One week out?

We have been gone a week now, and find ourselves in an almost mediaeval environment. Small Tibetan children wander nearby (all very beautiful) as oxen draw carts along the roads and tracks. Some of the team have taken the Landcruisers on to Everest Base Camp, but those that remain take a walk to some ancient ruins nearby, before spending the lunchtime and afternoon exploring the local hills for more fossils.

The views are beautiful, and it is lovely to have some time in such idyllic solitude. Hugh, Denny and Chris VT spend time getting the science protocols ready, and Mike G going through equipment lists.

Most believe that small ?pulses? to higher altitude help acclimatisation, and we hope that our forays have helped in this regard. The data have yet to be interpreted, but it seems that some of the ?neuro? studies suggest an acute ?hit? on ascending each day, before settling back with acclimatisation.

The VT?s remain poorly, but are anxious to continue: they both have sore throats and viral symptoms still. All being well, we head up to base camp tomorrow.

Story by Kay Mitchell