BSES HQ receives expedition field updates weekly so check back every Monday to see what has happened in the week gone by.

Wednesday, August 12

Update from Zanskar and Karakorum!

I have just had a call from Tim Ward-Wilson (leader) who is with the Zanskar and Karakorum fires, he gave the following update:

They are currently at advanced base camp at an altitude of 5300m. Both fires have been there for 2 days and plan to stay for a further 4 days.

Today was a very long day (14 hours) and both fires made a summit attempt on a previously unclimbed 6100m peak. They ran out of time at 6000m and had to descend before reaching the summit. Both fires plan to make another summit attempt on Friday.

Tomorrow will be spent at advanced base camp doing science work. Moral is very high and all fire members and leaders are fit and healthy. Food is apparently very good!!!

Weather conditions have been ideal throughout and are set fair for the next week at least.

Jamie

Wednesday Update

I have spoken to Josh today (Leader) and he has informed me that both Indus and Shyok have successfully climbed a 5806 m peak and are all safe and well at the advanced base camp.

Zanskar and Karakorum fires are currently at their advanced base camp at 5000. All are well and I will be speaking to Mick Pawley (Deputy Chief Leader) tomorrow for a full update on Zanskar and Karakorum's progress. I will post this information on the blog as soon as I have finished speaking to Mick.

"Sherpa Cricket" seems to be a popular activity at base camp. Current Ashes' score has been relayed to the expedition.


Jamie

Monday, August 10

Expedition Update

I have had a Sat phone call from the expedition giving the brief update.

The expedition is progressing well and all is going according to plan. Everyone is well and moral is very good.

Both base camps have been set up the two valleys. Further to this Advance base camps have been set up at a higher altitude in both valleys.

Expedition leader Chris Horobin and Doctor Andrew Pieri climbed a 5800m peak yesterday. Indus Fire will be attempting this tomorrow.

A 5900m peak has also been recced by Shyok fire. They aim to climb this peak this week.

Science work is going well, a lot a valuable data is being collected.

Temperatures have been unseasonably high.

We are working to resolve the issue preventing us from recieving email updates from the expedition. Please note that Sat Phone communication is working fine and the expedition has the ability to contact the office and members of staff at any time. I will provide as many updates as possible.