22.10.2011 - Big snow fall
Unfortunately, as happens in the big mountains, the weather has not cooperated. An unexpected big fall of snow overnight put an end to the summit push.
For safety, and taking into account the team members and what they felt able to tackle, the amount of fresh snow, on top of an existing deep base, meant that continuing to push for the summit was not a feasible option.
So all members of the team are now back in camp, and in the next day or so will start the trek out.
Everyone is apparently in good spirits - it has been a great trip, and everyone gave it their best shot. Even with the best planning, and allowing several extra days to go for the summit, it does not always pan out. Of course the teams cannot afford to wait another week or so for better weather, homes are waiting and flights booked, so the top of Himlung has eluded them for now. Maybe next time!
19.10.2011
All continuing to go well for the Himlung team. Today and yesterday the team are resting, preparing for a summit push in a few days. The sherpas yesterday headed up to fix ropes on the more exposed sections, but the western contingent of the team get to rest and relax and store up some energy!
The plan is to summit before the 24th at this stage, the team will be acclimatised, ready and rested.... and the weather looks good before that. Winds will possibly pick up again after that, and temperatures drop again, so it is all falling into place nicely!
Next message will probably be a summit day report....
17.10.2011 - Advance Base Camp!
Scott reported in late yesterday, but it was very difficult to communicate over the satellite phone, the line was fuzzy, and it was quite windy, so it was not possible to have an in-depth conversation!
However what news I did get told me that the team are now at ABC (probably around 5200m), and gradually acclimatising. I have been updating them on weather forecasts, so subject to their assessment in the field, it is looking good for a summit day either on the weekend or very early next week.
It sounds like there is a bit of snow around, so they have a bit of work ahead of them to break trail.... but who said it was going to be easy?! There is a bit more snow forecast later this week as well, but hopefully only a few centimetres. Fingers crossed that the weather cooperates - it has been extremely windy and cold over the past week, but the winds are forecast to drop just over the scheduled window for summitting, what perfect timing!!
11.10.2011 - Arrived at Base Camp
I spoke to Scott, guide for Himlung 2011 team today - the team have arrived at Base Camp (BC)! All is progressing well - they have now finished the easy part of the trip and are now looking at the serious end of business, climbing the mountain.
The sherpas have headed up the valley to set up Advance Base Camp and check the route, and the climbers would now be starting to sort through gear and think about the big day, especially now that they are at the foot of the mountain. Some gear can be left at BC, to lighten the load, so time to work out what is not needed up higher (definitely leave the t-shirts and shorts behind at this stage!). Summit day will probably not be for at least another 10 days or so, so there is still plenty of work to do before then, moving between camps and acclimatising.
02.10.2011 - Himlung 2011 team have headed into the hills.....
Everyone was a bit weary when they first arrived in chaotic Kathmandu, after long flights and busy lead-ups to departure. But with the excitement of finally getting here and being about to head into the mountains of Nepal for an adventure, this was enough to energise all climbers!
The team have had a busy couple of days with last minute preparations in Kathmandu, but headed for the hills early this morning Kathmandu time.
All gear has been sorted, packed, amended and added to where necessary - the shops in Thamel have received their fair share of business over the past couple of days! But now the adventure begins in earnest, the luxury of the Shanker Hotel is left behind and time to get on with climbing a mountain!
More news as it comes to hand, not daily, maybe weekly?! But rest assured the team are in the hands of possibly the best Sherpa team around! With Gyanu, Head Cook, to take care of nutritional needs they are in for a fantastic trip.
The team, outside the Shanker Hotel. Bright eyed and ready to go at 6am on a Sunday - true commitment!
September 2010 DCXP under new ownership
For 2011, Katie Sarah has taken over the reins
and will be putting her own spin on things. And Duncan has diverted
into the field of mineral exploration.
Into
the new year and beyond, DCXP will focus on groups to the
Himalayas, South America and Africa. So ideally you have a minimum of 6
people ready and committed to join in an adventure. But even if you do
not have that many, please get in touch as we may still be able to help
you if we have a few other registered interested parties. Or at the
very least we have some amazing colleagues around that world that we
would be happy to point you towards so that even if we cannot help, we
can assist you to have an amazing adventure with an excellent reputable
operator.
We already have a few groups of friends, plus
several school/charities keen to get out into the great outdoors in
2011, so it promises to be a fantastic year!
We currently have groups booked for Everest Base Camp treks, Mt Saribung and Mt Himlung, with strong interest in Kilimanjaro and South America. So give us a call if you are keen.