The Thriving Metropolis of Tashigon – aka. “Leech Central”

We were met at Tashigon by a very blood stained Adrian who ran to the heli door looking less the fashionista with his pant legs tucked firmly deep into his socks.  Looking closely at his ankle you could see where blood had begun to seep through his sock. As we stepped out of the heli and into the drizzle Adrian and Monica gave us a warning in unisin – LEECHES BEWARE!! Within three minutes Chad had a 2 cm long ‘specimen’ inching its way up his bare leg. We all screamed (seriously? And we’re about to climb an 8000m mountain!?!) and danced around the helicopter anxiously trying to deter any further leeches who were also on expedition and frantically tucking our pants into our socks.  We all ran from the heli to the safety of one of the small lodges to escape the leeches. Alarmingly, the children seemed oblivious to the infestation and ran through the grass in bare feet and wrestling eath other to the ground. We remained ‘jittery’ all afternoon as the lodge remained our island of safety and as we kept a keen eye on the sky waiting for the cloud to part so that we could continue on with the next shuttle.  As the sun began to set we accepted the fact that we weren’t going anywhere fast that day so we made ourselves comfortable in the dormitory accommodation while the heavens opened and a rain of biblical proportions came down overnight. I genuinely thought we’d have more success building an ark to escape leech central than expect our heli shuttle to our final destination.

In spite of the rain, the humidity, the leeches, the spiders and the damp we all remained in good spirits and ready to accept whatever fate the weather held for us...

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Destination Makalu Base Camp - Almost..!

I spent a sleepless night in Kathmandu enjoying the relative benefits of jet lag packing and repacking my two 110 liter duffel bags.  It’s strange to think that everything that I needed to deal with temperatures from +30 to -40 was contained in these two bags.  What’s slightly unnerving is the realization that if you forget something you either need to improvise or make do without – there’s no Walmart or Selfridges enroute to Makalu!!

Our first flight out of a series of shuttles connecting Kathmandu to our final destination Makalu Base Camp was on a small fixed wing plane to the tiny airport of Tumlingtar.  We were welcomed to the thriving metropolis of Tumlingtar (population 10 residents and about 40 chickens) by a wall of 30 degree temperatures as we dragged our bags to the side of the runway and flopped onto the grass. Here we waited for the connecting helicopter from Fishtail Air under the command of our pilot Ashish, which would take us up to Base Camp. Adrian, our guide, had already begun to manage expectations around weather and, looking at the sky which was quickly filling with cloud, I suspected that our heli-ride into Base Camp would be broken into a series of shuttles taking advantage of the flat terraces which could provide safe places to land in case of emergency.

As the silver heli drew near we quickly sorted both bags and passengers. It was a spectacular ride – the summer monsoon had greened up the valley and we were mesmerized by the many different greens which knitted together the rocky, mountainous landscape below – from greens so dark they appeared almost black to greens that appeared almost fluorescent under the shadow of the helicopter passing overhead. It quickly became clear that a shuttle directly to Base Camp was going to be impossible on account of the weather which was quickly closing in.  Ashish the pilot gave us a knowing smile and began our premature descent in the rain into Tashigon… another thriving metropolis with a population of about 20 people and about 40000 leeches….

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NEWS!! Thrilled be part of the Sherpa Adventure Gear brand ambassador team

I'm delighted to share with you some exciting news..! Today was my first official day as a member of the Sherpa Adventure Gear Ambassador Team!! I visited the Sherpa Adventure Gear store headquarters in downtown Kathmandu and was given an extremely warm Sherpa welcome by Ang Phurba Sherpa, the store manager and his team.

I am absolutely thrilled to be a brand ambassador for Sherpa Adventure Gear. I have long  been both overwhelmed and humbled by the hospitality, kindness and strength that the Sherpa people have shown over the course of my travels and adventures throughout Nepal. The Sherpa appreciation for balance - be it in work, life, play - has transcended to my own life in the way that I approach work, my adventures, and a deep respect for the many cultures and people that I meet along the way. In my role as an ambassador, I hope to continue to inspire others to find this balance and encourage others to explore the world and its people.

Over the course of the coming weeks I'll be sharing more with you about the brand, some of the finely crafted gear that I"ll be testing on the mountain and some great ways in which you can find out more. Sherpa Adventure Gear will be launching in the UK in September so stay tuned for some exciting events that will be taking place as part of this exciting new brand..! Brand Ambassadors, Kenton Cool and Neil Gresham have already started a series of lectures about their many inspiring mountain adventures which will be sure to get you inspired and planning your own..!

Background...
Sherpa Adventure Gear was founded in 2003 by Tashi Sherpa, who was inspired to start the company when he discovered that his uncle was one of the Sherpa on Sir Edmund Hilary’s celebrated, first-ever expedition to the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. 

