Everest 2006: Fi and Paul: Base Camp Base Camp Base Camp

"Home" at Last

Mary here, Paul and Fiona left Camp 2 early this morning and came down safely through the Ice Fall and into Base Camp.

I climbed up to just past the crampon point to meet them and believe me, that was tiring! I was thrilled to be there and welcome them back-to actually see them and hug them!!

It was so exciting watching them coming down this morning-you can see them for ages.....just like little ants on the landscape.

They are remarkably fit and well, and although very tired, are in really good shape.

Although they had a very early breakfast up there, the Sherpas here gave them a second one of bacon and eggs, potato and pancakes! They really enjoyed it and are about to have a shower. Well, a bucket wash, but I can assure you, it is amazing how refreshing a bucket wash is. (Perhaps it could be introduced into drought affected Melbourne!)

Departing Base Camp
Base Camp is a very different place now- many of the tents are packed up as all the different groups prepare to leave. The weather is much warmer now and much of the ice has melted so there is a lot more water around.

We are going to pack up our bags this afternoon and head off downhill tomorrow. What took 12 days on the way in will only take about 4 days going out because you don't have to worry about acclimatization on the way out.

We will stay in the lodges again and walk down to Lukla and then fly in that little plane again, but this time down to Kathmandu.

I am not sure when we leave Kathmandu as we have to change tickets etc but will know in the next couple of days.

I really want to thank Paul and Fiona for allowing me this unique and special opportunity to join then at Base Camp and to be a small part of their wonderful adventure. I think they are two of the bravest and most dedicated people I know and their generosity in sharing their trip with everyone has been fantastic.

Cheers, Mary

Updates

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

   Ascenders

   Atlas snowshoes

   Atomic

   Big Agnes

   Black Diamond

   Brunton

   Carabiners

   Chaco

   Cloudveil

   Columbia
   CMI

   Crampons

   Edelweiss ropes
   Eureka Tents

   Exofficio

   FiveTen

   Featured

   FoxRiver

   Gregory

   Granite Gear

   Harnesses
   Headlamps

   Hestra
   Helmets

   Helly Hansen

   HighGear

   HornyToad
   Ice Axes

   Julbo

   Kavu Eyewear

   Katadyn

   Kelty

   Kong

   Lekisport

   Life is Good

   Lowa

   Lowe Alpine

   Lowepro

   Millet

   Motorola

   Mountain Hardwear

   Mountainsmith

   MSR

   Nalgene

   New England Ropes

   Nikwax

   Omega

   Osprey

   Outdoor Research
   Patagonia

   Pelican

   Petzl

   Prana

   Princeton Tec

   Primus

   Rope Bags

   Royal Robbins

   Salomon

   Scarpa

   Scott

   Seattle Sports

   Serius
   Sleeping Bags

   Sterling Rope

   Stubai

   Suunto

   Tents

   Teva

   Thermarest

   Trango

   Tool Logic

   Trekking Poles
   Yaktrax
   and more here