is Friday. Trek D arrived safe and sound, except for Geoff Hall, who is safe further down the trail. They completed their testing, and left very early this morning for Kala Patar and then Dingboche. I was struck down with a bout of tonsillitis just as they arrived, and so apologise for the delay in blogging.
The climbing team have been at Camp two for two days and three nights now, and the science is progressing well. This is despite some problems with the exercise bike which necessitated all hands on deck to keep the science on schedule. (See Chris Imray?s blog). This included some soldering at 6400m! Thank goodness for Paul Richards and his kit purchasing enthusiasm. The guys have completed a number of ramp tests now, and this is the first at this altitude for both the Cortex breath by breath analysis machinery and the Lode Corival bike.
The Everest Base Camp lab staff have been working hard, and are enjoying a well-deserved morning off for washing before trek E arrive. Accompanying trek E is Andy Luks, who is carrying out some hypoxic ventilatory response research.
Liesl and I have just sent some Kylie sounds up the mountain via the radio to Dan, who is a big fan. It sounds like they are coping well. Sleeping, and eating and drinking can be a real problem at that altitude, and it can be hard to keep one?s spirits up. They are in regular contact with Mac, our Base Camp Manager, who is in charge of radio comms, so that we can ensure they have everything they need to keep them safe and well.
| By: Geoff Hall | When: 6th May 2007 11:41 | Hi Kay, Just to say 'Hi... and sorry that I missed you and the team at EBC'. Having suffered from mega headaches all the way from Kathmandu - Pheriche, it seemed the best recipe was for Bugsy to keep me under close examination, rather than let me continue ever higher up the trail. After a further two days, the headaches mysteriously disappeared and I was able to descend with Trek C from Dingboche to Namche. I then took myself off trekking, visiting Thamo Monastry amongst other things. I then walked all the way back up from Namche to Pangboche in just over 3 hours, to surprise my Trek D colleagues returning from EBC - you can imagine their surprise finding me sitting on a rock sunbathing alongside the junction of Upper and Lower Pangboche. It was nice to be back with them again. With thanks to the care and attention of my friends in Trek D and Bugsy and Co, I still had a great time. I now have to visit my local GP for a scan to try and get to the root of my headaches - meanwhile, sat at home, drinking coffee and eating chocolate eclairs - luxury eh? Thinking of you all. Good luck with the rest of the research and many thanks again to the whole team for looking after me. fond regards, Geoff |
| By: valerie | When: 28th Apr 2007 12:35 | Dear Kay, Lucky you have an ENT surgeon there but watch out or he may offer to do a tonsillectomy! Give DJH a big hug from me, V |
| By: James Hambly | When: 28th Apr 2007 11:38 | Reading about everything that's going on over there isn't quite keeping my desire be back at bay but it's all very, very exciting nonetheless!
It certainly sounds as though things are going to plan. Here's wishing the Xtreme Team and remaining trekkers every success. Enjoy it! p.s. has anyone managed to trump trek A's song yet? I doubt it! =;o ) |
| By: Mary Rawson | When: 28th Apr 2007 01:00 | Hi Kay Hope you're feeling very much better soon. Great to see another blog; I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms - again! Don't know I coped when we were up with you - it was weird being part of the trekking but apart from the blogs. Well done to all for getting the new bike parts up to camp 2. Miss you, but you're doing a fantastic job. Take care of yourself. Love Mary, Kev and family xx |
| By: Mary Rawson | When: 28th Apr 2007 00:40 | Hi Kay Hope you're feeling very much better soon. Great to see another blog; I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms - again! Don't know I coped when we were up with you - it was weird being part of the trekking but apart from the blogs. Well done to all for getting the new bike parts up to camp 2. Miss you, but you're doing a fantastic job. Take care of yourself. Love Mary, Kev and family xx |
| By: Pauline Taylor | When: 27th Apr 2007 21:35 | Thanks Kay for all your hard work in keeping the blogs going as well as having tonsillitis. Keith and Kieran from trek B arrived home safely and very tired although they obviously loved the whole experience. By using your blogs and pictures from the website gallery it has been lovely making a book to give to them as a reminder of their unique trip. Thanks again |
| By: penny kemp | When: 27th Apr 2007 21:33 | Thank you so much for keeping us updated. Wonderful to see daughter harriet arrived with group D and still smiling! Hope tonsilitis has cleared up! |
| By: Barbra Goodridge | When: 27th Apr 2007 18:24 | Dear Kay
Thank you so much for your blogs - together with the rest of the team's it's like reading a fantastically gripping novel in serial form. I'm overwhelmed by the size and scope of the whole undertaking and you guys have my greatest admiration. My partner Mike is in trek E and I'm saving all your blogs for him to read when he gets home. In the meantime good luck to all of you and hope the summit team achieve their goal safely - every one a hero!!! Many thanks and |
| By: Stephanie Hopkinson | When: 27th Apr 2007 18:01 | Hello Kay and the team. All of us in the Jagged Globe office are thinking about you and wish you well! Thanks for the updates, they are keeping us entertained! When you see Simon, tell him we are working very hard! Take Care Steph x |
| By: Lamont Ross | When: 27th Apr 2007 17:36 | Miss Kay, I hope you are feeling better. I would imagine beeing sick at EBC would be a helpless feeling. The flurry of activity as the trek groups arrive and depart sounds almost overwhelming. I hope you continue to feel better and I am enjoying your updates. Thank you. Lamont |
| By: Barbra Goodridge | When: 27th Apr 2007 15:01 | Message for Mike Teanby - Trek E. Hi Tractor Man! Hope you're safe and well & living the dream! Missing you lots but I'm so proud of you. Following all the blogs to keep track (thanks so much Kay & team). Have a daily picture on my screensaver of where your group are that day! Stay well. Love you lots. Barb xxx |
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>