So this will probably be the last written post I do before our summit attempt (unless something drastically changes in the next 12 hours or so). We’re off tomorrow morning for our final foray up the Ice Fall, starting at 4am! It’s incredibly exciting but also very nerve racking; not in particular this first part, having done it a couple of times now, but going back up the Lhotse Face I think will be a big mental challenge from having not been on top form last time we climbed it, and therefore remembering how difficult I found it.
We practiced with our oxygen masks today, as you can see from the photos, and learnt how to put together the mask, regulator and tank, and how to change them and sort out any problems with icing up. We’re using the old style Russian regulators, with new style masks with mini bottles that minimize wasting oxygen. The tanks are lighter than they look, weighing about 4kg each when full. We’ll be carrying two of them with us I believe when we move up to Camp Four, and will be sleeping with them over night at both Camp Three and Camp Four.
There’s isn’t anything else to report since yesterday, but in advance I want to thank Jenny for the birthday cake I know she’s making my dad for tonight, as his birthday is tomorrow! Again, a memorable birthday I should think, but also a long and difficult one. We’re heading straight up to Camp Two again, and expect it to take somewhere around 10 hours (I think that’s what it took us approximately last time…).
Well then, I’ll update you soon via an audio blog, and hope that you all stay safe and well whilst we’re up on this last rotation. Ttfn!
Goood luck, will be praying for your safe return x, happy birthday to your dadas well xx.
Good luck, good luck good luck!!!!
Thinking of you all.
SMc
Good luck, I am sure you will make it to the top xx
Thinking of you. Good luck and keep safe. xx
Good luck, be safe, and happy birthday to your dad!
Julie
Climb Smart!! I’ll be thinking of you and your Dad!!
Good luck Leanna and Mark!!!
Hopwood
Go for it Leanna and Dad. Thinking of you. Lots of luck. J x
Good luck leanna! 🙂
Happy Birthday to almost all the Shuttleworths! Best of Luck and GodSpeed for the final push. We will be thinking of you both every hour for as long as it takes. Much love Jonathon, Petra, Amelia and Toby!
Happy Birthday to almost all the Shuttleworths! Best of Luck and GodSpeed for the final push. We will be thinking of you both every hour for as long as it takes. Much love Jonathon, Petra, Amelia and Toby!
I think your GPS is having a wobble; your 4.55am marker is showing you heading way off up the wrong side of the icefall!
Watching your progress, good luck!
Good luck Leanna and Mr. Shuttleworth! Wish you all the best and a safe journey.
The Bhojwanis
Good Luck <3
Good Luck Leanna and Mark. Hope that you have a great summit day 🙂