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The waiting game has started for all of us here at Base Camp. The radio static becomes the most important sound you perceive as you wait for bits of information to filter through from the climbers up the mountain.

Two days ago we finished testing Trek K early enough for all the lab staff to venture onto the Khumbu glacier at the foot of the Icefall for training for our upcoming adventure to Island Peak (6189m). We are extremely fortunate to have this winter wonderland right on our doorstep to access for ice climbing or a general ice experience. We certainly feel like intrepid explorers every time we go onto the glacier as we discover blue ice grottos, massive ice crests, rivers, new pitches for ice climbing and beautiful azure lakes complete with ice islands and all.

Yesterday Nikki, Jildou and I climbed back up to Pumori Camp 1 to visit the BBC boys as they were filming our climbers up the hill. We were able to follow their progress up the Lhotse face between Camp 2 and 3 and to watch their every move between Camp 3 and 4 via a head camera. We managed to share some words of encouragement with the climbers along the way.

The reality of the mountain has hit home as we watched our climbers? involvement in a rescue situation at Camp 4 via the head camera. The triumphs and tragedies certainly make this a very surreal environment.

Our thoughts and prayers are very much with the climbers at the moment. To encourage them Kay has set up a daily ?broadcast? where we play music to them over the radio. (Faithless has proven to be very popular!). This usually results in us lot dancing away in the communication tent here at Base Camp and the climbers up the hill ?dancing? in their respective camps- much to the surprise of the other teams!

We only have two more treks to test and then ourselves before we head off to Island Peak. Although some people are now ready to go home I can honestly say I could easily stay here in the mountains for another few months.

A great surprise: As I was typing this blog I received a package via one of the trek leaders. It is a parcel my family sent me from South Africa to Everest Base Camp! Fabulous!!

Love to all!
Liesl Wandrag

Comments on this article

By: David

When: 4th Jun 2007 16:17

By: Dad, Mom & Tania

Dearest Liesl

Pleased that you continue to enjoy the adventure, but you must please remain careful. Proud of you and love you!

By: Tania	When: 4th Jun 2007 16:01
Hey Liesl!!! Only got a chance to read your blog today.Exams are going ok. Only 4 more to go. I finish on the 14th.Its going to be so nice to see you!!! Sounds like an amazing experience. Congrats to all the climbers that made it!A wonderful achievement!Glad you loved the packet!!Suppose there's nothing left any more?!HE he. Love you lots. Tania

By: Jacques Marais

When: 4th Jun 2007 15:51

Hi lieslkie!!!

Genugtig - lyk my 'n mens sal jou met 7 nuwe toue moet vasbind (soos Simson van ouds) om jou te laat bedaar!!

Baie jaloers op jou ervaring, hoop jy geniet elke oomblik daarvan.

Versigtig wees en pas jouself op. Sien jou binnekort in sonnige, warm R van SA.

Groete - jaak

By: Debbie Corin	When: 3rd Jun 2007 05:28
Hi Liesl What an amazing experience! I can't wait till you get back, I'm missing you lots and want to hear about evrything. Thinking of you Debbie xxx

By: Martha Myburgh	When: 1st Jun 2007 23:33
Hi Het so pas die website by Maie gekry. Bly om te sien jy geniet dit!!! Hou vir jou duim vas. Laat weet as jy iets nodig het. Martha x

By: Becky Gray	When: 25th May 2007 19:11
Please can you wish Lynn a big happy birthday from me. Big hug. hope all well xxxxxxx

By: claire bevan	When: 25th May 2007 16:53
Hi Rhys Looks like you are having a great time,Dad is revving up and ready for his trip-- look out !! At work showing you off to my friends!! Congrats to all the summiters,love Mum xx

By: Toni	When: 25th May 2007 02:49
Nameste Boi Ni I've been dreaming of the mountains ever since you've been gone! Enjoy the last moments and pat a baby yak for me. Travel safe love Di Di xx

By: Mary	When: 24th May 2007 13:08
Hi Liesl Great to hear from you - I think about your adventures everyday and Im so pleased your climbers have reached the top safely - fantastic acheivement. Sounds like you are having the time of your life - carry on enjoying and we'll see you soon - if you come back that is!

By: Francois	When: 23rd May 2007 21:57
Looks like fun to climb these magnificent ice cubes. But yes reality is there, so be careful in every moves. Any news from Trek M guys, looking for news from Isabelle. take care.

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