Sir Ranulph Fiennes delayed by weather
May 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm |
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ bid to climb Everest has been delayed by unpredictable weather. The team were due to leave this morning at dawn but weather reports yesterday from the British Met Office and the Swiss Met Office predicted that there would be heavy snow around May 21. Kenton Cool, expedition leader, took the decision to delay their summit bid.
The team have spent a frustrating day at Base Camp waiting for the latest weather report to come in.
At 4.30pm today the weather was confirmed and the team have been given the go ahead to leave at dawn on Tuesday, May 20. Kenton Cool said: “It’s been a frustrating day waiting but the forecast is looking quite good for a May 24 summit. There are light winds and possible scattered snow showers.”
The Sherpas will be up at around 2am to prepare breakfast for the team, who are set to leave around 4am.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has passed the day playing scrabble, said: “I am only nervous of failure and not being able to summit because of exhaustion. Lots of people have died in the Icefall; a block of ice can easily fall on you and it’s luck as to where you are standing. That doesn’t worry me nearly as much as the exhaustion factor. Falling off, falling down, ropes breaking, disappearing on the mountain – something that happened on a neighbouring mountain yesterday – these things can happen but they aren’t playing on my mind. Can I deal with the exhaustion, that’s the overriding fear.”
Sir Ranulph has already raised over £1.7 million towards his £3 million target. In this video, he explains why he is raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
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May 19th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Good luck to everyone involved
May 19th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
thinking of you all get back safe
May 19th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Good Luck Sir Ran – hope it goes well and the weather remains good. Have told my friends at school about your challenage and we hope to keep watch over the next few days.
Lovc Ollie and Tommy (age 7 and 3 years)
May 19th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Ran, the delay is a good chance to recharge the batteries. Good luck when the weather clears.
Clive
May 20th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Kenton, Sir Ran and the team – Fingers and everything else crossed for a successful summit when the weather allows. Have been following it all with fascination from my computer screen! All the best.
May 20th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Dear Ran and MCCC Team,
All the Best for the Summit Bid!
We will hold you in our hearts each step of the way!
All our Love,
Tony Brown, Sarah and HRZ
May 20th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Hi Liz, sorry to hear about the weather delay. Ran must be getting very good at Uno! Wish all the lads the best for the 20th
John
May 20th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
message for Ray Smith – Hi Ray you don’t know me but I have just spoken to your wife Janice (I am an old friend of her’s)
as I am writing this she is on her way to the beach with the
dog. She says – quote “She’s missing you very much, take
care – and good luck”
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 am
Good luck Ran – all Pilgrims are thinking of you in this latest challenge. Your ears must be burning!
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Ran and the team, was on Mera 29th May 2008 – may have seen you from there with bino’s! Have a rough idea what you are going through – keep strong – watch out for each other – good luck!
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Ran and the team, was on Mera 29th April 2008 – may have seen you from there with bino’s! Have a rough idea what you are going through – keep strong – watch out for each other – good luck!
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
We are right behind you….good luck..you can do it!