Before the Tibetan Sherpas start climbing, it is tradition that they hold a 'Puja', a request for a safe passage on the mountain. In reality this involves singing, dancing, smoke and alcohol like all the best parties. Climbers are invited to bring their vital climbing equipment to be blessed. It will come as no surprise, therefore, that Squash took all 36 pairs of knickers to the ceremony. We are sure the Lama will be delighted.
Crazy party time was followed by the first tough climbing day, which was supposed to kick off at 7.30am. Despite gentle enticement with cups of tea and egg in bed, Squash could not get Suzy out of her cozy sleeping bag. She finally shambled out of her tent, hoovered half a bowl of porridge, set off at storming rate and wondered why she felt so rough?
It was an 8 hour round trip to camp 1, carrying a load up to stash .
On the steepest scree section of the walk, Squash was first dragged up by a whistling and chortling Sherpa and then relieved of her backpack completely. To complete this good fortune another sherpa offered to carry her half full pink water bottle which she was left carrying. She gracefully declined.
Tomorrow we return to camp 1 where we will be 'sleeping' at 6400 metres and then may head higher for a few days depending on exactly how bad we feel.
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