Island Peak - Michael Scully supports WWF

WWF Banner

2011-06-06T17:46:00.001+02:00

WWF Banner, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So this is the picture that says it all - on top of the world supporting WWF!!!!

Mission accomplished!

The Snow Desert

2011-05-25T13:13:00.001+02:00

This is the snow field that needs to be navigated beneath Island Peak

The Snow Desert, posted with vodpod

Whiskey

2011-05-25T13:11:00.001+02:00

A little chat about Glenfiddich Whiskey on the Summit of Island Peak

Whiskey, posted with vodpod

Gelsyn comes to Kathmandu

2011-05-25T06:09:00.001+02:00

Gelsyn comes to Kathmandu, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

If you read an earlier post about Gelsyn you will know that he has tonnes of potential but is incredibly poor and had no opportunity to go to school when he was young.

He is so hard working and had an incredible attitude and climbed Island Peak twice in two days!!

Anyway to become a climbing Sherpa and guide he needs to learn English and then go on a climbing course.

I have decide to pay for all this for him and today was his first ever time on a plane - the reason - he has to fly to Kathmandu to come to language school. We have found him somewhere to rent for three months and put him in a great language school.

This is him below as we got ready to leave Lukla Airport - here's a guy that really made his own luck by working hard and having a great attitude.

Let's wish him all the best in Kathmandu!!!

The Way Home

2011-05-23T06:51:00.000+02:00

The Way Home, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is the walk out of Island Peak Base Camp.
I need to lose 3000m in altitude and cover about 60km in 3 days

The Ice Cliffs of Island Peak

2011-05-23T06:50:00.000+02:00

The Ice Cliffs of Island Peak, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Intimidating but we didn't have to climb these!

The Ridge

2011-05-23T06:49:00.000+02:00

The Ridge, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

You gotta love that summit ridge - getting upto it is another story entirely - I will get the photos from my other camera to show you

Two Black Dots

2011-05-23T06:48:00.000+02:00

Two Black Dots, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The two black dots are people about to up climb the ice cliff which leads to the ridge in the proceeding picture - the ray of sun light is shining just to the right of the summit itself and you can see the summit ridge on the left of the summit

Summit

2011-05-23T06:47:00.000+02:00

Summit, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

No need to say anything

Summit View

2011-05-23T06:46:00.000+02:00

Summit View, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

To be higher than all these other major mountains is incredible - I am higher here than any other point outside Asia

A Glass and a Half

2011-05-23T06:45:00.000+02:00

A Glass and a Half, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Always good to restore some energy and of course a second breakfast.

Proof

2011-05-23T06:44:00.000+02:00

Proof, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Just so you can see exactly how high we are - I moved around a bit on the summit and it finished on 6188m

D

Made It !!!

2011-05-23T06:43:00.000+02:00

Made It !!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Just over 7 hours after leaving Base Camp we are all on top!!!!!

The Ridge

2011-05-23T06:42:00.000+02:00

The Ridge, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Well at over 6000m up it takes longer than you think to climb this thing!!!

LET'S GO!!!!!!

2011-05-23T06:41:00.000+02:00

LET'S GO!!!!!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

00.51 eating my brekkie and ready to rock this mountain

Let's not forget why we are here!!

2011-05-23T06:40:00.000+02:00

Let's not forget why we are here!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The Summit Ridge

2011-05-23T06:39:00.000+02:00

The Summit Ridge, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Wide enough for one!!!!

At least we are headed for the Sun!!!

Don't look down!!

2011-05-23T06:38:00.000+02:00

Don't look down!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Held in place by the rear crampon points - and a safety rope of course!

Trekking Peak

2011-05-23T06:37:00.000+02:00

Trekking Peak, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Does that look like a trekking peak to you???!!!!?

The sun is getting closer

2011-05-23T06:36:00.000+02:00

The sun is getting closer, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Good job too as I was starting to think I had the onset of frostbite in 3 of my fingers. That's a worrying thought I can tell you!!

Oh for my snowboard

2011-05-23T06:35:00.000+02:00

Oh for my snowboard, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Check out the powder!!

