Gwen?s Base Camp Blog
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After 2 weeks on the magnificent Khumbu trail, the Base Camp Science team has now had almost 3 weeks to settle into our new home. Nestled between the towering peaks of Pomo Ri, Lingtren and Khumbutse, and beneath the Western Ridge of Mt Everest itself, EBC is a beautiful and stark place. The mornings are typically crisp with glowing sunshine and deep blue skies. The night time low temperatures of down to -18?C melt into sweltering 28?C at midday in the tents. Then the weather creeps up the Valley, making for chilly and sometimes snowing afternoons. These factors combine to ensure that not only the altitude, but also the scenery of EBC is breath-taking.
Our Camp sprawls across a large area of prime Base Camp real estate. The CXE tent town is so big that we consider it to have several boroughs. Avalanche View is an up-market area, about 50m from the tail of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Then there is the Ghetto, where most of the climbing team lives (soon to be deserted when its inhabitants head up the mountain). Lake View is a swanky area, but there is a constant threat of being flooded as the snow and ice melt. Mac presides over the camp from his mansion in Eagle View, which is just above Rodeo Drive, home to the Dave the Godfather of the Base Camp Science team.
The Team has settled into a very comfortable routine at Base Camp. The lab is running very well, and we are charging through the base camp research. We are testing on four days per week and have already tested 3 of the 13 Trek groups. Our three rest days each week are spent engaged in the exciting activities of the area: exploring, ice climbing, washing (clothes and us) and general relaxation. Already we have made trips to Pomo Ri Camp 1 and Kala Patar, from where we had stunning views of the Khumbu Ice Fall, Western Cwm, Lhotse and the summit of Everest itself. Evenings are spent with the trekkers, if there is a group in ?town?, or else watching movies projected onto the wall of our own mess tent. Many books are being devoured, the chess ladder is heating up and our frequent song nights are always raucously well attended.
If the first 3 weeks of Base Camp Life are anything to go by, we are in for a magnificent 2 months? watch this space for details!
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Comments on this article| By: Brother Of Binx | When: 22nd May 2007 04:38 | You Lucky Bugger!!
Having a holiday in the Mountains and calling it work. Do you get to climb her too?
Man I miss you guy's from MSAR. I've moved to New Zealand, so I get my fare share of skiing and climbing, although my "work" is not as awsome as yours.
Have an awsome time up there and take lots of pics.
PS: Howzit to all the MSAR guys reading this. If you see Binx, kick him in the ass for me :P
Etienne |
| By: Marc van Reenen | When: 18th May 2007 09:02 | Hi
Like Pumbaa, I am envious. I was on Ama Dablam last year and stood in awe of the Big E. (FYI - I took at Sats probe to the summit with me and recorded SPO2's of 60 and "resting" HR's of >105. ). Beautiful part of the world. Well done. All the best with your trip. Can?t wait to read the results of the research.
Take care
Marc van Reenen |
| By: Binx | When: 18th May 2007 07:47 | Hi Gwen,
well you seem to do two things i think you always had the greatest passion for. One work in medicine, and two be up in the mountains.
Sounds like you guys are getting lots of data. Should be interesting to see the results later on.
Well have fun and enjoy!
Regards,
Jarne van Tonder |
| By: Russell Shaw | When: 16th May 2007 10:04 | Hey Gwen
Talk about a small world - I seem to remember your name from 1996 when I was at school with Franco di Blasio and we met at some cultural event at JCC! Glad to hear you are enjoying yourself at EBC - am very jealous, considering I'm cooped up in a stuffy office in Tokyo, and would love nothing more than to be out in the mountains! Look out for yourself, particularly if you're heading through the icefall, and hope to read more of your articles in future! Take care, Russell |
| By: Dylan | When: 9th May 2007 19:33 | Hey, Shorty
Sorry it's taken so long to get in touch... thanks for the blogs!!
It's really getting too warm here in Ulukhaktok - high of -7C today, so many guys working in t-shirts. Losing a lot of snow. The new camp is coming on good guns. |
| By: Tania | When: 3rd May 2007 18:07 | Hi Liesl!!
(aka Vusi Musi)
I took some time and looked at all the photos of the expedition.It is GREAT to see your face and all the activities you are busy with.I am so proud of you and idmire your strength and courage!Look forward to seeing you in July and Im sure you cant wait to feel the warmer weather of SA!Everybody sends their love.Good luck and lots of love!Tania |
| By: Colin | When: 2nd May 2007 18:34 | Hey Cousin
So you made it to the top of the world before the rest of us! Any plans to do the actual climb yourself one day? |
| By: Vic | When: 30th Apr 2007 08:42 | Hi Band-aid,
Glad to see its not just work.
Like Pumba, I'm jealous. Wish I was there.
Vic |
| By: Karin | When: 29th Apr 2007 19:05 | Hi Liesl
At long last I have managed to read your site! Very exciting, especially because I am so proud of you. I have a question on the lab work. Why are they evaluating the nasal cavities? ... All the family send their regards, even your cousins from Tanzania. Guess we shouldn't complain about our 15 degrees as winter approaches. Stay warm. Good luck to every one on the team!! Love, your sister, Karin |
| By: Anna Dargan | When: 27th Apr 2007 17:15 | Hey Gwen!!
Have been watching the site for a while now and just spotted your name - can't believe it, soooo jealous! Don't know if you remember me - you were kind enough to show me around Ladysmith hospital when I was in town. Doing my elective soon with the British Antarctica Survey so I'm trying (and failing) to keep up with relevant research - or at least the stuff that makes the news! Sounds like you're doin amazing things! Hope everything goes well for you up there!
All the best,
Anna |
| By: Stuart Ford | When: 26th Apr 2007 10:06 | Howzit Gwen,
Glad you are "working hard" and enjoying yourself! Enjoy the scenery. I am trying to come across as not jealous ;-)
Cheers
Pumbaa |
| By: Jan | When: 26th Apr 2007 09:06 | Hi Gwen,
kind regards from low lying Christchurch. Occasionally I catch a view of some hills, but nothing like your view. Hope your are doing well. Jan & Yaso |
| By: Teresa | When: 25th Apr 2007 16:40 | Hi Gwen, Great to read your Blog! Can't wait to see your photos when you get home and to read the research when it's published. Carry on enjoying! Thinking of you and the Team every day. Love, Dad and mom |
| By: Arthur Morgan | When: 25th Apr 2007 16:19 | Sounds almost like a holiday, and I thought that you were working hard!!
MSAR Team sends regards. |
| By: Isabelle | When: 25th Apr 2007 13:26 | Ah, here you are! Was wondering what you were up too particularly after you girls told me at the airport that you would take me to the disco!
I think of you all and will be soon on my way.
PS: well i can see by the picture that life is the same everywhere really! :)... good luck to you all. Very inspiring!
Isabelle |
Blog by Gwen Morgan
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Gwen Morgan 22nd Apr 2007
Kay Mitchell
23rd Dec 2009 1 message 
17/05/07 
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