Youth Venture

May 9, 2008 - 7:29am — MountEverest2008

The Test

Camp II

China summitted and we now have the greenlight to climb. (thanks for those posting comments with the news)

If yesterday's travel from Camp I to Camp II was 'no sweat' - tomorrow's challenge of moving up the Lhotse Face from Camp II to Camp III will be, in contrast, the ultimate test. According to some, the trip is the hardest of the entire expedition. The day will be long (about 11-12 hours), the route steep (40-60 degree incline the entire way), and the air super thin (Camp III is at 23,500ft). The lack of oxygen is significant- the next time we visit Camp III, we'll actually be using supplemental oxygen. Not the case this time though. We are deliberately straining our bodies, forcing them to kick into 'make a lot of red blood cells mode' - doing so will help us to acclimatize and therefore be better prepared for our climbing above 24,000ft.

So, to be clear, you make it to Camp III, and you've earned yourself a spot on the summit team. Alternatively, you don't make it, and it's likely adios amigo. Sad, but true- and a necessity to ensure we have a capable summit team (capable defined as able to safely attempt the summit). Maybe this sounds a little "Glen Gary, Glen Ross" (first prize is a car, second prize a set of steak knives, third prize... there is no third prize, you're fired!). Such are the terms at this point though- if you don't like them, some tea will be waiting for you at base camp, perhaps the fluffy dog of the Icefall will comfort you too.

It's game time virtual climbers. We wake at 3am for a long day of no pain, no gain. I'm nervous, excited, and hopefully ready for the challenge. And my next posting should be telling. This is a test - I pray I have the strength, drive, and perseverance to pass it.