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The Final Push?

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Yes?it is that time. The weather appears to be playing ball, we are all relatively well fed, the Lamas are happy, so it is time to get back up the mountain.May the 16th is the day to leave base camp, so depending on when this blog is posted that is today or tomorrow.

So our rough plan is as follows. All the climbers leave for Camp 1 or Camp 2 depending on how we fare in the icefall. Myself, Dan, Maryam, Vijay and either Chris or Andre will then leave camp 2 within a day or two for Camp 3 and then onto the South Col after that. We are what is termed the ?investigators and will run the ?Rolex South Col Laboratory? over 3 days. We will hopefully be able to set up and calibrate the bike for exercise tests and will run a number of neuro tests as part of the brain research.

The day after we arrive and have set up the lab, 4 subjects in the guise of Mike, Nigel, Sundeep and either Andre or Chris will make an appearance. Depending on how they feel, we will study them in the world?s highest laboratory the same day or the day after. Any research we get done here is a bonus to the already extensive research that has been conducted on the trekkers and the Caudwell Xtreme team.

Finally, the ?Breathing Circuit Team? ? Paul, Roger, Mick and Jeremy - arrive. They will have been testing different breathing circuits at camp 2; and hopefully on the walk from Camp 3 to the South Col.

We will then have finished all the South Col research, will all be in the same place and finally can concentrate on a summit attempt. It will be great that we can all make the attempt together. After 59 odd days living in each others pockets, we have got to know each other pretty well. So we will be able to support each other in this final quest. Barring any changes in the weather and, of course any sudden changes in health, we have a good chance of getting quite a few of us on the summit. Most of us are going to use oxygen, we are in good spirits, and we are up for it.

We will be careful. Many of you have written to us expressing good wishes and prayers. We value all your thoughts and our summit attempts will only be successful when we all return to Base Camp safely.

Lots of love to all our families and I am sure the phones will be buzzing in a week to 10 days.

PS: the website via Kay will keep you better informed on our whereabouts on the next days ahead.

PPS: I?ve been a bit cheeky and posted a photo of my own country?s flag ? The Rainbow Nation wishing the international flavour of the expedition good luck ? British, Irish, Dutch, Welsh, American, Kiwi and South African

Comments on this article

By: Marcela Vizcaychipi

When: 2nd Jun 2007 16:00

Dear Patrick and Xtremeeverest team,
Congratulations on your achievement! Few days, weeks have already passed on and I am sure a lot of new experience and knowledge have impregnated your minds.
I am so happy to know people like you driven by ideals that may change our way of thinking..
Do not forget that events/experience on the mental and physical trains remain in synchrony with each other.
We all miss you here at CxH but I also want to say that what you are doing is by far better than what we are doing here
Keep going, keep the spirit up and remember that behind every single great discovery there is wonderful mind.
As you always say take care and get on with it.
with all my best wishes,
Marcela and "hello" from the rest of the crew

By: Marc Perkins

When: 2nd Jun 2007 09:39

Hello Pat,

Finally figured out this Blog, and terribly sorry we haven't been on it for your entire journey.

Sounds like it has been quite an experience Ou Boet.

When exactly will you attempt the summit.

Good luck and safe return

All our love Marc,Chev and Ryan-Jedd

By: Freya in Sydney	When: 29th May 2007 09:11
Patrick! What an remarkable adventure you've had. Hope you make a quick recovery... I'd love to see some of your photos. Freya xx

By: dave b	When: 29th May 2007 00:24
patrick as i'm sitting here on my sofa, after another wet bank holiday weekend and contmeplating the full horror of returning to work tomorrow - reading your expliots really puts in all in prespective. truely inspiring. sorry you got sick but also glad to hear that you are back down safe. we are all very proud of you. dave, anna and little L.

By: sophs	When: 28th May 2007 23:10
Patrissimo,sorry that you didn't get quite as high as you'd hoped but mate you've done us all proud. Well done to you and your team. Can't wait to hear all and see all the pics, no kips this time promise! Hope Isa's with you now safe and sound. Lots of love Tom, Fi, Tim, Nina, Andy and Sophs

By: Cam

When: 28th May 2007 11:05

Hey Pat,

Glad to hear you are safely back at base camp! I'm sure Isa is there by now too! Can't wait to see you when you get back! Enjoy the last couple of weeks!