Sunrise

2011-05-23T06:34:00.000+02:00

Sunrise, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Perfect weather conditions - not much wind and hardly a cloud in the sky - in marked contrast to yesterday where it was a white out in terms of cloud

Like this one

2011-05-23T06:33:00.000+02:00

Like this one, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Island Peak Snow Fields

2011-05-23T06:32:00.000+02:00

Island Peak Snow Fields, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Note the odd path we have taken across the snow field well that is to avoid the huge crevasses that litter the mountain like a mine field

Dawn over Makalu

2011-05-23T06:31:00.000+02:00

Dawn over Makalu, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The sun begins to rise over Makalu which is the 5th highest mountain in the world. It also looks a little like a mini Everest

Climbing in the Dark

2011-05-23T06:30:00.000+02:00

Climbing in the Dark, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

What an experience covering the first 6 to 7 hundred metres in the middle of the night - a pitch black sky, an almost full moon, no clouds - the stars were out in force and the mountains were bathed in a beautiful lunar light. This photo was taken just as the sun began to come up.

Ice Cliffs

2011-05-23T06:29:00.000+02:00

Ice Cliffs, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

These are the Ice Cliffs at 'Crampon Point' - where you switch from regular hiking boots to full on mountaineering boots - fortunately we don't have to climb these ones. It's now about 4.30 am

Ready, Steady, Climb!!

2011-05-23T06:27:00.000+02:00

Ready, Steady, Climb!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Time to Go!!

2011-05-23T06:26:00.000+02:00

Time to Go!!, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

It's 1 am and we are just setting off for Island Peak - I have had about 3 hours sleep since arriving at Base Camp in the afternoon - combination of noise, excitement and altitude make it difficult to get some proper sleep.

Snowing

2011-05-23T06:25:00.000+02:00

Snowing, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

It's just started snowing at Base Camp and I got to tell you I am now beginning to get a little bit nervous - I have maybe an hour before I go to sleep - then 5 hours sleep - up at midnight for 'breakfast' and the first 5 hours will be covered by torch light!

And it's snowing but I suppose it is the Himalayas!

Mmmmmm

2011-05-23T06:24:00.000+02:00

Mmmmmm, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Tomato Soup is my favourite and I have been using up my stash of cup-a-soups!!

The cook has just 'made' this one and poured in enough garlic to keep the entire casts of True Blood and Twilight at bay! Apparently it's good for you at altitude!

Breakfast of Champions

2011-05-23T06:23:00.000+02:00

Breakfast of Champions, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Noodle Soup - gonna make me big and strong for the summit attempt!

Inside

2011-05-23T06:22:00.000+02:00

Inside, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Believe it or not this photo was taken inside and all the items of clothing are necessary to keep me warm!

This is effectively the end of Day 4 in terms of trekking and if it is this cold at 3800m where there is currently no snow on the ground and I'm inside then outside at over 5000m on Goyko Ri should be interesting.

What is the temperature I hear you say? That's easy - it begins with an F.

Lhotse Shar Glacier

2011-05-23T06:21:00.000+02:00

Lhotse Shar Glacier, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is just one of 3 major glaciers that are melting and adding dangerous volume to the Imja Tsho Lake.

Sitting alone beside something so powerful is quite a humbling experience.

Note the drop-off by the end of the sand, that is the cliff face leading directly down to the lake.

Imja Tsho Lake

2011-05-23T06:20:00.000+02:00

Imja Tsho Lake, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This picture was taken on Friday 20th May 2011 - this lake has grown by 35 million cubic metres since 1960. It is due to global warming causing the glacier next to it to melt.

Scientists are predicting a 'vertical tsunami' when this lake bursts its banks washing away everything in it's path - that will mean villages, bridges and people!!

Doggy 2

2011-05-23T06:18:00.000+02:00

Doggy 2, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

He's actually a pretty useful guide!

It just doesn't get any better

2011-05-23T06:17:00.000+02:00

It just doesn't get any better, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Doggy

2011-05-23T06:16:00.000+02:00

Doggy, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is my new friend - he has followed me from Chukkung to Island Peak Base Camp - that's quite a walk!!

Hopefully an old mongrel following you in the mountains is a sign of good fortune!

Island Peak Base Camp

2011-05-23T06:15:00.000+02:00

Island Peak Base Camp, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So after 15 days, 110km, 11000m in ascent, 3 major passes, 2 minor peaks, 7 nights in a tent and 1 new dog we have made it to Base Camp.

