The moment of truth

When I started the training for this climb I expected it to be hard. And I am not being disappointed!!!

On day 5 evening we reached 14000 feet which is the main height for altitude problems to kick in. And I was not dissappointed as Mike Tyson reappeared in my head in spades. At times unable to focus it was really painful. Thankfully however it passed after a few hours. Other members of the team had nausea, wobbly legs and general malaise. Mark continues to be the only member who has been symptom free.

Day 5 night saw peter and I have our 5th pretty much sleepless night. Not only did the temperature plummet to around minus 10 degrees (we had frost inside the tent by midnight!!!) but breathing was so difficult in the oxygen depleted atmosphere that sleep was interupted after just a few breaths. At 8am we set off for the 5 hour trek to base camp from where I am writing this. Base camp is at 15600 ft some 4000 feet below the summit. The climb was incredibly difficult with low oxygen, freezing temperatures and 60 mph winds!! Several of the group felt unwell as we climbed to this new height and the effects of altitude kicked in even further. We arrived at the camp shattered.

Sadly peter, who has been the stalwart of the camp throughout and has helped everyone through every problem imaginable was not well today and has taken the sensible decision to celebrate the amazing achievement of reaching base camp but not to attempt the summit climb. As for me, my well bring ebbs and flows but at the moment I have been cleared to attempt the summit climb at midnight tonight. The summit climb takes nearly 11 hours up and down and reaching the top is by no means certain. Statistically, only a third succeed. The summit climb is extremely hard, so I promise I will be sensible and the first sign of problems I will decend!!!

This adventure has been something that I have really wanted to do. To test myself in an environment that few ever get to see and one which is so "not nigel". Frankly I have been in awe of the scenery throughout though I have already been tested more than I thought I was capable of. I am now off to rest to recuperate for the challenge of tonight. The moment of truth.

Wish me luck!