Alot changes in 24hrs

Well since we last blogged lots has happened.There was an " R " Party held at Gorak Shep with appearances from Rocky,rabbits,redheads and Al and myself doing the Rastas. An early start at 4am the next day for our Kalapathar summit, but Al went downhill rapidly during the night with head aches, D and V's, and was unable to climb.
To make the summit of 18200' was a real push digging deep with little Oxygen to work with.The sun rose behind Everest which along with Lohtse and Pamori still towered over us.The Sherpas Ang Naru and Dawa burnt Juniper at the top for safe travels and after photos and hugs we headed back down .
Steve and Al's condition was worse so the call was made to descend them to a lower level down to Pheriche.
"After having been awake most of the night with countless episodes i was so weak i could barely walk .Fortunately a horse was available along with a guide to lead us back down the hill. The terrain was very steep and rocky and staying on the horse was a test of endurance. After 6 hours we arrived at Pheriche."
The rest of the team pushed on to base camp and 3.5 hrs later dragged our very tired bods into the tents.The walk over the morrain had drained the last of our reserves.
What a buzz, not normally allowed for trekkers the -25 deg overnight at base camp with the cacophony of the Kumbu ice fall avalanching and the roar of the jet stream tearing through the mountain tops above gave a real sense of measure to the challenge ahead of the summit climbers.
We headed back down and rejoined Al and Steve and are now at 13000' where the air seems totally thick and full of oxygen such has been the acclimatising since last here at Pangboche.
Still the humour and laughs have carried us all despite the various hardships.

All part of the "Journey of discovery.."

For more photos and blogs of the journey go to:
www.mikeallsop.co.nz