We are sitting at 5200m - 1000m more to the summit

We have just met with an expedition from the day before, two clients attempted the summit - 1 made it and 1 turned back at 5700m

Sitting at Base Camp it becomes very clear that this is a serious business and not everyone's dream will be realised.

I feel in good shape for the altitude and I am going to do which is give 110% and not stop until I hit my goal. There is no way that I'm going to give up.

I'll see you on the other side

Snowed In

2011-05-23T06:14:00.000+02:00

Snowed In, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

We are totally snowed in - it's 7.42 am on May 19th our supposed summit day but there is thick snow everywhere and heavy cloud.

Nothing to do but wait wait wait wait

May 19th - Snowing

2011-05-23T06:13:00.000+02:00

May 19th - Snowing, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

It seems it can snow on any day of the year here and mid May we had heavy snow for the whole night.

Today is summit day so actually that is good news that there is fresh snow so lets see how it goes....

Ama Dablam

2011-05-23T06:12:00.000+02:00

Ama Dablam, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Not far to go now and the scenery is getting even more fantastic - if that is possible!!

This is Ama Dablam, just under 7000m but one of the most challenging peaks in the region.

Today I have been practicing my rope techniques and all seems good - I'm feeling ready for Island Peak. All altitude problems have gone away - sleeping at 5400m - (higher than Everest Base Camp) generally does that. It's just time to get on with the job!

The Cho La

2011-05-23T06:11:00.000+02:00

The Cho La, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So this is the famous Cho La pass, the 2nd of 3 I will be crossing on my way to Island Peak.

It is devastatingly high - one of the highest passes in the world at over 5500 m.

Sitting in front of it and staring up at it is quite daunting - it is a 4 mile high wall of solid rock covered in ice and snow.

What is amazing though is listening to it. Every few minutes a huge rock bounces down it's walls, sending huge plumes of snow in to the sky.

Every time is sounds like a small avalanche. This thing is alive!

I'm sure you've all seen a waterfall but seeing a 'snow'fall is just something else - hundreds of cubic metres of snow cascading down the mountain side just like a waterfall but only it's snow.

I could sit here for hours and just watch this rock!

Amex Travel Service

2011-05-23T06:10:00.000+02:00

Amex Travel Service, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Well Amex Travel Service can eat their heart out - take it from me it doesn't get much more high end than this!!

Khumbu Glacier

2011-05-23T06:09:00.000+02:00

Khumbu Glacier, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This glacier comes down from Everest and you can see Pu Mori on the left which is not so high - around 6400m but is very very technical and claims a few lives each year due to rock fall and avalanche!

Watch out!

Kongma Ice Lake

2011-05-23T06:08:00.000+02:00

Kongma Ice Lake, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Can you believe it !!!
No fish!

Lobuche East & West

2011-05-23T06:07:00.000+02:00

Lobuche East & West, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Check out the Ice Fall between the two peaks - impossible to cross!

Nuptse

2011-05-23T06:06:00.000+02:00

Nuptse, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

A view of Nuptse which is almost 8000m and Everest is directly behind it - we are about to cross the Khumbu Glacier and head over the Kongma La Pass

Camping at 5053m

2011-05-23T06:05:00.000+02:00

Camping at 5053m, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This must be the most remote place I have ever camped - it is more than a 9 day walk from where you could land a plane!!

Facilities?

Whatever nature provides

Titanium Mug

2011-05-23T06:04:00.000+02:00

Titanium Mug, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is my Snow Peak 600 Titanium mug. I am very proud of this mug as it was a gift for being Best Man at Michael and Kelly O'Byrne's wedding on April 16th.

It is engraved underneath but showing you that would involve pouring Bachelors Cup - a - Soup on myself so that is not going to happen.

It is surprising though how by being thousands of miles away you can feel at home and close to your friends through something so simple.

Here's to Michael and Kelly, wishing them a happy marriage and a great Honeymoon!!

Gelsyn Sherpa

2011-05-23T06:03:00.000+02:00

Gelsyn Sherpa, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is one of our porters - Gelsyn
He is 20 and is one of 4 children and his oldest brother is 23. His mother is 36 - that's right she was married at 12 and had her first child at 13.

He has never really been to school due to his family's circumstances.

