Flying to Makalu's Advanced Base Camp set at an altitude of 5700m is surreal. It's like being dropped off at a snow-capped summit of Kilimanajaro. Our heli pilot with oxygen bottle attached to his nostrils turns around and asks whether we know where the ABC actually is. We … [Read more...]
Easter on Everest
Processions of yaks and somber men with heads covered in cloaks surrounded by awe-inspiring cathedrals. Long and tiring pilgrimage journey to see a miracle. Fiery gales that pick up stones and humans and throw them mercilessly to the ground. It was only fitting to return … [Read more...]
No Place Like Home
Day 11 of the #Everest2016 expedition: I get awakened from an 11 hour slumber by a shout: 'Wake up, Rob Smith is here'. I slowly open my eyes, collect my wits and crawl out of the tent. It's gorgeous morning with bright blue sky with no sign of last night's heavy … [Read more...]
Slow Travel Movement
Day 4 of the expedition: another 10 miles in the bag - now 60% done (!), no team member in the water (yay!) and no bear feet prints (hum!) - an uneventful day and a 10 hour slog. 'We could have driven across the whole state of Colorado today', says … [Read more...]
Walking on Water
Every night I sent my family my GPS coordinates via a DeLorme map. Last night's Tim's reply to my message read: 'Your geo location is pointing to the middle of the sea on the website.... Hope the ice is holding'... Those Brits have a dry sense of humour. Gentle reminder to … [Read more...]
