EveRRest 2022 - The quest for Base Camp!

I got very excited, updating work people and our Justgiving site that I didn't actually share the exciting news here. Saturday morning was the big day and despite not feeling great, Anne and Edward made it to Gorak Shep for a tea break before the big trek to Base Camp. It was so cold that water bottles froze and it's tough moving about at that altitude so a long day. Edward was quoted as saying he's never doing this again. I guess I can't persuade him to come with me next year ... The group took Reuben's photograph with them and it was emotional and a fitting reminder as to why we are going through this. Saturday night was back in Gorak Shep before a descent of 1000m the next day, hopefully to some thicker air! Monday's trek was 'just' 5 hours but this meant time to visit the monastery in Tengboche and the 400m descent means some richer vegetation.  Here's some photos from Edward from Base Camp and the start of the journey back. Still time to donate ...

At nearly 5000 metres altitude now. I understand most of the group are feeling the effects of the altitude (53% of the usual oxygen!) now so let's send all our positive vibes for the early start up to Gorak Shep tomorrow and cross EVERYTHING that Edward and Anne make it to Base Camp.  From the photos it's looking much more wintery and rugged. Proper Himalayas now.  Photo by James Phillips

Not getting as many updates now as WiFi and charging gets patchier but had word from another trekker that today was an acclimatisation trek up to 4800m then back down to Dingboche to rest for the evening. I'm starting to get a feel for how much of a challenge this really is. Sickness at this altitude seems pretty common and it's -6°C overnight so not easy conditions but worth it for such a good cause! According to the itinerary tomorrow is a trek up to Lobuche then all being well the big day will be Saturday. I can't imagine how it will feel to reach Base Camp especially in the knowledge that after that it's all downhill, in a good way.  Thanks for all the support again. We are not far off our fundraising target either so thanks so so much! Photo by James Phillips. Look at that view! 

Thanks to there being wi-fi even up in the Himalayas, we are still getting updates from Edward and Anne. Today was another tough climb after getting up at 6am. After 5 hours of trekking to the lunch spot the weather changed somewhat with thunder, lightning and hail. Thank goodness for ponchos. Sounds like a tiring day but the views still look great!

Day 4 of the trek sounded a tough one covering 11km in 8 hours to reach Phortse. The paths look steep and the group are seeing yaks now as it's too high and steep for mules etc. It's getting colder at night and I think the toughest parts of the trek are to come.  Edward's sending some photos through still so phone signal must still be good and I know they all appreciate all the support.  Check out the contour lines on the map of today's route: Tonight's accommodation with a view: You can see the path on this one: Hardy travellers: Very hardy travellers!

Edward and the group have completed the next part of the trek up to Namche Bazaar. They crossed 7 hair-raising suspension bridges (really not looking forward to those next year) and made it to Namche on Sunday. To help cope with the altitude they are staying Monday night in Namche as well and have been on a hike today to help acclimatise and to get their first glimpse of mighty Mount Everest. Spirits seem high but it sounds challenging trekking at that altitude. Edward said for the first few minutes each trek is hard to breath and get your heart rate down. The views look spectacular but it's definitely hard work up there by the sounds of things. Here's some photos of day 2 and 3 of the trek. There's full 4g signal in Namche but we don't know how it will be further along.  Thanks everyone for the support and it's so great seeing the donations coming in.  You can donate here if you are able. At the Everest viewpoint Looking forward to the food!...

Edward and Anne are off! On Thursday they flew out, arriving in Kathmandu on Friday after a long layover in Doha, a wait for baggage and a power cut. An early start on Saturday morning got them into Lukla on a Twin Otter just before flights were stopped due to bad weather. Day one to Phakding was completed and today the long trek to Namche Bazaar is underway. Here are some photos so far (Thanks to fellow trekker James Phillips for some of those) and thanks so much for the donations that keep coming in. I'll continue to update the blog with updates from the team where I can but can't help feeling a bit jealous of the warm weather so far, though that will change quickly!  The flight to Lukla Team Reuben's Retreat at the airport View down the runway at Lukla The road to Namche Ok so at least my shower is indoors Night one's accommodation