Sherpa Adventure Gear—which manufacturers apparel for mountain and outdoor adventures—honours the unsung Sherpa heroes who make high altitude Himalayan climbs possible by carrying the loads, laying the ropes, and guiding the way.  Sherpa athlete-ambassadors test and help design Sherpa Adventure Gear products, most of which are manufactured in Nepal.

The company employs over 150 people in Nepal, and in 2009, furthered its local commitment when it opened its downtown Kathmandu headquarters, which houses its offices, a flagship store and The Terrace bed and breakfast. Two more stores opened in 2010, in Namche and Pokhara, Nepal. 

Sherpa Adventure Gear gives back to the Sherpa community through its Paldorje Education Foundation.  A portion of every sale funds educational and social initiatives, such as providing scholarships to deserving Sherpa children.

For more information about Sherpa Adventure Gear www.sherpaadventuregear.com

The Sherpa Adventure Gear store team in the Kathmandu flagship store
Lhakpa Tsering Sherpa
Kunga Tashi Sherpa
Tsering Futi Sherpa
Tenzing Chodon Sherpa
Sange Sherpa
Ang Phurba Sherpa

The well-stocked shop in Kathmandu for all your outdoor adventure needs!

Vibrant and warm Sherpa hats - all handmade by the Sherpa family

Every piece of Sherpa gear is finished with an Endless Knot. This auspicious symbol represents the unity of thought and action, words and deeds, wisdom and compassion. The knot is represented on all clothing to bring you good fortune and serve as a constant reminder that all things, in all ways, are tied together as one.

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The People You Meet: Sir Stirling Moss OBE – Mr. Motor Racing; Patron of Hope for Tomorrow Charity

Sir Stirling Moss OBE, better known as ‘Mr Motor Racing’, is arguably the greatest all-round racing driver of all time and a true icon of the motor racing world. 

I first met Sir Stirling and Lady Moss one very sunny afternoon in Mayfair a few short weeks ago through Christine Mills MBE, Founder of the Hope for Tomorrow charity.  Stirling and Susie are Patrons of Hope for Tomorrow.  With a warm and friendly smile and humble manner it was hard to believe that I was sitting across from the man who, out of the 375 competitive races in which he finished during his professional racing career, won an astonishing 212 – including 16 Formula 1 Grand Prix victories. He raced 108 different types of car, across all classes of motor sport, during his remarkable career, which spanned 3 decades.

His victory in the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix, racing a Lotus 18 against the more powerful Ferrari's, was his third Formula 1 victory around the Principality and is still regarded as one of the best Formula 1 races ever.

I found it ironic when Sir Stirling complimented me on the gutsy nature of the challenges ahead – this coming from a man from an era when life expectancy was measured in years and months and from someone who I feel represents all that is best in a sporting hero today. I suggested that he come and join the expedition as a Sherpa but he politely declined.

As one of the Patrons for Hope for Tomorrow, Sir Stirling launched the first Mobile Chemotherapy Unit in February 2007, which is now fully operational and visits hospitals in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.  In December 2010, Sir Stirling launched a second Mobile Chemotherapy Unit for Somerset, which he affectionately named 'Bumble', after his late Mother-in-law, who sadly lost her battle against cancer in 2006. A further 2 Units are now in operation covering Wiltshire and Hampshire.

If you were to go on an expedition for 2 months and hand-picked a team of individuals to be on your team, who would you pick and why? 

Stirling: "The first member of my team would be my wife Susie. I would never go anywhere without her and she is not only my soul mate but also my memory!

Next would be Ollie Bradley, my grandson. He is such an academic and sporting all-rounder that I know he would be able to defeat any challenges we may encounter. At 14, he has youth on his side so he can keep going when the rest of us are dropping.

Our son Elliot would have to be with us to keep us all fed with restaurant quality dishes. He trained under Michel Roux Jr. and is a highly talented chef. He is also immensely fit and incredibly strong from his body building so he would be able to carry all the kitchen equipment he needs!

Francis Wells and Professor Sid Watkins would be a must to cope with our medical requirements. Both very good friends, "The Doc" is a heart specialist who would know how to deal with high altitude and Sid has overseen a lot of the operations I have had over the years so knows my body as well, if not better than I do.

The entertainment would have to come from Marty Henne who is far and away the best musical entertainer I have ever seen. He is American and we met about 15 years ago when he was performing on a cruise ship. Susie even booked him as a surprise for my 80th birthday party. His wit and talent would be loved by everyone of all ages.

