Everest 2006: N. Ireland and England Everest 2006 Expedition: updates

Monday night brought the first snow to base camp, and when we wrestled ourselves out of our tents this morning we were confronted by more than a few centimeters of snow. As you can imagine with the limited clothing we had this was not a pleasant surprise. We all then assembled for breakfast and shortly after a lorry arrived with, you guessed it, our equipment! After all the hassle it was hard to believe but it had finally come through, and was sitting on a lorry in front of us. Now this arrival caused major panic and even those in bed, Fergal & Andy managed to get up!

We then unloaded the contents and set about checking that all had been delivered, now as expected, the head torches and few other items were missing but nothing to stop us climbing the mountain. Morale has hit an all time high, with Adrian now having something more to lose, all the rest of us were just glad to receive enough equipment & food to go higher and have a chance at climbing Everest. So now the ball is firmly back in our court and it's up to us to make the most of this opportunity. Otherwise today has been a quiet day with little other excitement. Neill

Well speak for yourself- quiet day indeed! Between the squeals of excitement form hardened mountaineers, when the barrels arrived to the grunts of trying to put on warm gear, it has been quite a day!

Personally I have really enjoyed the barrels arriving. Not only has it meant clean warm clothes (which was essential when snow has arrived), but to my amazement Geoffrey has packed enough chocolate and sweets to stock a shop! So tonight I shall look forward to a good nights sleep in thick warm down sleeping bags, and in the mean time I shall snuggle up in the mess tent beside a heater wearing my newly arrived down boots and my ... down jacket. Kate

For me waking to yak bells and snow on the ground reminded me of a perfect Christmas morning. As Neil has already said our kit arrived and after 16 days in the same clothes this was really a treat for me ,I have to thank everyone for the things they shared especially Allan who has been a savior more than once. Next time I do this I will chose traveling companions who are more my size as everyone was willing to offer a medium something.

Adrian.

Dispatches

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