Expedition Report From Nepal - Entry for 9th April
Dawn was glorious, clear crystal blue sky with the sun rising behind Rathong (6678m) casting its rays over the snow white mountain tops. Frost lay one the ground as our valley filled with light. After a deliberate late start and leisurley breakfast we set off about 9 am to walk up to Oktang (4780m) a chorton filled with tibetan prayer flags and little offerings in copper jugs for the Gods of Kanchenjunga. We got our first view of the enormous South West face of Kanjchenjuna in the beautiful morning sunshine. It was a very special moment for us all. After 2 years of planning and effort here we all were in front of our mountain. Everybody had their own thoughts, but universally we felt very privelaged to be there. We returned to our campsite here at Ramche for lunch. This afternoon the weather has changed and we are in the midst of a snow storn accompanied by thunder and lightening. The mountains have also made their presence felt with the occasional avalanche.
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Our photgraph shows the amount of snow that has
fallen since I wrote this diary. We have had 4 inches
in the last 3 hours. WE may still be here tomorrow
if the weather does not improve, we will see! |
Our plan tomorrow is for both teams to go to the Senior Team Base camp (weather permitting). The Junior Team will then return to Ramche before crossing over to the next valley system which will lead them to the North of Kanchenjunga to their base camp so that they can climb their objective Ramtang. They will be off the air during their journey around and should come up again with their emails in about a week's time around Monday 17th April.
For the Kids. Your man of the day is me, the author of our diary during the trek over the past week or so. I am David Nicholls (51), I am an old Himalayan hand who is the mentor on our junior team. I have also been a member of the Higher Management Committee (HMC) for this Expedition. The whole venture is going extremely well and on behalf of the HMC I wish both teams every success, God speed and safe return. Finally I hope you have enjoyed our little diary so far. Bye for now until we open up with the Junior Team in about a week.
Diary entry by David Nicholls.
