To the Serrac

A lovely day at Camp One, and for some a rest day. For others, a day of recuperation after a bad night of altitude-related symptoms. Maryam and I decide to head off with Jon Morgan to the Serrac some 300m above us- a route which takes us some 2 and a half hours to complete. The steeper sections are roped, but it is the lack of oxygen nearly six and a half kilometres up in the air which is the main limiting factor. We return to make plenty of brews, and to pack up ready for a possible trip to Camp Two tomorrow.

We are well aware that some adapt to low oxygen levels better than others - indeed, this is why we are here. However, it remains fascinating to see: Mike Grocott is totally unlimited, and seems to have no need for acclimatisation. However, others have been awoken with headaches every night since we arrived at 3000m?..

Story by Hugh Montgomery