This morning started with a radio check from our new camp, Camp 2 at 6650m, where Sam and Chris had spent a reasonable night at the new sleeping altitude. The weather was clear, the previous nights snow storm having cleared. Having put the tents up in the snow storm they could survey their location in the clear light of day, confirming that they were extremely close to the col. Their first task was to carry out a morning recce to ensure that the camp was in the most suitable location. Finding a crevasse almost on top of the col they decided to remain where they were and therefore set about enlarging the platform on which the tents were pitched. The crevasse may mean that the ladders purchased in Kathmandu come in handy after all. However, I do not relish the idea of carrying them up to 6650m!!

Whilst Sam and Chris were busy sorting out Camp 2, Andy, Ade and Val were en route from Intermediate camp to join them. In addition to their personal kit they were laden with loads to stock the new camp. They were intending to stay the night at Camp 2, thereby beginning the next phase of their acclimatisation. The loads included rations, climbing hardware and their personal equipment, which will hopefully ensure that they enjoy a comfortable night. For all of them the journey involved reaching new personal altitudes and took them just under 8 hours. Despite the exertions of the day they all sounded well at the 6pm radio check. Although Base Camp listens out at all hours of the day the scheduled radio calls between all teams on the mountain at 7am and 6pm provide the opportunity for specific items of food or equipment to be called forward, passing of weather reports and also as confirmation of the health of the team members.

Back at Base Camp other members were resting or involved in sorting loads for the coming days. The Sherpas, who are all on a well deserved rest after their recent hard work, sat playing cards and doing their washing. Tenzing, Pema and Nima are proving to be worth their weight in gold. Everything is done without complaint and with a smile and their performance at these altitudes is incredible. The further we ascend, the harder the work becomes and the more our respect for them grows.

Tomorrow the lead team at Camp 2 will begin work on the route to Camp 3. Four team members will also leave Base Camp for Camp 1, ready to take up the mantle at Camp 2 when the current lead team require a rest. We are hopeful that the current spell of good weather continues, thereby enabling us to progress up the mountain to the intended site of Camp 3 as rapidly as possible.