Our team on the ridge pushed out 500 metres of fixed rope today along the narrow snow ridge towards Peak 3, which we have to cross to get to the South East Col. The weather has been kinder today, although still overcast, the winds have not been as fierce. The remainder of us have enjoyed a much needed rest day at Base Camp, which has given us the opportunity to wash ourselves and our clothes in the ice cool glacial river flowing below our camp site.

Interestingly enough, a team from Kazakhstan arrived in the valley today, they are going to attempt a climb on the West Buttress of the mountain and we popped down to say hello to them.

For your interest today, we have included a report from our food rep, so you can understand what we eat and see a little of our daily routine.

FOOD MEMBER'S REPORT

As the food member I thought I would update our readers on what our daily food routine is:

0600 A typical day starts with a mug of hot tea provided by the cook staff.

0615 The staff then provide a bowl of hot washing water for the keener members of the team (RAF).

0630 The less keen enjoy a luke warm bowl of water (ARMY).

0655 Fortunately I am not adverse to washing in cold water along with the remainder of my tent (the Bagpuss Tent)!

0700 Breakfast commences in the mess tent. This generally consists of musli/cornflakes with hot milk, either porridge or a rice pudding type offering. This is usually supplemented with an egg- boiled/scrambled/omelette, coupled with bread or a pancake that has been homemade. On occasion there will be "mystery meat" or as today, we had a treat of baked beans.

0800 Load carry/climbing begins - although this is dependant on weather and may start much earlier or later. Each member will take a number of snacks ranging from "Haribo StarMix" and Cadbury Boost bars to N-R-G Bars, generously provided in their thousands by SPAR and WholeBake respectively.

1300-1400 -(Approx) Our current load carry takes 5 hrs and the cook staff provide a rolling lunch for our return. With hot juice or 'Tato Jucy' as we arrive back in camp. Lunch then consists of copious amounts of soup, typically noodle,vegetable or "mystery leaf" flavour. All home made of course, this assists with our re-hydration process. Biscuits and liver(ish) pate is also available at lunch.

1400-1800 There is an endless supply of hot water or "Tato Pani" which is painstakingly brought up from the glacial river and prepared by the staff. This allows us to use the Cup-a-soups, hot chocolates and coffee again provided by SPAR.

1800 Main Meal - The first course is always a soup with either popcorn or Chinese prawn crackers! The next course is pre-empted by much debate within the team and roars of excitement when the thermal pots are brought into the tent. Again shouts of laughter or commiseration reverberate through the tent as the delicacies are unveiled. This probably adds to confusion within the cookstaff as goat curry and chips receive the same decibels as the less popular Dhal (lentils) with the "special" orange sauce (produced by the unique blander!). Either way the effort and preparation by the staff in genuinely extreme circumstances, is not lost on the team. Miraculously pudding follows shortly and consists of fruit and sometimes custard (just like Mum's).

In short although there are occasionally some differences in palates between us well fed Brits and that of the Hill people of Nepal, there is no doubt to their amazing character, cheerfulness and the efforts of the cook staff ably led by "Sam sheea" - (Head Chef) and "Uwigit" - (No2 on the Stove). Observing them, is yet another privilege of coming on this expedition.

Aleck Burrell