He has been a kitchen boy, a porter, a guide and his ambition is to become a climbing Sherpa - this is well paid work and will give him a future.

Of course he needs to learn the necessary mountain skills and most importantly he needs to learn English properly.

He had tonnes of charisma and is very entertaining and given the opportunity could really make something of his life.

His goal is to work at Everest Base Camp for 3 months next season as a kitchen boy and porter - this is bloody hard work.

For 3 months work (7 days a week) he will earn about 40,000 Nepalese rupees - that is less than 400 pounds.

With this money he plans to go to Kathmandu in the monsoon season (summer 2012) and learn English.

At the end of the trip I am going to surprise him by giving the money to the Head Sherpa and getting him there this summer.

It is incredible how much a small amount of money can make to someone's life - I know we talk a lot about how these little amounts add up but they really do make a difference.

Go Go Gelsyn!!!

Ngozumba Glacier

2011-05-23T06:02:00.000+02:00

Ngozumba Glacier, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

We have to cross this today and avoid any falling rocks!!

The Explanation

2011-05-23T06:01:00.004+02:00

The Explanation, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Om Mani Padme Hum

2011-05-22T11:35:00.000+02:00

Om Mani Padme Hum, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

These are the symbols for one of the most important mantra

Would you?

2011-05-22T11:34:00.000+02:00

Would you?, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

If you really had too?

Spot the Lake

2011-05-22T11:33:00.000+02:00

Spot the Lake, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The area on the left used to be a lake!!

Lunch Time

2011-05-22T11:32:00.000+02:00

Lunch Time, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Now you can see why I'm struggling with the food!

1 of 3

2011-05-22T11:31:00.000+02:00

1 of 3, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is Renjo La pass - the first of 3 high passes we will cross to reach Island Peak - why am I doing this again?

The White Stuff

2011-05-22T11:30:00.000+02:00

The White Stuff, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

It's official - Sherpa's are hardcore!!

This is Kanscha Sherpa on the day of the birth of his second daughter. His wife is in Kathmandu and to provide for his family this is his job.

We walked for almost 8 hours in this snow storm - climbing a 1000m ascent - that's as high as Ben Nevis in Scotland except not starting at sea level, starting at 4600m

One of the 17 year old porters,who has never been to school, could not carry the 50kg weight and Kanscha swapped his yellow rucksack (above) and carried the porters load to the summit of the pass - that is leadership!

Home

2011-05-22T11:29:00.000+02:00

Home, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Oh yes - the height of luxury at 5400m and surprisingly this tent was very warm even though when I woke in the morning it was covered in snow.

Fancy an Italian?

2011-05-22T11:28:00.000+02:00

Fancy an Italian?, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The trail leading to Gokyo which I mistakenly believed was the trail to real Italian food - it wasn't!!

Some American Trekkers had told me that there was an Italian chef in Gokyo and as I was dying from bad food the dream of fresh pasta kept me going through two hellish days.

The Med?

2011-05-22T11:27:00.000+02:00

The Med?, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

If it wasn't for the snow covered 7000m plus peak in the back ground you could be forgiven for thinking I took this in the Med - no this is the 3rd of 6 lakes which make up the Gokyo Lakes - all are glacial and unfortunately shrinking.

For anyone questioning the impact of global warming walking on dried up river beds and seeing the stones washed white were water used to flow removes any doubts that may have remained.

WWF 2

2011-05-22T11:26:00.000+02:00

WWF 2, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Everywhere you go in the Everest Region the WWF are working to protect the environment - this really is a special charity.

Gokyo Ri

2011-05-22T11:25:00.000+02:00

Gokyo Ri, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Is a 5356m peak set in the Gokyo Lakes region, it's a 2 hour 750m straight up climb but the view at the top is one of the best in the world.

See the peaks of the 8000m monsters stretching out above a sea of clouds. Impressive

Everest

2011-05-22T11:24:00.000+02:00

Everest, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

You just can't get enough photos of this monster of a mountain. The sun glinting on it's flanks as it towers over everything else.

For all it's impassiveness and great silence Everest makes a hell of a noise. It is screaming out to you. Challenging you. It's daring you to test yourself against it and in it's mighty presence it's all you can hear!!