Richard Frankel, who is a friend of ours, has a tremendous sense of humour and some of his emails have us doubled up with laughter, so he would have to come along to document the trip and write the Blog."

What was the biggest mountain that you've ever climbed - either figuratively or literally?

Stirling: "Accepting that I had to work for a living when I was only 32 years old, following my crash at Goodwood in 1962."

Sir Stirling and Lady Moss with Christine Mills MBE, founder of Hope for Tomorrow, and Ros Wyke chairman of Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton 
Photo taken in "Bumble", one of the Chemotherapy units named after Sir Stirling's late mother in law.

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And so the adventure begins - next stop Kathmandu!

"Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time." (Leo F. Buscaglia 1924-1998).

I have just two short hours until my taxi comes to transport me to Heathrow and on to Kathmandu via New Delhi. My two bags (guess-timate weight is 40kg) are both parked at the front door waiting to whisked away on yet another this great adventure - although, given the weight, the more appropriate term would, in fact, be 'lugged'..! I have a number of different emotions and thoughts going around in my head - nerves, excitement, standing on the cusp of the known and the unknown... Soon this journey will 'formally' begin... and I can't wait..!!

Before leaving to say a few "Thank Yous" that are long overdue…

Thank you to my amazing friends - for your many emails, calls and words of wisdom. Thanks for your kindness and for making me laugh during those moments when I needed to most and for listening and for picking up so many thing for me while I am away. You guys are the best and I really really can't wait to have a drink with you all in the pub in November…! A huge special thank you to my amazing flatmates DJ Lora  and Pieter and my inspirational climbing partner Magda. You guys rock. Literally.

A huge thank you to David English, who is an absolutely legend and a true inspiration having introduced me to the charity, Hope for Tomorrow through which I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with two amazing women, Christine Mills and Alex Trapnell.  I'm really excited to be working with you. Your enthusiasm and sense of adventure will no doubt give me strength and determination.

Thank you to my family - for your patience and for the spirit of adventure that I am certain that I inherited from you.... although there is some argument which side of the family it actually came from..! I know how much you worry about me but, in the same breath, how much you totally stand behind and support everything that I do. I promise to do my very best to come back in one piece and that my next adventure will involve butterfly collecting or basket weaving.

Thank you to Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) and to my colleagues for putting up with my stories and worries and random outbursts on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and for putting up with me - especially in the last month when my 'hypoxic' state was affecting my short-term memory...

Thank you to the organisations and individuals who have supported me – Sherpa Adventure Gear, Striders Edge, Chucs Dive and Mountain Shop, Maximuscle, and the Sisterhood.

A final humungous thank you to all of you who have kindly contributed to Hope for Tomorrow. On behalf of the charity, I very much appreciate all of the support that you have shown to this tremendously worthwhile cause. Your donations will certainly help to make the lives of those people living with cancer and requiring chemotherapy much more comfortable, allowing them to have their cancer treatment close to home. If you haven't donated but wish to support this fantastic cause you can do so via this link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HopeforTomorrowClimb

On that note, I'd best log off here... My next entry will be from the city of organised chaos, Kathmandu!

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The People You Meet: Dr. David English, MBE, CBE, OSCA - cont'd

As Eric Clapton once told him, David English has a personality that is "larger than life" and hence deserves a second entry in this blog - this time with his thoughts on the 'dream team' of expeditions and to thank him once again for introducing me to the amazing charity, Hope for Tomorrow, of which he is a Patron. Hope for Tomorrow launched the world's first mobile chemotherapy unit bringing cancer treatment closer to home - over 3000 patients have been treated so far and over 70,000 miles of travel have been saved.

David's all-embracing personality serves to remind me of the adventure, unexpectedness and countless opportunities in life... how life should be celebrated regularly, daily... at every opportunity with vivacity and passion. Through reading David's autobiography and spending  time in his company, you begin to realise just how much you can actually fit into the short time we have on this planet of ours -  particularly if you embrace the opportunities presents and never look back.

In a previous entry, I provided a brief biography of his eventful and roller-coaster life and absolutely extraordinary CV. It's definitely worth a read. You can find it online by clicking here. 

Here are some of David's thoughts on his ideal expedition team...

If I was to go on an expedition for 2 months and had to hand pick a team to go with me they would be:

David: I would take Chrissie Mills for the inspiration and cuddles. As guides I would take Sir Ian Botham for his “Never Say Die” outlook on life and Sir Viv Richards for his spirit and laughter (see picture above). Sherpas would be part of the team and Lord Maclaurin would fill that role for  his wisdom and unique leadership qualities plus the banter. My Mum (when she was alive) would be the cook - she made the best meals I’ve ever tasted served with love and care only a mother can give. Plus I’d take my daughter, Amy Rose, a master of the culinary arts. Finally, the porter would be my pal,  Robin Ford (aka ‘The Badger’) who looks after me fantastically at my Bunbury Cricket Matches.

