Apr 23 2009
To Camp 2 and back
At the crack of dawn on 15 April, we set off for our 2nd acclimatization cycle, which brought us to Camps 1 (6,100m) and 2 (6,500m). This was the first time on this climb that we’d be reaching an altitude of 6,500m. We had with us our Sherpas, Kami, Jamling and Dawa. We headed up the Khumbu Icefall at 5.30am, traveling through the giant blocks of ice in semi-darkness. Climbing in the morning also meant having to endure low temperatures, and it was through this blanket of sub-zero coldness that we journeyed through multiple crevasses and vertical sections with the use of ladders.
The sun hit us around 9am in the icefall, and the sun’s rays started taking a toll on our energy. We had to stop every now and then to hydrate and consume food. We also had to remove the warmer pieces of clothing on us to help with our ventilation system.
Camp 1 is rather exposed to the elements and we stayed in our tents mostly to stay out of the howling winds. The next day, we moved off around 7am for an acclimatization hike up to lower Camp 2. That helped us stay active at altitude which is an important factor in our acclimatization cycle.
We climbed up to Camp 2 the following day, up the Western Cwm. Temperatures are known to be blazing hot in the cwm because we’re traveling through the basin of a valley, where most of the heat gets trapped and reflected. Therefore we started early in the morning around 6am to avoid the heat. Even though the terrain wasn’t particularly steep, every step we took was draining because of the high altitude. We arrived at Camp 2 in time for an early lunch, and helped set up the tents which we would call ‘home’ for the next 3 nights.
From Camp 2, we were able to behold the magnificent Lhotse Face, which we will be climbing up to reach Camp 3 (7,400m) on our next acclimatization cycle. We’re heading up to Camp 3 within the next week, and we hope to bring you more updates when we return from Camp 3 in about a week’s time!
10 responses so far
Hi,
Another vital step in the grueling ascent. This is incrementally significant to your confidence and motivation.
Know that your fellow Singaporeans are vicariously trudging along with you, lending their encouragement and steadfast support every step of the way, as you ascend inexorably towards your ultimate destination, the peak.
Jia You!
Ladies! Keep up the ENERGY!!!!
We ALL at NATAS are so proud of you girls!!
It must be really cold up there….just the opposite here in SINGAPORE…it’s really hot here!!
Sign off now….we are looking out for your next posting..
Hey! All the best for your climb to Everest’s peak on May 9!
Jiayou! I believe that your will be able to make it as a whole team
Be positive!
Conquer Mt.Everest!
Jia you! =)
Great! This shows your determination and confidence, you are almost there! Wish you all the best, keep it up. Keep on sending the pictures. Thanks. Milan (Singapore).
Hi, Ladies. Keep it up and take good care. We all in S’pore are supporting you and I will keep you all in my prayers.
Hi ladies, you are history in the making. Congratulations on making Camp 2. Awesome feat. We in Singapore will pray and root for all of you. All the best. Keep posting.
Terence
(Singapore)
It’s been more than a decade since I read Jon Krakauer’s account of the Khumbu icefalls and it still sends shivers down my spine. You girls will traverse it several times in acclimatisation.
May you always have the benefit of unshifting ice, reliable ladders and equipment, good weather… along with loads of divine protection.
Hi, Ladies,
My thought is always with your team. Are all of you ok?
Slow and steady wins the race.Please let the weather be conducive before you embark on the final journey to reach the top.Jamling is very experienced so you are in good hands.
Godspeed
Sujata