Arrival at Base Camp!
Date: 21/04/2009
Being awoken by the thunderous roar of avalanches is a far cry from the tranquil hills of Dromara for local couple Noel and Lynne Hanna. Following six days of arduous trekking they have at last reached Everest Base Camp which stands at 5,400 metres above sea level.
Noel said, “As this is summiting season the route to Base Camp was busy with climbers, porters, yaks, Sherpa’s and donkeys. There are around 600 climbers at Base Camp but as everyone has their own schedule on the mountain, expeditions don’t really have time to mix with each other. Apart from the noise of avalanches it’s relatively quiet and although they are a safe distance away, it certainly adds to the experience.
“Temperatures can be an enjoyable 20 degrees during the day however when cloud cover rolls in this can drop quickly to almost freezing and even further to -5 degrees at night.”
On arrival, climbers typically rest at Base Camp for several days to acclimatise and reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness. Noel and Lynne have set up camp as this will be their ‘home from home’ for the next six weeks.
Lynne said, “Some of our expedition have already suffered severe headaches and sickness but thankfully Noel and I are both feeling alright so far. There is a lot less oxygen in the air and you can even feel a strain just walking around camp.
“We will spend the next few days resting, testing our equipment and practicing ice work for the next stage of the climb. We’ve met the Sherpa’s for our expedition, who are an integral part of the team. They will help set up higher camps and support us on our summit attempt.
“We’re eating well, mostly soups, omlettes, rice (and even chips!), cakes and biscuits. Extreme weight loss can easily happen on the mountain as living at this altitude speeds up your metabolism. It’s vital that in these early stages we stay in good health and injury free – so far so good.”
Due to the amount of ascents and descents required for acclimatisation, Noel and Lynne will have walked the equivalent of four Everest’s by the time they leave the mountain!
Arrival at Base Camp!
A Sherpa carries equipment for the Everest expedition.
Arrival at Base Camp!
Noel and Lynne enjoyed spectacular scenery during the ascent to Base Camp.
Arrival at Base Camp!
Lynne and Noel pitch their tents at Base Camp which will be their ‘home from home’ for the next six weeks.
Arrival at Base Camp!
The expedition trek to Base Camp.
Arrival at Base Camp!
Crossing a crevasse with the help of an aluminium ladder, the expedition test their equipment before climbing higher on Mount Everest.
