This is our second day in Pheriche we are now well above the tree line and into high altitude the area is very baron with open dusty areas and leading to the edges of high mountains.
Today we climb to a height above 5 thousand metres for the first time to achieve this we climb a peak called Nagarchang Ri and affectionately know as “Little Bugger” by our guide Richard. Within one hour of our start we had different names for this peak. It’s been tough going for the last few days but today by far is the toughest. Some of us are now on Diamox to combat altitude sickness this drug opens up the cells in your lungs and lets more oxygen into your red blood cells and it works. This is a monster we start after breakfast at sub zero temperatures ( about the same as our bedrooms) and start to climb very slowly the first hour is up then a short respite as we cross a ridge then up again. As I said earlier the hole terrain is very baron so there is no protection from the biting wind and burning sun. As we go up through we come across many piles of stones laid by relatives of local people that have died and once again many of them guides from Mount Everest expeditions.
After 4 hours we reach the summit and the views are spectacular with mountains 360 degrees including. Island Peak, Ama Dablam,and many others
Then it was the trek back down which was not easy either with many of us slipping and slide on the lose rocks and sand.
This height is just below that is required for Kala Patar so today hopefully will put us in good stead for next couple of days.
Keep commenting is great to hear you guys back home keeps our spirits up love to all our followers.
Steve and the Drek Trek Team
Wow you guys that is fantastic. I am soo pleased that you are all enjoying this wonderfull opportunity. I hope that you are all able to make the next couple of days without any trouble. My hat goes off to you all. It is great to see how you are getting on day by day. Best wishes and look after each other.
Love Emma xx
Wow, that sounds tough guys but well done all, you have achieved so much – it is fantastic to hear what you are up to each day. Just love reading the blog. Special hugs and love go to Jimmy Swinge and Tom – so proud of you both xxx
Sounds like your all doing so well considering what your ‘up’ against. Sending lots of love and we are willing you on and with you every step of the way. Got the pic Chris, amazing views. Xxxxx
Sounds really tough keep going 🙂 Hope everyone is ok and not feeling 2 bad. love 2 my Dad and bro xxx 🙂
I can’t imagine how tough it must be now. I know you will all be supporting each other through the roughest bits. This adventure will bond you all for life. Keep thinking of the BIG BREAKFAST we will be making for you when you return. Sorry Will and Ian you will miss out and have to think of something else to keep your spirits up. Special love to Will and Mike
Sounds tough lads, I have enormous repspect for what you are doing and it is even better now I have your itineray. Base Camp on sat I believe. I look forward to all the photos.
A big big thankyou to you all for taking time out to share with us all at home such informative descriptive updates, can’t tell you how much I, and I’m sure all the Drek Trekker followers appreciate it.
Today sounds a real toughie, well done lads. Keep up the Cornish ‘spirit of adventure, perseverance and endurance’ So proud of you, big hugs to Phil, Rob, Steve, & Chris xxxx
Stay safe one & all.
Jan x
Hi Guys, Keep it going, with you in spirit. Highly jealous of course, great picture on remembrance day showed everyone in the City, all impressed. Proper job! Gerry
Hi guys,
Today’s trek sounded quite a challenge – well done to you all – Despite the severe cold and biting winds I hope you are the having a bit of craíc on the way! Lots of best wishes to you all!
Mikey hope you are keeping warm, remember to apply the lip salve and sunblock! Haha Much love especially to you babe xx
Tom and Jim,
You sound as though you are having a marvellous time, well done for all your training.
Carol and Den (& Rob, Dora & Tommy)
Oh boys well done! Sounds so tough, so proud of you all for persevering. Brilliant blog, just love being able to stay in touch and read what you are doing and experiencing. I echo brid’s comments – remember the sun bloc and lip salve (Jim and Tom) much love to you all but Special love and big hugs for Jim and Tom xxx
Well done trekkers. It sounds like a very rough few days, but exciting amd memorable. It’s so good to be able to stay in touch and to hear what you are doing and where you are on the trail and what you are experiencing. Looking forward to seeing all the photos. Can’t really imagine how cold and tough it must be but what a great achievement for you all so far. We will be with you in spirit over the next two days, keep strong, love and best wishes to you all , and especially lots of love to Dan xx xx
Just remember you are nearly there, we are all willing you on, you have all done so well this far what a tremendous achievement. I can’t begin to imagine how cold and tired you must be but your great spirit and comradeship is obviously keeping you going, can’t wait to see your photos. Take care on this final push. Good luck and love to all you Drektrekkers, special tight hugs for Steve, Chris, Phil and Rob xxxxxx
Keep at it! We’re all thinking of you here, keep warm and enjoy.
