Holbrook

Well, if yesterday was fun in the Himalayas then today was a lot of work. We all carried loads to Advanced Beach Camp, even the Sherpas joined in. The hike from Base Camp to ABC is about six miles and follows a trail that goes up and down, and up and down. Total elevation gain is only 1,000ft, but the trek has you going up at least 2,000ft and down 1,000ft before you reach the splendid glacier lake, at the foot of the Shishapangma Face.

Our Sherpas started off early and carried a bunch of food, gas and a large stove. They will provide a staff of two people at ABC, once we move in. This will allow us to concentrate on climbing and skiing, and it also means that Hans does not have to do his own dishes, though he might have to eat his leftovers for breakfast.

Advanced Beach Camp

The ski team and the film crew each carried a load to ABC. We now have most of our high altitude food and tents stashed at the camp. Our loads weighed about 50-to-60 pounds each, with the exception of Alex and Conrad. They each carried about 80-100 pounds of food — it was the first time I have ever heard Alex say that a rest day would be appreciated.

There was a bit of fun along the way when we found the perfect handjam crack on a large boulder. Andrew flashed the problem easily, and Alex and Hans played on other climbing problems for about a half-hour.

Over the next few days, we plan to rest, ski, and carry two more loads to ABC. We should be occupying ABC by October 3 or 4 and then the real fun starts. More Later.

— Mark Holbrook aka LRG, MountainZone.com Correspondent

EXPEDITION DISPATCHES