Cho Oyu

2011-05-22T11:23:00.000+02:00

Cho Oyu, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is the Cho Oyu massif as seen from Gokyo Ri (5356m) at around 7am on Friday 13th - nothing unlucky about it for us today as the weather was perfect. Cho Oyu is one of the 14 8000m peaks and considered training for Everest

Weathered

2011-05-22T11:22:00.000+02:00

Weathered, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

What else can I tell you about this photo except I'm totally happy and ready for the Cho La Pass - possibly looking a little weathered but nothing 2 weeks in The Maldives won't fix!!

Camping

2011-05-22T11:21:00.000+02:00

Camping, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So our first night camping in the wild and as you can see i got a very cool tent - the snow happened in the evening but none the less I was surprisingly warm!

We Made It!!!!

2011-05-22T11:20:00.000+02:00

WOW - I am pleased to say we made it to the top of Island Peak at around 8am local time on Saturday morning after a 7 hour trek and climb.

The pictures are amazing and will follow in a day or two but I am pleased to say it was a fantastic experience and we got our WWF banner right on the top of the mountain. It was a 5 hour down climb so all in all 12 hours starting from 1am and getting back to base camp at 1pm - in a word - exhausting!

I also just discovered that Arsenal are now 4th in the league - how did that happen?

Anyway take care all and I will be back in Europe soon

Michael

It's a good job I'm Irish

2011-05-22T06:00:00.000+02:00

It's a good job I'm Irish, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So one of the problems of altitude is that your digestive system slows down as your body seems to think this is a non-essential activity.

No digestion means a stomach full of food not being turned into energy so naturally you feel tired, a little bloated and not hungry at all. This is not a good thing and those with sensitive stomachs at the best of times will find this hard to handle.

The solution is to force feed yourself food that is as plain as possible and I found the solution. 15 boiled potatoes!!

My Sherpa guide, Kanchha, is sitting watching me eat my potatoes and won't let me leave the table until I have eaten all of them!! I feel about 7 years old but even at 37, 15 boiled potatoes served on their own with no salt, pepper or butter is still a lot of potatoes.

As I said, it's a good job I'm Irish!

Just like my Dad used to say!

2011-05-18T06:21:00.001+02:00

So this morning I have walked for 2 hours to get to a village where there is an internet connection - I did walk in snow, I wasn't bare feet but it will be 3 hours back as it is all uphill!! Exactly what my Dad used to say in regard to him walking to school every day bare foot in the snow uphill both ways!!

Unfortunately there is no WIFI here so I can't send any of the photos or videos I've taken until I reach Namche Bazaar on the way down - another week I'd say.

I've completed the 3 passes, Renjo, Cho La and Kongma La and we are setting off tomorrow morning for Island Peak Base Camp - if I wasn't 100% ready when I arrived in Nepal then I certainly am now! I just can't wait to climb up that sucker and stick a flag on top of it!

Everything is going great - the Sherpa's are good fun and I am looking forward to my first hot shower in about 3 weeks.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Ice Cliff

2011-05-14T08:28:00.002+02:00

Ice Cliff, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

The dirty cliff is actually ice and as I stood and watched some rocks fell into the lake along with the ice - the ice will melt, the water will evaporate and eventually we will be left with just rocks!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Rock Fall

2011-05-14T08:23:00.002+02:00

Rock Fall, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

We walked (quickly) under this loose rock on the edge of the glacier.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Sunrise

2011-05-14T08:18:00.002+02:00

Sunrise, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

You just cannot beat a Himalayan sunrise - so this looks like the beginning of a perfect day but in fact turned out to be the beginning of the most physically demanding day of my entire life - seriously!!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Visibility

2011-05-14T08:17:00.002+02:00

Visibility, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This photo was taken at around 8am on Sunday 8th May in Namche just before we set off Thame. It gives having your head in the clouds another meaning entirely but none the less we made it to Thame no problems.

What was interesting was as the cloud lifted on the trail and it warmed up considerably you could actually see it snowing on the mountain peaks where we were headed.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Power

2011-05-14T08:11:00.003+02:00

Power, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

It really is difficult to comprehend what a glacier actually is - growing up eating Fox's Glacier Mints you think a glacier will be clear but it's far from it.

It is a mass of ice and rock just creeping slowly down hill BUT to see the devastation and destruction it causes by carving away the sides of mountains of rock is really something else - the relentless unstoppable power is awe-inspiring!!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

OMG

2011-05-08T09:58:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

Obviously the last few days I have had no internet access and currently only a limited dial up connection so no photo's I'm afraid - although I do have some awesome ones!!

