Lobouje High Camp

The walk up from Dughla to Base Camp yesterday afternoon took about two hours and, apart from the intial climb out of the settlement, wasn’t particularly strenuous. On arrival we rigged up a zip-wire for Ted, Andy’s teddy-bear, then sorted out the kit for High Camp and drank as much water as possible.

Last night was possibly the coldest night we’ve had so far. Although Rich and I didn’t seem to suffer too much with ice inside the tent, it was the first time I’d slept with my sleeping bag fully done up, with the hood round my head. This morning wasn’t too cold though and we had a pretty relaxed start, with breakfast at 08:00 then some final preparations before setting off for High Camp at about 09:30.

Having felt a bit lethargic yesterday, this morning’s climb up to High Camp was great - I felt really strong, and I just hope I feel like this tomorrow!

We’re down to eight now, as Steve has gone back down to Base Camp. He seemed genuinely worried about his health when I was chatting to him on the way up this morning. I think he was surprised by how weak he felt on the way down Island Peak.

After a minor disagreement regarding the tent arrangements, we’re now settled into High Camp. The location is amazing - a tiny lake on the side of Lobouje, with views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Lobouje’s summit. The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and I can’t imagine many better places than this. The only problem is that we have to be up at 01:30 to climb a mountain.