This is an archived website. Visit the new Xtreme Everest website here

HOME

PATRON

NEWS

RESEARCH

PUBLICATIONS

EXPEDITION

TEAM

No frills Pheriche

15 messages :: read>

I gave up trying to sleep without help. A 175mg tablet of Zopiclone gave me the first proper night's sleep in the last eight days. Saturday was an acclimatisation day in the "no-frills Pheriche". But the day started in the laboratory with blood tests, spiro and the all-important ramp test on the bike. We then climbed a small hill about 700 feet high which gave us staggering views of many mountains, including Island Peak, Nuptse and Ama Dablam.

The mountain 'hospital' organised by the Himalayan Rescue Association holds a talk every day at 3pm on altitude illness and helpfully relieves the boredom of inactivity in a fascinating yet scary sort of way. It really brought home the dangers of ascending too quickly and the urgency of action in the event of cerebral oedema or pulmonary oedema which, if left untreated, can cause death within hours.

In Pheriche, we had our first view of Lobuje East, the 6,100m peak that Brian and I will be climbing after Everest Base Camp. I must say, the very sight of it towering 1,800m (6,000ft) above our current location is very intimidating.

Yet another acclimatisation day at Pheriche, following another night of poor sleep despite the Zopiclone. The Scotch whisky is definitely coming back out to cocktail with the tablets. This morning, Lydia Bradey, our trekking leader, and I hiked up the valley for a better look at the face of Lobuje. As always, she left me gasping in her wake - but then she was the first woman to climb Everest without oxygen! This was an amazing feat, and we are privileged she will lead Brian and me up that daunting ice and rock-strewn face.

Lydia, now alias Roadrunner, and I spoke about our families. I am missing my gorgeous Claire, wonderful Jacobi, Rufus, Rhiannon, Rebekah, and all my family and friends so much, especially on these acclimatisation days when not much is happening. Lydia will have been away from her boyfriend for four months by the time she gets back home to New Zealand.

Luckily for the whole group, we have in our midst Richard Wiese, who is probably the most knowledgeable person I've ever met. He is a TV presenter in the US and a born communicator who can elucidate on any subject in the natural world. No doubt I will return home better informed, and might well surprise family and friends with some of Richard's gems.

As I write this, Group G, led by Smiley, has just arrived at Pheriche. I'm glad to report that they all arrived safely, with the last mile spent hiking through blustery snow, but thankfully no need for the use of axes or crampons!

We are at 4,300m / 14,464ft at Pheriche, just 1,000m below Everest Base Camp. With just this elevation to go, this is a bit like putting Snowdon on top of our current location. It would be a piece of cake were it not for the altitude.

Comments on this article

By: Jill Heath

When: 4th May 2007 12:42

Hey JC Sorry to hear that you are feeling so poorly. You are amazing to keep going without drugs, so that it doesn't bias the Research results. Well done, but remember you are cherished by an aweful lot of people who want you back in one piece. Take care and listen to what your body is telling you. Everyone who cycles with you are quaking in their boots, now that your fitness levels are so high. As Steve says that bellowed shout of "Next" will be even more terrifying. We are looking forward to seeing you and knowing that you are OK. Do take care. Love to BC. See you in two weeks. Lots of love Jill, Jim Dan and Ky.
PS HAppy Birthday Kate and well done Rufus, great poem.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

By: valerie newman	When: 3rd May 2007 10:25
msg for paul newman,trek F Hi there, hope you're still loving the experience.Liz had benjamin sidney at 2.22 this morning wieghing 8lb 1oz.both doing well.Got the old bus back, today-just got to learn how to drive it again!it passed mot-that's a 1st.Loved rufus caudwell's poem, so sweet.I expect the cameraderie is great between you guys.keep enjoying!lol valerie,jess dan luke

By: Kate Caudwell

When: 2nd May 2007 20:43

Hello John, just a little blog because i'm so slow! hpe you've managed to get a good nights sleep. I don't know how you keep going when you're so tired. We are very proud of you. You're amazing. Rufus is doing so very well. I hope you liked his poem. He's taken ages to write it. He's been very brave about going back to school. Caudwell grit. You would be proud of him. We miss you so much, it's hard not to be able to talk to you on the phone and tell you what's happening. Keep up the good work. Reach for the stars. love kate xxx

By: Rufus Caudwell

When: 2nd May 2007 18:42

hi dad i wrote a poem for a school competition and i thought you should hear it
My dad's a ferociuos lion
He's king of all the beasts
He prowls around the kitchen
And in the night he feasts

He's king of all the jungle
but at home he's just a lamb
Altough he looks quite scary
he's quite a lovely man

when we sit down for dinner
He's always first to eat
cos every meal for him
is quite a lovely treat

He' a very protective father
and a caring father too
when he senses danger
He'd even protect you

In the boardroom he's a killer
a match for any man
Many have tried to cross him
Catch him if you can

I was a little bit ill last year
He still wanted me to shine
But even though i did't agree
I'm so happy he's mine

