Our Virtual Everest Trek Day Twenty Two

Brigantes Everest Expedition Day 22

You don’t get much sleep at Camp 4. It isn’t that sort of place. Dowting made us check all our equipment and drink as much water as we could while it was still light and then we rested for a few hours. At about 2am he woke us, we put on our gear and stepped outside – into total darkness. All you could see were lights twinkling up ahead. Some people had started even earlier than us. The moon slid from behind a cloud and the eerie, arid white landscape was revealed. This was the last thing I wanted to be doing but it was why we’d come this far and I wasn’t giving up now. Dowting led off with the President behind him and then I walked ahead of the other Sherpa. Nobody spoke much. We needed all our energy for the climb.

I was afraid. This isn’t called the Death Zone for nothing. And I was afraid of failure but it was reassuring to see Dowting up ahead and climbing slowly, steadily. Eventually the sun came up and we stopped to change the oxygen bottle but we didn’t linger. We don’t want frostbite. Soon we hauled ourselves up onto the south summit and suddenly, there in front of us was the summit of Everest. What a moment. It didn’t look too far away but Dowting said it would take us another couple of hours.

The last obstacle is the Knife Ridge. This is truly scary, steep and sharp. We stepped onto it and tried not to worry too much when the snow slid under our crampons. We’d have been lost without the fixed ropes. We climbed steadily and carefully until we reached the famous Hillary Step. When Hillary and Tenzing got here in 1953 they had to lever their way up a narrow fissure. It’s easier now with the fixed ropes. The final bit is unroped but not too difficult. Still you have to be very careful and use your ice axe. There were a few people ahead of us and we waited briefly while they had their moment up there. Then we start climbing again towards a white edge on the horizon. We weren’t sure what lay ahead. We took a few more steps and then found that on every side around us the snow sloped downwards. We were there. We’d got to the summit!

The President of Brigantes was standing on top of the world!

It was very emotional. We were so happy. We all slapped each other on the back (not too hard), shook hands and took some pictures. The views were amazing, with snow-capped peaks stretching away on all sides. Then we turned to begin our descent. It’s a long way back down but Dowting was all smiles and much more relaxed. He’s still very much in charge and kept reminding us that more people die descending than climbing. But nothing can take away our immense satisfaction. We’ve done what we set out to do and we’re grateful to everyone who has supported us. 

Now that we’ve reached the summit (how good does that sound?) our real reward will be if you’ll sponsor or donate to our Covid-19 appeal. The details are on the Brigantes Rotary Club website or on Facebook and Twitter and all you need do is click on the JustGiving button. From the bottom of our hearts to the top of Everest – THANKYOU!

Luke N Brightside

Communications Officer

Well, they did it. When we set off from Lukla I didn’t give them a chance but they’ve stuck at it. Once we’d shed the huffers and puffers and a few complainers at Base Camp we did well. But I have to say that everybody tried their best and perhaps I was a bit harsh in my judgement of them. They’re all heroes. But I tell you what – I wouldn’t want to see any of them near these mountains again in a hurry. They should go home and put their feet up. And we won’t have time to write any more daily reports though Brightside says he wants to do a couple of summaries. I just want to get them on that plane out of Lukla in one piece and as soon as possible – but well done to them all. They deserve your support for their wonderful charities. Just click that JustGiving button!

Sherpa Dowting

Head Porter