Heading down

ABC to Kathmandu

We are packing and expect the yaks this afternoon.

I have added some photos from Dawa's camera to the Down we come page.

6 Oct ABC

What a leisurely breakfast, Tibetan music ringing around camp and a clear Shishapangma stark white to the south-east. But it is time to go down, we have run out of olive oil to fry eggs, other (still high quality) cooking oil just doesn't taste as good.

Also the temperature has changed. It is even colder and although it is hard to see there is real wind on top of Shishapangma, real frostbite climbing conditions. If anyone else summits it will be a tough push. We were the commercial team who climbed the highest so far this season, and of course Iñaki did make the main summit. So we are as successful as can be in the conditions. I don't rule out another summit of the Central or Main summit this season, simply because not all the teams have left yet, The Japanese second team who are preparing for the semi-winter ascent of the South Face of Lhotse should be made of stern stuff - lets see.

Here are some photos taken a few days ago, yes, finally some team pictures.

Hans at Camp 2: photo by Clive.

Bob again by Clive. Bob admits to missing his wife.

Clive - another candid self-portrait.