A light dusting of snow covered the tents at Base Camp when we rose at 6am. Thick mist covered the valley and a light but quite biting wind was blowing. Ian Singleton, our equipment member, set about sorting the equipment in to loads ready for the lift to our intended Camp 1 at 5700m. We needed to get enough food, tentage and climbing equipment up in one lift to support the intended climbing that will take place tomorrow along the ridge. Four team members were moving up with their own personal climbing equipment and would occupy Camp 1.

By 8am the first team members were starting the 900m of ascent, bags laden with equipment and food. The path up to the ridge was reasonably well trodden and despite the heavy loads most kept up a steady pace. The visibility had not improved dramatically, perhaps a blessing in disguise as we were unable to view the distant aiming point. After 3 hours the first team members had reached the site of Camp 1 and set about erecting the 3 tents (2 for team members and one for storage). The remainder of the team members arrived over the following 20 minutes and the various loads were unpacked and safely stowed. Camp 1 is situated in quite a sheltered spot, which will enable the lead pairs to sort the equipment ready for the climb as well as getting a good nights sleep. Out of the shelter of Camp 1 the wind was beginning to pick up, with snow being picked off the ridge above.

Those of us descending down to Base Camp shouldered our now empty rucsacs and began the descent whilst the pairs at Camp 1 prepared to reconnoitre the route. We will get a radio update from them at 1800 hrs.

Back at Base Camp the mist continues to prevent us viewing any activity above. We concentrate on rehydrating and restocking energy levels in preparation for a repeat load carry tomorrow. Over the next few days it will be vital to get Camp 1 fully stocked with the tents, food, rope and equipment ready to move them across the ridge to the proposed site of Camp 2 at 6400m.

Colin Scott
Expedition Leader