Greetings again 🙂

We have just concluded our first acclimatization cycle. We are now back at ABC, resting. I am eager to share with you what is happening at this side of my world. I am living well, Kim Boon and Dr Mok are great climbing pals too. Since I arrived at ABC, I caught a flu and having a cough till now. It is really irritating. I have done a lot to prevent myself from getting running nose and cough, I have been taking Vit C and Ginko pills religiously, yet, I still catch them. Anyway, Dr Mok gave me anti-biotics, and I am getting better day by day.

I spoke about the scree slopes between ABC and Camp 1 in my last email? Yes, I have finally crossed it. Comparing the Mt Rinjani’s scree slope, this slope is definitely easier, just that it is at the altitude of 6200m to 6400m a.s.l. That’s the challenge. It was even tougher to decend after a heavy snow fall the night before. I slipped and fell several times, cursing each time I picked myself up and reminded that I will have to do this again the next round :p When I was in it, the trail reminded me of my climb on Mera in 2004. I believed Clarence, Jack, Nicholas and Ivy can relate this very well with me. The trail is exactly the same as the one we descent from the high pass to Chutanga after a heavy snow fall, where we all happily descent without our crampons …then, I had to slide on my butt with Clarence :p The only diff here is that the slope is longer, slightly steeper, and 1200m higher in altitude…yaks! But I had fun recalling those moments as I descent, probably that’s why I slipped more …

Back at ABC, I have also met up with Raja and Chu. It is nice and feeling good to meet up with more fellow friends from Singapore. We have not had a good sunny day for long. Today, 8th Sept happened to be a good sunny day. All are out to sun our gear and many are getting their cameras to capture the magnificient Cho Oyu. The peak still remains mysterious to me. Clearing the first ice cliff is tough, the ice cliff is at 6770m, the second ice cliff is yet to be known. Our sherpas said that the second ice cliff is not as steep, but hell, it will be at the altitude of 6800m at least.. the gradient of the slope do not matter anymore …it is the altitude. Also, I must thank Carmen for her Millet boots, it kept my feet warm and steady during the climb 🙂 Here at ABC, I looked forward to login to the internet and hoping that we received emails from Esther, and updates from friends …

Tommorrow is the 9th Sept, the race day for SAFRA AVventura Race. I hope that the weather will stay clear for everyone, and all participants will enjoy the race. The organising committee must be busy by now. Safra Staff – Siyi, Catherine, Kim Seng, Iswandi, Ernest, Zaidi, Zadee and many more – all the best to the organising. My fellow committee – Kenneth, Jispal, Khai Munn, Thiam Huat, Karen, Chee Yeong and Boon Kui – all the way! And Michael – Thanks for your support towards SAC.

Till my next update, I will stay focus and healthy.

Cheers,
Joanne
8th Sept
Cho Oyu ABC
4.25pm (Nepali time)