Day 7 10.12.22 - Finally we are mountaineering!

December 10, 2022

It finally happened. We went.

After a nice breakfast of yogurt and cereals, we waited in the common room for the weather forecast. Unlike yesterday, we did not pack.

The news which are faxed and photocopied every morning were distributed. That’s how we caught up with the World Cup news and the Brazilian exit. And finally came the forecast. Low cloud but no wind and a chance of settled weather for the move to Low Camp first and High Camp tomorrow or later in the week.

Quick lunch and everyone ready to go at 2pm. Kenton and Rob decided to stay an extra night at base camp to then move up all in one go.

2 ropes Celine with Jason and Sonia and JB with Rowena, me and Steve in toe. 18kg on the pack; 20kg in the sled. 9 km trek, 500m gain; 4 tranches of 1hr 15min each, 3 pee holes, 5 hours.

And here we are at Low Camp. Our tents were waiting for us to be assembled, the accommodations being a bit more cozy. We still have a common room, but it’s just a tent over a snow dug out.

First time to use our camping gear and to eat the food we brought up.

It’s late and we finally did some exercise. Bed by 10:30pm.

Finally we are mountaineering……