Tue 20 Apr - Listening to my body
Despite the Oxygen not a good night. Up at 4am
to start the climb through the ice field . After 2 hours I began to
feel dizzy which continued. Kenton had assigned one of the top
Sherpas to specifically accompany me. The Sherpa was so concerned
that the dizziness could cause a serious accident, that we agreed
to return to BC. The fact is that through lack of sleep and
altitude physically I’m going backwards. I’m thinking more and more
of the original Dr’s advice “to listen to your body. I’ve nearly
reached 20,000 ft, but what do I gain putting myself further at
risk to be able to return and say I have reached, ex
24,000ft.
Wed 21 Apr - The end of the road
Kenton agrees I have reached the end of the
road. We each feel that we have let the other down. This is
certainly not the case. I arrived in Nepal fit enough, I believe,
to achieve success, and Kenton’s leadership and organizational
skills have been excellent. What I have suffered was not to be
anticipated. “A curved ball” as Kenton put it.
I will remain at BC for a few days and then I
will start the trek back to Kathmandu on my own. Kenton queried
whether I could find the route but I assured him I could, and if in
doubt I shall follow the piles of yak dung. It will be 3 – 4 days
to Lukkla where I will catch the small plane to Kathmandu
My thoughts – my cup is certainly half
full…
1.
I have trekked to BC through wonderful countryside and mountains –
a huge experience
2.
I have enjoyed life at BC. I have never felt so detached from the
world. The only considerations are food, hygiene, regular body
functions and sleep. Someone mentioned an ash cloud over Europe and
all airports closed – Really! What’s for dinner.
3.
I have climbed Everest’s first obstacle the Khumbu Ice fall
including ladders.
4.
I thought I would have difficulty with failure to summit, but
actually I feel that I have given it my best shot, and will happily
live with that.
5.
I’ve enjoyed the company of a team who have all made it a success,
interesting and fun.
6.
And all this at the age of 64
Everest – I just had to find out.
Namaste from BC,
David
