Story
Update 17/05/2007. We're now safely back in Kathmandu after a couple of long days driving through Tibet in our trusty Toyota Land Cruisers. We crossed the border this morning after a sleepless night spent celebrating in the local bar. We've a spare day to go shoppnig and then the long flight back to the UK.
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Update 13/05/2007. Success! This afternoon saw us reach the North Col of Everest. The views were fantastic and stretched for many miles with views of Cho Oyu and Makalu. A complete contrast to the summit of Lhakpa Ri which we reached 2 days ago - that was in a blizzard and almost white-out conditions. Now we just have to be careful and make sure that we return from the mountain OK.
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Update 04/05/2007. We have been at Everest Base Camp now for 5 days acclimatising. Tomorrow we leave base camp and start the 3 day trek and head up to advanced base camp. We will stay there for 3 days and then weather permitting have a go at the mountain.
I am fit and well and ready for the off!
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Update 25/04/2007. I'm now sat in front of a chinese keyboard in Lhasa, Tibet. You might think that I've been having a tough time, but so far it's been nothing but 4 star hotels. I have a wonderful view of the Potala Palace from my room. We've spent most of our time acclimatising which means wandering around the back streets and drinking plenty of water. There are 7 of us on the trip and all seem great guys. So far I've taken nearly 400 photos so be prepared to be bored when I get back!
The flights over went fine but went on far too long. Lots of queueing and filling in of forms. Changing time zones was a bind - not sooner had we got used to Kathmandu time than we had to fly to Tibet resulting in more jet lag. On our first night in Nepal I managed to get badly bitten around my ankles as we stayed out too late toasting each other's health. Then when I've come higher into Tibet the bites have swollen so that I look like I have chicken pox!
It's Wednesday evening now so I remain in Lhasa on Thursday and then we head out on the 2 day drive to Everest Base Camp on Friday morning.
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Update 19/04/2007. I've started packing now and trying to cram 30kg of gear into a large gear bag. Hopefully it will fit in otherwise I will have to leave my comfort food behind (digestives, biscuits and HP sauce).
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Update 18/04/2007: Another barrier gone - thanks once again to everybody! I'm not going to change it againas it's too close to when I leave, but I'd just like to say that it's provided a big boost for me knowing that everyone is prepared to give so much. Now it's my turn to deliver!
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Update 13/04/2007: Once again your generosity has outstripped my expectations! We've exceeded the £750 barrier so it's been put up to £1000 to keep you reaching into your pockets - thanks to Suzanne Roe for getting the ball rolling again!
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Update 11/04/2007: Well we reached the target of £500 pretty easily, eh! So I've just raised the bar a bit to £750 to see if I can squeeze a little more from your post-bonus pockets. Thanks to all who have donated so far - there's an additional £45 if I am successful on both peaks.
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Update 10/04/2007: Wow! £215 in one day! I just feel humbled that so many people are prepared to give up their hard-earned money for such a good cause. It makes it seem that I've got the easiest task of all of us. For those of you who've asked, the North Col of Everest is just out of sight to the right of the picture on this page.
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Fundraising Information: In April and May I am travelling to Tibet to attempt to climb my highest mountain yet, Lhakpa Ri and, if I can acclimatise well enough, I will attempt the more difficult ascent to the North Col of Everest. It will be an arduous experience and I'll be away from home for 4 weeks.
Lhakpa Ri stands in the shadow of Everest on its Northern flank. Its height is 7045m, 23,248 ft, 4.38 miles or more than seven times higher than England's tallest peak. The North Col of Everest is slightly higher at 7066m.
If you'd like more information about the expedition, click on this link to the Jagged Globe web site (http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/exp/itinerary/lhakpa+ri+north+col.html). Here's the itinerary (depart April 21st) http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/exp/itinerary/lhakpa+ri+north+col_itinerary.html#expedition+itinerary.
Because I have recently lost two work friends from cancer-related illnesses, I have decided to try and raise some money to help fight this disease in the future. The trip is fully paid for by me so that all donated money will go straight to the charity.
You could consider sponsoring me in two ways - either a fixed amount or by pledging money based on how well I do. You could pledge for any of A) Maximum height achieved (in metres), B) Combined height on both ascents (in metres) or C) how many ounces weight I will lose on the expedition! For example, pledging 0.5 pence on option A would donate £35.25 to Cancer Research if I'm successful.
If pledging money, donate a small amount and leave a message saying how much extra you'll give for one of my targets. This will give me a motivational 'push' up the hill!
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support.
Jeremy 'Bunter' Anson