Right now I am at Gokyo Lake which is stunningly beautiful and is right next to Mt Everest and a huge glacier - the views are spectacular.

Getting here has involved THE most physically demanding day of my entire life \and everyone that has donated I can assure you that your money has been earned 10x over.

1000m ascent in a snow storm from a starting altitude of over 4300m to cross the Renjo La Pass at 5300m is no mean feat and it took in total 8.5 hours with only a brief pause to eat. Follow that up by a wild camp just over the ridge at 5100m in continued snow did not make for the best evening of my life.

The few hours this morning into Gokyo were heaven in comparison and literally heaven and hell were combined in the last 24 hours.

Normally I am very positive but one thing I can say is that the food sucks big time - if I see another plate of camp food I will not be excited. I have been dreaming about Domino's Pizza and Block House steaks for the last few days - I am now ready to pay the delivery fee from the UK for a Full House with no mushrooms - I am not kidding.

Apart from that everthing is going well - tried out my new mountain boots and crampons today and that was lots of fun.

Hopefully I can send some photos on the next installment - crossing the Cho La Glacier in the next few days.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Namche to Thame

2011-05-07T16:56:00.002+02:00

Namche to Thame, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

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> So for all of you following my process closely on Google maps (as if) I am setting out from Namche Bazaar for Thame (Tar-May) early in the morning and as you can see the weather this evening is not exciting - snow on the way. We have two more nights of lodges before we start camping so I'm going to make the most of those!
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Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Minus 18

2011-05-07T16:49:00.002+02:00

Minus 18, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So my sleeping bag can handle minus 18 degrees centigrade the question is can I?

Also I uploaded a couple of videos on You Tube - search under "spikeey71"
And you should find them.

If you are wondering how I have so much time to do the blog and videos - the answer is you can't walk in the dark!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Handy Mountain Guide

2011-05-07T16:46:00.002+02:00

Handy Mountain Guide, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Everything you need to know about mountains in Nepal!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

The Death Zone

2011-05-07T13:30:00.002+02:00

The Death Zone, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Death Zone

The area above 8000m on mountain peaks is known as the death zone - there are 14 mountains over 8000m, 8 of them are here in Nepal.

The reason it's called the Death Zone is that our bodies are just not designed to withstand the harsh conditions and extended exposure to this altitude will result in death.

Bodily functions shut down leading to coma and then death.

If you were to be dropped on the summit of Mt Everest you would be gasping for breath immediately and very soon after you would black out and die from lack of oxygen.

In fact there is only 33% the amount of oxygen in comparison to sea level which is what makes climbing Everest so tough.

It is possible with correct acclimatisation to reach the summit of Everest without oxygen which was first achieved climbing legend Reinhold
Messner.

He is also the first man to climb all 14 8000m peaks. He has written many famous books (in German) with The Crystal Mountain being the most famous.

What is fascinating is that from pretty much above 4500m above sea level is generally inhospitable to all kinds of life not just humans.

When you consider the size of the universe with it's billions and billions upon billions of stars then our planet is tiny in comparison - we are literally floating on a speck of dust in the vast cosmos - and everything and everyone you have ever known and ever will know lives on this tiny speck of dust.

And even on this speck of dust we call home there are places that are deadly to human life, the freezing poles, the burning deserts and the oxygen thin mountains.

When you consider this it makes you realise we have but a fraction of a speck of dust to support our entire race and everything that has ever been and ever will be - from this perspective it makes you realise it is time to take care of our home.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Video??

2011-05-07T13:07:00.002+02:00

Video?? a video by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Morning Glory

2011-05-07T12:57:00.005+02:00

Morning Glory, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is the view from our lodge - honestly you can't get tired of waking up to that view!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Yak for Breakfast?

2011-05-07T12:57:00.004+02:00

Yak for Breakfast?, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

No of course not but this guy seems very eager to join us!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Hermann the German

2011-05-07T12:54:00.002+02:00

Hermann the German, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Guten Tag!!!

Hermann's war voll lekker!!

Funny thing - seeing this made me think about Felix and his love of kebabs!

