The team make Camp 3 - Sir Ranulph finds an inner strength
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm |
Just before lunchtime today (Nepal time) Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Team Marie Curie safely reached Camp 3. The three man climbing team left Camp 2 at 5am and began the long trudge, on fixed lines, up the steep Lhotse Face.
As the team head closer to the death zone, the air gets thinner, the temperature plummets and just what they are risking to reach the summit of the worlds highest mountain becomes ever more real.
Sir Ranulph has admitted that his main concern is exhaustion due to the altitude. Sir Ranulph said: “On past expeditions, particularly long polar treks pulling very heavy weights, the exhaustion factor has come in – but not nearly as bad as here because this is altitude exhaustion. So I need a mental defence against the wimpish voice in my head.
“At times like this one has an inner voice saying, ‘stop, we have got to stop, it is not sensible to carry on,’ that is when you need a mental defence. Mine has always been the memory of my grandfather and my father. Their spirits are around and watching and I don’t want to do anything that will shame them, such as giving up unnecessarily early.”
Tomorrow morning the team will head up to Camp 4 – into the death zone. After a few hours rest they will pull on their down suits and oxygen masks and around 9pm will begin their epic twelve hour ascent to the summit of the world’s highest mountain.
Video footage of the Team’s ascent to Camp 3 is currently being carried down the mountain by a Sherpa. Watch this space…
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May 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hi Ran, as you head for the top we will be in Wales around Snowdon on a Paddy Buckley round…. with computer to hand to check on you. Hope all goes well, as Yianni says “failure is not an option” go for it. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you. come back safe
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Sir Ran,
Your endeavours are an inspiration to so many people, and your actions will help so many less-fortunate folks. So a very big ‘thank you’, and I wish you all well. Keep going; you are a success already.
Regards StevieP
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
thinking of you every tough step of the way; i am sure you will be fine, amazing so far…....ruth
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Wimpish voice in your head. Absolutely nothing wimpish in thinking that whilst doing what you’re doing. My hat goes off to you and I’ll have a wee dram for you tomorrow when we summit Pen y Gadair. Not quite the same I know but…
Good luck and safe return.
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Hi Ran and the team,
My hopes and prayers for a safe summit and most important a safe descent. Just do what you do best and all will be well. You are the man! Wish I was there, but I will have to make do with 2 night walks this year in a decorated bra for cancer research. Love and best wishes to all.
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
May the momory of your father and grandfather will you on Sir Ran.
I’m rooting for you all the way.
The best of luck on the final legs of the climb.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Just awesome Sir Ranulph, fantastic, another shiver down my spine!!! Keep up that defence mechanism and the very best for the final leg and then come down safely, you are wonderful inspiration.
I was running around Stroud tonight with the club, thinking of you guys up there and my time in Nepal a couple of weeks – what a wonderful wonderful place…...look forward to your safe return and keep going, you can do this
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Great to follow your progress. Good luck all of you and enjoy every moment of it. The top is only half way!
We’re following every step until you are down safe.
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 am
Think its amazing what your doing and for a second time. Really hope you make it to the top and safely return home to your folks.
Boy I wish I had an ounce of your drive. The very best luck to you.
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Good Luck to all of you, be safe.
marilyn challenor
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Good luck Rob and stay safe. Best wishes to all the team.
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