Ice-fall finally demystified

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Ladder Crossing
Yesterday we retuned from an overnight stay at camp 1 having made the journey up and back through the legendary ice-fall. We set out early to avoid much of the sun however the journey turned out to be nonetheless very warm.

The route weaves around, over and sometimes under huge cathedral-like blocks of ice of the Khumbu Ice-fall. Occasionally we have to cross large crevasses which is done by crossing aluminium ladders ? these are not as hairy as they look. The objective is to move as rapidly as possible. The trip took us 6 hours to make it to camp and by the time we arrived it was snowing hard. We established ourselves in our tents as quickly as possible getting into our sleeping bags and starting to melt snow for a brew ? this process continues until it is time to sleep.

Lhotse and South Col from Camp 1

So now we are back down at base camp and getting ready for our next trip up which will last for about 10+ days during which we will do a lot more of the research. Keep tuned!

Comments on this article

By: Clodagh

When: 1st May 2007 10:21

Nigel,
amazing photos and stories. we are thinking of you back here in FPU. Hope the little sylvanian is OK.
Come back in one piece.

Clodagh

By: Geraldine Byers	When: 28th Apr 2007 13:23
Hi Nigel, I'm still in a state of shock at you actually doing this. Think its absolutely fantastic.Will be watching your progress with great interest, admiration and awe! Enough..don't want your head to grow as big as your ears - must be the altitude! Take care and be safe. Lol Geraldine

By: Graeme

When: 23rd Apr 2007 17:43

Hi Nigel

Your last couple of days sound a bit more exciting than mine spent painting the kitchen!

You guys have got lots of publicity here over the weekend, Radio Ulster did a piece and you made the BBC 1 6pm and 10pm news on Friday - the footage of crossing the crevasses was very impressive!

Can't wait to read the next installment. Stay safe.

Graeme

By: Anna	When: 22nd Apr 2007 08:57
Thank goodness there are brave folk like all of you prepared to take on such challenges - my palms were sweating just reading about crossing ladders and the size of those ice blocks (not to mention having to melt snow in order to make a cuppa!) Good luck up there - you're all doing a great job.

By: Davus	When: 22nd Apr 2007 01:31
Hi Higel. Just heard about your trip and had to check out the site and blogs. It sounds like a very interesting expedition with all the research etc taking place on . . . . you. Sure is a long shot from the Duke of Ed Gold. Hope all goes well for you now that you have left base camp. Hope to hear more reports soon. Best regards

By: shane

When: 21st Apr 2007 23:11

sorta like carrick-a -rede. I guess...funnily enough its also is a lot less hairy than it looks...!

keep sending your messsages and keep on living the dream...!!!

Blog by Nigel Hart