Somebody please give Tom a big squeezy hug from me, and safe trekking for you all!
Fi x
Hello Mountain climbing folks, I’ve been reading the blog, did you consider a couple of weeks in Ibiza? This Everest stuff looks hard, so hard you’re popping pills (they do that in Ibiza to). This is just me wishing all of you luck especially the Swinges’. Keep plodding; your sofa bound supporters are all mighty impressed.
On a personal note, Dad and Tom; Hemmingway thought there were only three sports, mountain climbing, bull fighting and car racing. Can I suggest next year you opt for bull fighting, I think Mum may worry less.
Love Yas Ben
Well done Trekkers! What an amazing achievement – sounds like the last few days have been tough – you’re all doing so well. Really really proud of you Dan hope you’re not suffering with altitude sickness – we are thinking of you and especially over the next few days which sound like the toughest. Jowan is enjoying looking at the pictures and has said it looks like a very big hill! Haha! Lots and lots of love from all of us xxx
Hi Guys.
Great to have the updates. You are all doing really well. The scenery looks amazing and the photo on remembrance day was stunning. Steve, when you are lying there at night and freezing… just think… that will be another pint you owe me LOL. Tell the boys there is a pint with there names on waiting for your return.
Keep safe. XX
Morning (well it is here anyway)
Great to know they have named the peak after Beano! i hope you guys are getting used to the altitude and getting into your strider. What a great adventure, it is hard enough to get anybody to do anything outside if Truro and for you guys to take this on is a source of great inspiration for all. Take care and my very bets wishes.
Treggy
Couldn’t get on to your website yesterday as out on the Police Commissioner Elections at St Just-in-Roseland Institute and there was no wi fi! Well just googled Pheriche and see what you mean about it being so barren but what spectacular views you must be experiencing. Glad the diamox is helping you as well. You are the talk of the City Inn and the fact that you are progressing your trip so well. Very envious about you all eating yak cheese toasties – yum! So proud of you all and take care – KEEP TREKKING
Hi Mike and Will – both David and I are following your progress – it sounds exhilerating (!!) and character-building, not that there was anything wrong with your original characters! Looking forward to hearing all about it when we meet up next time. Love, Anne and David
Good Luck Swinges and all Trekkers for your final push on Saturday. Love Lin and Mick xxx
Sounds fabulous! Loving reading the blog and following your trip. Sounds very tough; have much admiration for you all. Big hugs to U Jim and Tom. Look forward to hearing all about it on your return. Much love, Heidi and Jon xx
I am so excited when you come home dad, my first hug from you in over 3 weeks xxxx
I keep double checking the itinerary and think by my reckoning, it should be the “big push” for Kala Patar tomorrow! We are all willing you on, I know this will be a tough day and such a test of your determination, but know that you can do it. go for it Team Drek Trek , we are so proud of you. Take Good care of yourselves. So looking forward to hearing all about this big adventure. Jim and Tom – miss you so much and love you both. . Jo xxxxx
Keep going chaps, sounds really tough but wow are you going to be proud of yourselves. Lots of love to you all especially Jim and Tom – take care xxx the Knights
You are all amazing keep smiling and remembering that you are doing something which is most probably life changing. Look after each otherxx
Missing you Beano. All good here, kids send their love. They are being brilliant and really proud of their daddy. A pretty impressive show and tell!!
Looking forward to seing you for brekkie next Sunday xxxxxxxxxx
Father or Alan, I hear the air is thin where you are and that it is getting a little tough. You can do it for the Milliners and all those supporting you. Pricey says good work so far and a big push to the finish, I want to hear about it when you get back…that is all. Vicki says come on Milliner, sort it out and get on up the hill. We are all thinking about you dad, love James and the rest can’t wait to have you home xxx
WELL DONE on reaching Kala Patar, it was fabulous and very emotional speaking with you, Steve, Phil, Chris and Rob, so pleased you have managed to achieve your personal goals. Can tell it has been a really tough challenge for you but so proud that you have made it. A life changing experience for you all and a definite story for the grandchildren!! We are waiting for our flight to sunnier climes (sorry)! But can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Looking forward to seeing you next Sunday, will toast you with a glass or six from our poolside!! Lots of Love Jan and Jill. XXXXXXXXXXX
Come on guys!
Such an incredible journey. Even better to be with friends and family.
I am filled full of excitement for your next step!
Lots of Love Xx