By: Rebekah Caudwell

When: 2nd May 2007 09:56

Hi poppa, i'm not sure if ru has emailed you yet but he has some very exciting news. I'm biting my tongue off trying not to tell you!!! Thought you'd like to know Michelle Heaton was on GMTV this morning (ITV breakfast show) and talked about the Caudwell Charity. She was very warm and supportive of it and effusive in her praise of you - of course! A lovely bit of PR.
How are you doing now? I guess you must be at Base Camp. If so, Congratulations!!! Keep on snapping those photos... Missing you,all my love, Reba xxx

By: Jill Heath	When: 2nd May 2007 01:38
Hey JC and BC. Glad to hear you are safe and relatively well and sleeping a little better. The trip sounds amazing... you'll have lots of new dinner party stories. Onwards and upwards!! No sorry, not you guys, that's Jim's mantra now Stoke won 3.1 at the weekend. Stay Safe and very well done to all. Lots of love Jillybean xx

By: claire johnson	When: 1st May 2007 22:43
its our last night in Cyprus and we have had a fab time. thought you would call today to say you arrived at base camp. where are you ? are you ok ? we arrive home tomorrow night,so if you get some coverage ,please let us know all is well. love you,chloe & jacobi xxxxxxx

By: Stephen Wardle

When: 1st May 2007 11:25

Hi BC & JC. Just had a quick look at Richard Wiese. He went to a summit over 17,000 feet in 2 days, by training at low altitude in a high altitude simulating office. Very impressive guy. Good to hear you got some sleep. How is BC doing? Glad you are enjoying the cold showers, you probably need them by now ;-) Sounds like you will be able to take Jaco scuba diving on the boat before long. Hope he has taken the mask off long enough to eat! Dashy and Jim very excited about Stoke winning 3-1 at weekend, I'm sure you are too.
Keep it up. Steve & Laura

By: Dom caudwell	When: 1st May 2007 10:20
Hey pops, ama and jen went to spain yestersday(Monday), they are both going to viisit nanny next tuesday. Becky visited sunday, so she is getting visitors, so don't you worry we are looking after her. Good luck for the last 1000ft to base camp, BE CAREFUL! Missing you loads and loads, hugs and kisses Ama, jen, dom, dan and oli. xxx

By: claire johnson

When: 30th Apr 2007 22:37

we are certainly missing you ! can we see pictures of your group anywhere and have you grown a beard ? another day of jacobi swimming and flirting around the pool . ready to go home now though. Are you able to do the blog when you climb Lobouje as thats when i will have sleepless nights . Reading your blog is such a comfort . well stoke will never look the same again after those breathtaking views.Don't get any ideas though,as i'm quite sure there are no sockets available to power my hairdryer! we are all so proud of what you have achieved so far and if start showing signs of altitude illness ,YOU MUST come back. we need you and love you . lots love , chloe & jacobi xxxxxxx

By: Andy

When: 30th Apr 2007 22:16

Nice try John, but trying to masquerade as Kay won't work. Nor will the whisky. Get someone to Google "altitude acclimatisation alcohol" for you if you don't believe me. Your "medicine" is just making the condition worse... throw out the scotch and just drink the water... lots of water... more water than you can imagine it's possible to drink. That's the key.

Andy (the altitude addict)

By: Janet Price	When: 30th Apr 2007 22:01
Lovely to hear the first mention of Group G and that all are safe and sound. Looking forward to hearing that you made it to Base Camp soon. Chris, everybody is thinking of you and wishing they could be there too. Kay, many thanks for the blogs - they really bring it all to life for those of us who never get any further than Clacton!

By: Rebekah Caudwell

When: 30th Apr 2007 20:22

Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for the triumph of medicine over sleeplessness! I am however somewhat worried that you have turned into a woman. It seems rather a large price to pay... Ah having read further it seems the apnoea is not so easily solved. Did you read the message about the harmful effects of alcohol?
Work is silly busy having spent so much of this year away, and i'm jetting again on the 12th to join lila in florence. i'm sure my business would be deliriously happy to see me for longer periods of time but i'm not quite sure when that's going to be...
Am most excited to find out that you're turning into an informed person. Will we have literary debates on your return and discuss the merits of contemporary art?!
Love to brian and love, hugs and kisses to you poppa, your Rebintwain xxx

By: Claire Waller	When: 30th Apr 2007 19:57
Oh dear John, you sound a little home sick now, but keep going you're nearly there. I went to visit a friend today who is in hospital on the Non Invasive Ventilation Unit and it made me realise just how important your research will be to these people. What you are doing is fantastic xx

By: Leah Kroon	When: 30th Apr 2007 18:19
Hi Andy Luks! I missed your arrival to EBC. Still sans computer at home and was running up and down Guy Peak with the class all weekend. Glorious sun here. Hope you are doing well and your feet are staying warm. Look forward to hearing from you when you get back to Namche. Love, Leah

Blog by John Caudwell