Well I'm sure Felix and all the Marathon Runners are fully prepared for tomorrow and may the best team win!

Go on Felix just one more kebab!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

More Bridges

2011-05-07T12:52:00.004+02:00

More Bridges, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Very interesting - if you are into bridges!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Serious Bridge

2011-05-07T12:52:00.003+02:00

Serious Bridge, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Even if you are not into bridges this one is pretty serious - it's about 300m (maybe more) above the river. I quite enjoy them actually.

Everest

2011-05-07T12:49:00.002+02:00

Everest, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Although I'm not here to climb it is always exciting to see Mt Everest. You really cannot appreciate how massive it really is until you see it looming over its giant neighbours.

Everest is on the left and Lhotse (4th highest peak in the world) is on the right.

It's very common to see that tail of snow blowing off the top of Everest - they call it spin drift here.

Actually this morning (Friday) looks like a perfect day for a summit attempt. No cloud, clear skies and very little wind. The climbers would have been to the summit and on the way back down by the time I took this photo (10am). Although i couldn't see any on the summit ridge with my binoculars.

Normally they would have set off from their high camp (just under 8000m) to push for the summit (8848m) at around 1am or even earlier in some cases bearing temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees!!

More than 850m ascent in one day is a lot of effort at any altitude but doing it 5 miles above sea level is something else. The air is so thin that there is less than 40% the oxygen content that we are used to breathing everyday.

I wish all the people attempting Everest this season the best of luck and who knows I may even get some photos of some of them as I pass by Everest Base Camp which at this time of year is like a small town!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Research

2011-05-06T12:18:00.002+02:00

Research, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Did some research on our route and found this little paragraph above Days 18 - 20.

"travelling in the opposite direction is generally discouraged"

Guess what ..... Yup we are doing it in reverse!! Oh well!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Altitude

2011-05-06T12:15:00.002+02:00

Altitude, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

So actually we are at 3456m and as you can see we've climbed 1566m in the last two days - lots of up and down and up and down!!

The 5551m is getting smashed this time as that was the summit of Kala Pathar near Everest Base Camp - Island Peak here we come - 6200m

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Boots

2011-05-06T12:12:00.002+02:00

Boots, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Come on the German trekking boots - Meindels!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Namche Bazaar

2011-05-06T12:11:00.002+02:00

Namche Bazaar, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is it folks the view from my room.
It's pretty incredible how they built all this when the only way in or out is the way I walked - everything was carried!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Namchee

2011-05-06T12:10:00.002+02:00

Namchee, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Finally after a tough trek we make it to Namchee where we will stop for 2 nights to acclimatise. 3440m Not bad. That's more than 3 x higher than anywhere in the UK and almost upto Mont Blanc. Starting to get the severe headaches associated with this altitude! Not good.

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Yeti

2011-05-06T12:09:00.002+02:00

Yeti, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

I think this is the closest I will come to seeing a Yeti but it's good to know the legend is alive and well - the hotel looks nice - shame I'm not staying there!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Clouds

2011-05-06T12:08:00.002+02:00

Clouds, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Isn't it strange that there are no clouds at all except just where you want to go - it's kinda like being in the field, it only rains in your territory.

Nice view though! That's not Island Peak by the way it's Kongde Ri

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Twin Deluxe

2011-05-06T12:07:00.002+02:00

Twin Deluxe, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

....and this is where I did get to stay, actually pretty good by Everest standards. Note the empty bed - Alex where are you mate!!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Sagarmatha

2011-05-06T12:06:00.002+02:00

Sagarmatha, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

This is the national park for the Everest Region - actually Sagarmatha is what the locals call Everest - it means Earth Mother. Check out how much we are learning!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Bridges

2011-05-06T12:05:00.002+02:00

Bridges, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

There are plenty of these around - great fun if you like heights - not so much if you are crossing the same time as Yaks!!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

WWF

2011-05-06T12:04:00.002+02:00

WWF, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

Great to see WWF being involved in so many projects in this region - let's save some tigers - Grrrrr

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland

Stupa

2011-05-06T12:03:00.002+02:00

Stupa, a photo by appcogroup-deutschland on Flickr.

A Buddhist Stupa along the route from Lukla to Monjo - just make sure you pass it so it stays on your right or it is bad karma!

Michael Scully, Appco Group Deutschland