Sir Ranulph Fiennes on the Khumbu Icefall
April 20th, 2008 at 12:47 pm |
Sir Ranulph Fiennes has today headed into the Khumbu Icefall up to Camp 1. This will be his third time climbing in the notorious Icefall, which has already seen one climber helicoptered out with an injury caused by falling ice.
The Icefall lies at the head of the Khumbu Glacier. It was described by the Sunday Times journalist who accompanied Sir Edmund Hilary and Sir John Hunt’s successful summit in 1953, as huge blocks of meringue.
The blocks of ice that tumble down range in size from that of a small car to a very large house. The Khumbu Glacier moves at such speed that expansive crevasses can open up with almost no warning. In addition, the large towers or seracs can collapse suddenly.
The ‘Ice Doctors’ are in the Icefall everyday repairing routes as crevasses open up and the ladders disappear – their job is dangerous but essential.
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April 21st, 2008 at 4:50 am
We wish Sir Ranulph all the best of luck.
http://www.map2trek.com
April 21st, 2008 at 7:04 am
Every man who was ever a boy looks on your adventures with awe Sir ran, we are all willing you (and your cause) on. The very best of luck to all three of you. Onwards and upwards!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
It was great to meet you at the Press Conference at Tower 42
I was one of the nurses on the roof!
We’re praying for your every move!
Greetings to all the team