Hi there – it’s Fiona here – Bianca’s mum!
Well, their time finally came and Bianca and Paul left last night at about 2:30 for their summit push. Having said that, it will still be around 4-5 (or maybe more) days until they reach the summit. At this stage they are targeting a summit on 22nd or 23rd of May. I’m so glad they decided to wait a few more days as today is actually the earlier date they nearly targeted and I’ve already heard that it’s very busy up high.
So last night we all woke at 1:30am – we were in bed before 9am so still had some sleep before that. Then we came to the dining tent for ‘breakfast’ and get packs sorted, harnesses on, and final checks done.
It was so hard to say goodbye this time and let them go up – especially when the Icefall (the first part) is probably one of the most dangerous parts. Bianca was also nervous and a bit emotional – understandably! But I know they’ve done the preparation and this is a dream that is perhaps getting close now, so I did everything I could to encourage and support them both.
Before leaving, it’s custom here to light a small fire at the Puja Alter and throw rice while praying for a safe passage in the mountains. We all participated in this and then said our goodbyes.
Pemba, Rajesh and Dawa Dorje are the three sherpas that will climb with them. Dawa Dorje is already up high and will meet them at camp 2.
In the distance, you can see headlights going up through the icefall from people that have left even earlier.