Bianca and Paul left Camp 2 around 7am this morning. Paul accompanied her to the base of the Lhotse Face and then they said their goodbyes. Bianca then geared up and started using oxygen for the first time (as planned). The Lhotse Face is very steep and very hard work at altitude. It’s also facing the sun so it gets very hot.
Bianca continued the climb up and reached Camp 3 about 12pm. She said she felt “good but so so so hot!”. She can now relax there and try to drink as much as possible, and eat as well – she needs to fuel up as much as she can to prepare for the next couple of days. (She’s since told me she’s drunk 1.5 litres and also had some soup.)
Paul turned back and returned to Camp 2, where he’ll be positioned as she climbed. It was great with him there last year as the radio signal didn’t reach basecamp well, but Bianca was able to speak with Paul at camp 2.
Here are some pics – some Paul took and was able to send to me later. A couple from Bianca – sent via satellite from camp 3 (so lower res).
Paul and Bianca trekking up to the Lhotse Face.
Bianca – reached camp 3 around midday
The view from Camp 3! Still hot!
Bianca ready to climb up the steep Lhotse Face. Using oxygen for the first time this trip.
Paul’s view before parting ways with Bianca.