By: shell	When: 27th May 2007 17:36
Hi Pat. So sorry your dream was not quite reached but I think you are still truly amazing. Hope all goes well with your last few weeks. Can't wait to have a good chat with you on your safe return. Love you lots and miss you stax. Take care. Shell

By: Marco	When: 24th May 2007 12:02
Hi Pat Sorry to hear the dreaded altitude sickness got you - hope you are feeling better. Enjoy the rest of the trip. All the best.

By: bene	When: 23rd May 2007 23:08
ciao Pat, am with you with all my heart in this last big and difficult part ; I am very proud of you and the team. good luck, take great care of yourself xxxooxx bene

By: Pierre

When: 23rd May 2007 22:00

Hi Pat
I am still watching you and the summit team . I am so grteat to know that everything is going well. what is your next chalange.I still remember your first climbing experience in West way .I 'll be thinking of you all , come back safety. . I can't wait to meet you and have a big party to celebrate this event. Hello to Isa who is joining you soon to share this unique experience . Warm regards Pierre

By: Cands	When: 23rd May 2007 09:51
Hi Pat. Spoke to Mom last night and was relieved to hear you're safe and feeling better. Sorry to hear the worst has happened, but we are all so relieved you're safe and getting better...please look after yourself! Sending you lots of love and hugs. Cands

By: Terri Stewart	When: 22nd May 2007 14:22
Hi Pat Just read the daily update; hope your feeling better & Camp 2 has looked after you. Everything crossed for a speedy recovery. Terri

By: Kevin

When: 22nd May 2007 12:00

Hang in there amigo!!! We're ALL pulling for you from sunny Espa?a. Hope you are feeling better and in good spirits. What you guys are all doing is awesome. Reminds me that it's good to have friends in high places...

All the best,
Kevin, Caro & Co.

By: Caroline

When: 21st May 2007 15:47

Dear Pat

Wishing you all the best with your summit attempt. Take care and living vicariously through you! Buena suerte da Espana!
Caroline, Kevin, Siena, max, Kebo & Sebo

By: Cands	When: 21st May 2007 10:20
Hi Pat Enjoy the last few weeks of this adventure. Hope your team has the success you all deserve! Looking forward to seeing you in 4 weeks! Take care. Lots of Love! Cands

By: Lois	When: 21st May 2007 09:38
Hi Pat, Just been catching up on all the events, fantastic achievements! I do hope you are feeling better, best wishes for the 'final push', take care & safe return, Lois x

By: John Cousins	When: 20th May 2007 22:20
Hey up there Pat, been reading the climbing blog, scary stuff! Please take care, listen to your friends even Paul and Andre can talk sense at times! All love from jc Angela and India xxx

By: Sylvia Imray

When: 20th May 2007 08:55

Hi Patrick

I've just read the climbing update and wanted to say how sorry I am to hear that you became unwell last night at Camp 3 and have gone back down to 2 to recover. Good to read that it did the trick.

I wish you well and hope you continue to improve.

Best wishes

Sylvia

By: Dave Hinton	When: 20th May 2007 07:28
Pat, all the best for the rest of the climb, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Spoke to your Dad yesterday all looking forward to your safe return.

By: Graham

When: 18th May 2007 13:35

Cuz

All the best with the remainder of the experiments and God speed on your way the mountain and especially on the way back down. May you have the sure-footedness of a mountain goat (and probably the beard of one after 59 days!!)

Graham

By: isa	When: 18th May 2007 09:17
hello Pat, In Namche Bazaar in internet cafe saving pictures, checking the web... thinking of you at night (too busy during the day! :)... all my love and energy to you and the summit team. Take care please See you soon Isa

By: dermot	When: 18th May 2007 08:50
Hiya watching your progress from the comfort of my desk and wishing you all the best. The Quinn family will be thinking of you and praying for the best weather and surest footing. Hamba Kahle

By: Teresa	When: 18th May 2007 08:24
Hi Patrick and the Summit Team. Great to see the South African flag flying!! May you have good weather and great strenghth. God speed for a successful summit bid. We'll be thinking of you all. Come back safely.Best wishes from South Africa. Teresa

By: Kerry and Ian Johnson

When: 18th May 2007 04:06

Hi Pat

Good luck over the next dew days we will be thinking of you and hope all goes well. Be safe and lots of love Kerry, Ian, Ben and Erin

By: Rouvanne	When: 18th May 2007 00:51
Wishing you luck and great weather from Cape Town! My uncle is on the North side attempting a summit in the next few days - if you bump into him on top, send my regards!

Blog by Patrick Doyle