the top of the world!!! the summit of Everest(8850m).holding the pray flags given to me by a german trekker 2 months earlier. i promised to take them to the summit with me. the smile says it all. words cannot begin to describe the elation and relief at have reached the summit. a lifetime of hard work,determiantion, dedication and persistance finally paid off. 

the view from the top of the world ( the summit of Everest) looking across at Makalu (8467m) the worlds 5th highest mountain.words cannot even begin to describe the feeling at being at the highest point in the world or even the view from on top of the summit. 

Getting home.

Still at abc,but going down to Chinese Base Camp today.We have just heard that we can not go home early.The government liason officer sai we would have to wait untilour scheduled departure date in about 5 days.It's a pain as we are ready to go now.Hi Aaron.Blair told me you were following my ramblings.I hope you are both well,and not being affected by the problems in Kathmandu.What mark do I get sir?5/10?All being well the next message on this site should be from Blair direct.

Safely down.

We did not go down to c2 as planned.The weather closed in and we wer tired,so slept at high camp[8300m].Left next morning afer packing up camp.Arrived at c2 to find our tent full of Russians.Packed up c2 and proceeded down to abc.We found a climber above c2 not hooked in and wandering about in a daze.Blair short roped him down to c2 safely.We wer met down low by our cook boy,who was worried and came out to meet us.He carried our duffle bags into abc.We had a big dinner and had our summit cake.There was lots of hugging and even a few tears.Tashi heard we were back and came over to help us celebrate.Now back to Kathmandu for a free meal and big party for us all at Rumdoodle.Thanks for your support,and Blair will give a more detailed report when he has time . Blair via Roger.

On top of the world

We left camp 3 about 10.45 in yhe evening.It was a beautiful clear starry night and we could seMakalu clearly It was still very windy and cold and I wore several pair of gloves to protect my fingers.We reached the summit at about 7.00am.It was vry clear and we could see for ever.We spent 45 minutes on top then started back down to camp 3 for some tea and a rest before continuing doon to camp 2,taking camp 3 with us.More later,Blair.

Camp 2 and beyond.

We reached camp 2 yesterday,7800m.Found someone has used our tent in crampons.There are about 20 holes in the floor,a tear in the door and holes in my thermarest.On the way up yesterday we met my friend Tashi Lakpa Sherpa coming down.He had got to about 30m from the summit,again without oxygen,And a Korean client started to freak out and had to be forcibly restrained.Tashi brought him down while the others summitted.All being well we should start for the summit tomorrow evening,18th May summit.Blair.

Summit week

We have been relaxing and eating at Chinese base camp for long enough.The word is that there should be a break in the weather next Thusday and Friday.Based on this prediction we left basecamp for advanced basecamp about two days up.From there we will go to camps one and two,where we will wait for the break in the weather.Fromther we go to camp three,erect the tent and rest and drink tea,try to eat and sleep for a while.At 9.00pm we will start for the summit.All going well we will take down camps 3&2 on the way down,and take them with us.This is being written by my father based on our sat phone conversations.I will try to keep him updated,so keep checking this site. Thank you for your interest,and hopefully I'll see you soon,Blair

Summit week

We have been relaxing and eating at Chinese base camp for long enough.The word is that there should be a break in the weather next Thusday and Friday.Based on this prediction we left basecamp for advanced basecamp about two days up.From there we will go to camps one and two,where we will wait for the break in the weather.Fromther we go to camp three,erect the tent and rest and drink tea,try to eat and sleep for a while.At 9.00pm we will start for the summit.All going well we will take down camps 3&2 on the way down,and take them with us.This is being written by my father based on our sat phone conversations.I will try to keep him updated,so keep checking this site. Thank you for your interest,and hopefully I'll see you soon,Blair

Camp 2 established

We finally got the chance to ascend to camp 2 wich we set up and stayed overnight.Unfortunately I have had the runs,so did not get much sleep.I have also got an acid feeling in my chest which meant that I could not eat or drink much at all.A Mars bar and a little water was all I felt like.We have now carried up to camp 3 all we will need there.When we go for the summit we will leavee c2,climb to c3 and put it up,rest until about 9.00pm.the head up for the summit.We can see the summit quite clearly from c2.Now we are going down to bc,for rest and medical attention.Hopefully next time we go up,it will be all the way.The snow has been so heavy that we have to wake every hor to clear the vent holes in the tent.We are strong and ready. Blair

Still blowing

We have still not been able to get above camp 1 yet.The wind has been incredibly strong and constant.We are hoping soon to be able to carry up to camp 1 ,the gear and equipment for camp 2.We still have about two weeks of climbing when the weather improves.Lets hope that it is sooner rather later.Roger on Blair's behalf.