The main aim of today for the team was to get some further acclimatisation
in by climbing up to the West Col to the sight of Camp One (C1)
in light order. The sun hit the camp at 0800 and we set off across
the glacier to the foot of the Col about two hours away. The couloir
leading to the col is about 250m long and at an angle of about
45-50 degrees. Normally this is firm snow but today it was blue
ice! Nima (our Sirdar) has crossed this pass many times but had
never seen it so icy. The previous day some of our Sherpas had
put fixed rope up the gulley to assist progress but even with
this our porters were unable to get up the slope and had to ditch
there loads. Four of the members made it to the top and were able
to assist in unravelling the melee but the remainder of the team
turned back at the half way point to prevent further confusion
on the ropes! The conditions will require a re-think on our logistic
plan over the next 24 hours.
