tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10896786.post-1117035398827476192005-05-25T16:10:00.000+01:002005-05-26T11:35:01.216+01:00This may be the last entry before we go up the hill again. We are expecting to leave ABC on the 27th with a view to maximizing our chances with the weather window supposed to come in for the 29th/30th/31st. I will leave instructions with Dr John about phoning you in the morning UK time to give voice updates if that is possible.<br /><br />Anyway, here is the latest:<br /> <br />Getting relatively close to our departure from the mountain, we are looking at any way of easing our end of expedition final packing up and getting down. So when a Tibetan turned up with 3 yaks offering to carry some loads down the 22km to BC, we jumped at the chance. The only trouble was we could only muster 2 1/2 loads. The yak man suggested our bog barrel (our toilet is a blue plastic barrel to enable us to remove our human waste for proper disposal away from the mountain) but it was only 2/3 full so we said no thanks.<br /> <img src="http://www.ukairsports.com/everest/Stuart.jpg" alt="Stuart with a Tibetan (his glasses not mine)" /> <br />Stuart with a Tibetan (his glasses not mine)<br /> <br />Anyway...first thing the following morning a somewhat distressed Phenden Sherpa appeared outside Tom's tent (legs crossed) saying someone had stolen the toilet! We informed the mountain police but they had nothing to go on!!! What on earth a Tibetan is going to do with a blue plastic barrel 2/3 full of human waste is anyone's guess. Maybe he has a large vegetable garden?!!!<br /> <br />A few days ago we said 'so long' to Ross who was forced to return to Kathmandu with possible medical problems. He was checked out there and thankfully given the all clear. Cheers Ross, all the best, you are with us in spirit.<br /><img src="http://www.ukairsports.com/everest/Arch.jpg" alt="My stone arch and Everest with jet stream winds coming off summit" /> My stone arch and Everest with jet stream winds coming off summit. (today)<br /> <br />One thing worth pointing out is that there have been a number of reports in Everestnews.com that have proved less than reliable. Because anyone can contribute to the website, people are too quick to report things before they have been confirmed. Therefore please treat information on this site with a large pinch of salt.<br /> <br />The weather remains very windy but there is a lull expected around the 29th onwards into June. Our intention is to all move up to the North Col on the 27th, continuing up the mountain in stages with possible summit days on the 30th or 31st depending on conditions.<br /> <br />A few of us wandered across the glacier the other day to the Raphu La which overlooks the Kangshung Valley. From the pass you get fantastic views across the Kangshung Face of Everest, you can almost reach out and touch Makalu and over to the east you have Kangchenjunga and Jannu, quite spectacular.<br /> <br />Our time here is running out and most of the talk now (and for the last 6 weeks) concerns the food we will consume in Kathmandu. Hopefully the next few days will bring some good news. Stay tuned.<br /> <br /> <br />That's it for now. Hope you are all well.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/10896786-111703539882747619?l=everest2005.blogspot.com'/></div>Karrimor 2005 Everest Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17078929485295834093noreply@blogger.com5