The khumbu Ice fall

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Today was the day when we entered the Khumbu Ice fall and therefore started the climbing of Everest proper. It felt good to put on the crampons, large climbing boots and harness. To hear once again the crunch of ice underfoot was a delight.

The ice fall began with wave after wave of ice followed by the angle increasing until the ice became the crevasses and blocks that will become familiar to us over the next few weeks and months.
At one point a few minutes after we crossed a small ice bridge it collapsed with a large bang, a gentle reminder that the Khumbu ice fall is a moving cascade of ice.

The ice fall is famous for the ladders which span the crevasses that are too large to jump over or go round, and it wasn?t too long until we encountered our first couple. One large crevasse was spanned by three ladders tied together. To cross it you have to hold on to the rope on either side after clipping into one of them. Your partner tensions the ropes so that they flap around less. The ladders wobble and balance is of the essence but all said they weren?t as bad as I was expecting.

Today way a mess about day in the ice fall to familiarize us with it. Tomorrow we go right through the ice fall to spend a night at Camp 1 in the Western Cwm.

I?d also like to say a big hello to the Holles St Community Midwives who are checking the blog. Thanks for all your help over the last couple of months. Also to David Hillibrandt thanks for your comment, thankfully my Sherpa escorts prevented a repeat of the Barcelona incident, mind you I wasn?t carrying any MEF money at the time either.

Comments on this article

By: Roisin Purcell	When: 18th Apr 2007 21:14
I agree with Sara that it looks like a cautious Mick in the photo. Is it? This website, with the regular Blogs is fantastic. It makes it a little easier for those of us left at home. Keep it up! Take care. Ro

By: Sara	When: 18th Apr 2007 00:36
Is that Mick in the photo?

By: Mike Flexmore

When: 17th Apr 2007 18:20

That looks pretty scary! As an avid follower it's great to see the photos and hear the interesting stories from you all. Haven't heard from the logistics team for a few weeks so hope they are ok. Perhaps we can have an update from them.

Mike

By: Monica Crawley

When: 17th Apr 2007 14:27

Hi Roger,

Not sure you remember us - we meet twice...once at the Stupa just past Namche where you helped my husband John sort out his jippy tummy with antibiotics and second when we were coming down and you were going up to base camp.

Anyhow we are back home (boo) but following your progress and the teams.

The icefall sounds amazing! Good luck with pushing to camp 1 and beyond....!

Mon

By: Daran	When: 17th Apr 2007 13:42
HI Roger, great poto crossing the crevass, I now know why your body didnt put on as much weight as you had hoped before you left.... it was anticipating those ladders! Daran

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