Sir Ranulph Fiennes has arrived at Everest Base Camp
April 15th, 2008 at 11:26 am |
After an eight day trek through the Sagamarta National Park, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has reached Everest Base Camp. Sir Ranulph now begins the long acclimatisation process which will eventually see him make a bid for the summit of the world’s highest mountain in May.
Sir Ranulph said: “By the time we first saw Base Camp in the distance it was a very welcome sight. Lots of people try to make it to the Everest Base Camp and a lot don’t because of the various problems with altitude sickness – not just headaches but sickness.”
Everest Base Camp, at 5,380 metres, is perched on a creaking, shifting glacier at the bottom of the notorious Khumbu Icefall. Living at this altitude is tough; “I would like to say that I am feeling confident.” says Sir Ranulph, “The feeling of altitude – even (walking) in light boots from the tents to the mess tent, you’re completely out of breath and you wake up in the night with panicky type breathing. It doesn’t bode well but you have to think of each day as it comes and hope that when the leader Kenton Cool takes you over the next bit you are up to it.”
Mountaineering is always risky but it is usually events such as avalanche or bad weather that can hamper an expedition. This year, unexpectedly, the challenge has come from China. The Olympic torch is heading for the summit of Everest from the Tibetan side and is due to arrive between May 1-10. For this period the mountain has been effectively closed on both the Nepali and Chinese side.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is pushing ahead with the acclimatisation process: “Tomorrow morning we will start learning how to cross the ladders that cross the crevasses in the icefall. Today we have been hearing the booming of collapsing ice avalanches which came from the area into which we are heading.”
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April 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Congratulations on reaching Base Camp and good luck for the next push
April 15th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Sir Ranulph,
you go forward with the support and admiration of many people back home. I proposed to my wife at Kala Pattar, just past EBC, and so envy you being in that amazing place – I yearn to be back there. You have a huge task ahead of you, but as i just happen to be reading Mad, Bad & Dangerous To know, I cannot help but wonder if there is anything you cannot achieve!
You are an inspiration to all around you (I also have bad vertigo yet try to climb!), and honour your loved ones, past and present by undertaking such an incredible task and for such a noble cause.
May the mountain Gods support every step you take. Best of luck from my wife and I, and we hope your journey is a safe and successful one.
David Sara (Devon)
April 15th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Congratulations – im so impressed. Fingers crossed for next step!!!
April 15th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Dear Sir Ranulph,
Both Niall and I are big fans and have followed your many adventures with great interest over the years. It so happens that we are also both traveling to Nepal this month in an endeavour to reach Everest base camp. We had hoped that it may be possible/conducive whilst on our travels to meet with yourself/team to offer our best wishes for your ascent and to allow us to place our claim that we ourselves had met Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
I feel it also note worthy to add our respect for your efforts to raise money for such a worthy cause as the Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Kindest Regards
Niall and Clive
April 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Best wishes Ran.I am so pleased that you have got to base camp.Onwards and upwards
Tom
April 15th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Great to see you have all arrived at Base Camp – it looks amazing. Take a breather Marie Curie Team and good luck to you all – We are following your every step through this great site. Love the photos. special hello to Liz. Cheers Barry
April 15th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
My class wanted to write to tell you that we’ve enjoyed keeping up with your trek! The pictures are fantastic and they open us up to many great discussions. We’re looking forward to the next phase of the trip (although many still don’t completely understand acclimatization and think you’ll be at the top in moments).
Take Care, Ms. Ward’s Class
April 16th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Congrats on getting to the Khumbu, may chomolungma bless you with success on this fine and noble undertaking. :o)
PS – How will the Chinese keep the flame alight at 29,000 feet
April 16th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Hi Rob
Hope you and the team are well. Congratulations on reaching Base Camp. Best of luck to you all for the climb. Keep the news and pictures coming. See you soon.
Harry
April 16th, 2008 at 9:25 am
you are fabulous, have a long but safe journey.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Ran – best of luck on your latest expedition to Everest – I hope that your mind and body enable you to complete this amazing feat. You are an amazing inspiration to others, not only in exceeding the perceptions of human limitations but also the charity work which you do along the way. You are the reason I ran the London Marathon this year and raised money for my chosen charity.
God Speed and safe come back safe
CB
April 17th, 2008 at 9:47 am
It is often the case that the best amongst us are also the most modest. There are many lesser climbers that would not be so honest to admit the hardships of altitude. As always you are an inspiration.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Hi Rob
We’re all gunning for you here at the hospital. Hope you guys acclimatise over the coming days. No idea what it feels like at that height except to compare it to looking down a 20 foot wave maybe?! Looking forward to your return. Best of luck, love from Julia and Tom
PS the house is unlocked, the TV’s on and the water’s been disconnected, but don’t worry it’s all in hand
April 17th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I did a trek recently to EBC in aid of BHF, that was hard enough, best of luck for attempting the summit, you are an inspiration with the challenges you undertake and the money you raise for charity, go climb that mountain !
April 17th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Congratulations on the climb so far and good luck for the next phase. We are really enjoying the pictures so far and look forward to following it as you continue.
April 17th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
well done .good luck for the next bit.You are constantly in our thoughts.We will keep sending good vibes!love from the plough girls(and the horses!)
April 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Really hope you make it. Saw you on HTV news saying it’s less dangerous than a rep driving a van on the motorway!! yeah right!
Wishing you every success.
Rich.
April 19th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Hi Rob!
Not sure if you’ll read this but just know how much we are missing you and how proud we are of you!
Tom and I send our best and wish we could send you some more sweets!
Love,
Julia
April 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hi Ran, excellent news on the progress so far, Gunning for you from the UK.
cheers and good luck, Mark
April 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Good luck with the summit push, Ran. Let’s hope you get a good window in the weather and you’re not held up by lesser climbers!
Steve
April 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hi Ran
John and I been following your progress – best of luck from all of ex D 21. Hoping you will join us on Francis’ Plod across Dartmoor in May – now THAT will be a challenge!!
Good luck, Geoff & John.
May 31st, 2008 at 5:24 am
Sorry to hear news of the necessary withdrawal.
Nonetheless, much admiration indeed for your inspirational tenacity and track record.
All success in any future endeavours.