Base Camp R&R

16/09/13

The first of two rest days for the team have brought welcome lay ins, albeit only 07.30 but it was greatly appreciated by us all. The morning was taken up by general admin, many a boxer short and sock blew in the morning wind. We were visted by the HIMEX leader Russell Brice, and Phil Crampton owner of Altitude Junkies. General chat was had over many brews alongside an epic cheese board, to determine the next rotation of climbing up the mountain. Kit and equipment was discussed, with orders put in for more harness metal work.

The cook staff treated us all to a resturaunt standard sizzling chicken dish  to entertain the pallete, complete with the actual metal sizzling dish halfway up the mountain! After dinner entertainment consisted of a questionable film with mixed reviews however the Sherpas and cook staff who joined us thoroughly enjoyed it. With the moon shining brightly in the sky there was no need for head torches retiring to our tents.

 

 

17/09/13

An even later lay in had all of us half concious at the breakfast table around 08.30 adequately refreshed. Fuelled up on chocolate pancakes Jon conducted low level training on movement with a jumar on fixed ropes. As well as using both a figure eight and body abseil techniques with and without gloves. After a quick spot of lunch Jim orchestrated the issuing, fitting, and use of the oxygen masks and cylinders. The oppurtunity was taken to inhale copious amounts of oxygen. Everyone cut away to try on the masks with personal goggles and headwear to ensure correct fitting. As is the norm with rest days we are settling down to pizza and another film, hopefully better than last nights mistake! “Sucka Punch” which was ill recieved by many except the Sherpas.

For those who have asked,  all expedition photos are copyright of REMEC.