Last hours before the final push
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm |
Having successfully reached Camp 4 the next stop for Sir Ranulph Fiennes is, quite literally, the top of the world.
Team Marie Curie left Camp 3 this morning at 7am (Nepalese time) to head into the death zone. They reached their destination on the South Col around 1pm.
Speaking from his tent, sounding breathless and croaky, Kenton Cool said: “We made Camp 4 in really good time. Ran left around 7am but Rob broke his crampon so we had to spend 45 minutes fixing that before we could set off. Since we’ve arrived Ran has been eating and drinking loads, which is a really good sign.”
The weather forecast for tomorrow predicts high winds of 29 mph. The upper limit that climbers can tolerate for summiting is around 30 mph. Kenton said: “The weather is not looking too great but we’re leaving Camp 4 shortly for the summit, Ran is looking really good, so wish us well.”
Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “I’m not too worried about not having much rest before we leave as I have been expecting this for a long time.”
The team will spend this remaining time putting on their down suits, climbing harnesses, boiling water and trying to make sure they are well hydrated.
The team will aim to summit anywhere between 6am and 10am local time.
This video shows the Team Marie Curie’s ascent to Camp 3.
Bookmark with :
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Good luck chaps.
A great cause and great britons. Hope you get to fly the flag and get back safe and sound. The achievement so far is fantastic whatever happens.
Wishing all the best.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Good luck for the final push – I will be thinking of you all overnight and wishing for a safe return. Just remember that the mountain will still be there next year. Barry
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Wishing Sir Ranulph and all the team the very best of luck and come back safely. You inspire so many people, keep going!
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
final push hope wind holds off take care all
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Good Luck for the top off!
Look forward to seeing you back running round Bickerton hill Ran. Not quite the same but I’ll wave going the other way.
God speed and happy decending. Tankie
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
We will be thinking about you all during the next few hours. Take the greatest of care. Special message to Stripey! Please look after Kenton, you are his best friend.
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
be sure of this.i am with you till the end even unto the end of the world.MATHEW 28:20
good luck and god speed
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Goood luck Ran. We know you can do it, the Royal Scots Greys are ‘Second to None’ . Take care coming down David and Tess
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
You are all so brave and inspiring! We are thinking of you and your families. Good luck and safe decending family Clarke x
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Dearest Robert,All our fingers are crossed hoping you are granted calmer weather for the summit. All our love and warmest wishes to Ran, Kenton and all the team. M&D XXX
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Good Luck to the team – wishing you all the best. Rob, looking forward to hearing all about it when you’re back. Thinking of you and keep safe. Tara x
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Godspeed and best wishes to you. Am sat here trying to imagine how you must be feeling as you prepare to push for the summit, hoping that in two years time, I’ll be feeling the same. You are a true inspiration, to me and thousands of others.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I was 1 of 7 (middle aged)New Zealanders who had tea with Sir R & 4 of his team in an isolated teahouse (Orsho?) down the slope from Dingboche about 3 weeks ago whilst it was sleeting outside. They were all great guys and our group has been thinking of them ever since. We are all safely back home now but that trip made me realise that we can all do things thought previously impossible, I just wanted to keep climbing higher and higher, the effects of high altitude? Im monitering the teams progress and want to say “well done” and Im just hoping it will be the summit Sir R.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Hope the wind holds out for you guys – you can do it! Total inspiration!
May 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Dear Sir Ranulph,
Congratulations on an amazing achievement. I know you may be frustrated at being so close to the summit but the real objective was two fold, stay alive and raise money for Marie Curie. Well, you’re still alive and with over two million pounds raised, that’s a successful venture and a lot of people, especially those in their final hours, will be better off for your efforts.
So congratulations again. You continue to be an inspiration.
Torsten