Biggest mountain I’ve ever climbed...

David: Literally -  was the Matterhorn, stark naked (then I woke up)

David: Figuratively – learning the 2000 lines of my character Major Bartellot in Simon Gray’s play, ‘The Rear Column’ at Everyman Theatre, 1981. Never thought it was humanely possible to absorb all that dialogue but I did..!!

"The fact is that people always seem to live and work within the confines of being comfortable. Never stretching themselves, never daring to explore every path to fulfil their promise and dreams. Just think of all those people go who to their grave saying, 'I do wish I had done this or that'. Too late - the chance would have been presented to them but nullified for fear of faulure. Content to read about other people's adventures in the pages of a colour supplement. Not me! If everybody felt that way Everest would never have been conquered, penicillin discovered, Harry Potter written and Ian Botham would not have trudged 5,000 weary miles for Leukaemia Research"

- David English from his autobiography, "Mad Dogs and the Englishman"

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The People You Meet: Charles Finch, Entrepreneur, Media Maverick & Founder of CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop

You could be forgiven for thinking that the words 'glamour' and 'adventure' don’t often make it into the same sentence – let alone the same mountain wardrobe. But, thanks to Charles Finch, entrepreneur, media mavrick and founder of CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop we can all now look as stylish on the beach – or hiking through the mountains – as we do in the boardroom. After all, as Chucs says, ‘A man’s finest hour is often not in the office or the boardroom, but on he sports field, the hill and at sea!’

Over the past 1.5 years I have had the pleasure of working with Charles Finch, the founder of CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop and his fantastic team on Dover Street. Charles takes inspiration for his collection of 'mountainwear' and 'beachwear' at CHUCS from his unique and colourful family heritage which spans generations of explorers, scoundrels, actors and inventors..... 

CHUCS’ ‘Dive collection' is infused with unparalleled style based on memories of family holidays in Jamaica where his father, legendary Academy Award winning actor Peter Finch, and pals Errol Flynn, Ian Fleming, Noel Coward and Ian Pringle together formed the nexis of Caribbean elegance. 

CHUCS’ ‘Mountain collection', on the other hand, reflects Charles’ direct personal history with Mount Everest. I have Charles Finch’s grandfather, George Ingle-Finch to thank for my warm down filled jacket (and hence the title of this blog!).

Whilst he was no ‘Diva in Down’, Australian-born George Ingle Finch, referred to by George Mallory as 'Finchie’ was known as much for his sartorial style as for his climbing flair. He invented the ‘puffa’ or down filled jacket before ascending Mount Everest via the NE Ridge with George Mallory in 1922. Whilst they did not reach the allusive summit on the expedition, this historic climb is cemented in the record books as it was the first mountaineering expedition to breach the 8000m barrier and proved to be excellent ‘reconnaissance’ for the 1924 expedition with George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. Finch also wrote a brilliant book, "The Making of a Mountaineer' of his adventures - a book which features prominently on my bookshelf..!

More importantly (and yet another thing that I will be thanking George Finch for in just over a few weeks time) was that George Ingle Finch was the first person to use oxygen whilst at high altitude. Critics thought this was cheating and believed smoking cigarettes would provide greater benefits than supplemental oxygen. This would certainly have changed the nature of Everest Summit photos and the ‘warning labels’ on a pack of Camels. Whilst George never made it to the summit of Everest, he remained an inventor and explorer and his ideas were often realised and accepted years after his own experiments.

“After this, my first mountain ascent, I had made up my mind to see the world, to see it from above, from the tops of mountains”. - George Ingle Finch, 1922

In 2005, Charles founded Finch & Partners creating a London and Paris based media company representing and advising global luxury brands, entertainment companies, celebrated individuals, nation states, and philanthropic organisations on all aspects of image from public relations, brand development, product endorsement and placement, to events and marketing. In 2011, Charles Finch took inspiration from his grandfather and opened CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop. Ultimately CHUCS Dive and Mountain shop provides the discerning traveller with everything required for a trip to the beach, mountain or hunting lodge…

If you were to go on an expedition for 2 months and hand-pick a team of individuals to be on your team, who would you pick and why?

Charles: If I was about to go on a two month expedition I would take George Ingle-Finch - for obvious reasons..! I'd also add Graham Greene, one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, to the team because his ambition was to make love behind every alter in every cathedral in Europe. Errol Flynn would also be on the expedition team because he'd be fun. I'd have Michael Sandberg onboard as my personal physician and Daniele, the chef from the Delfino restaurant in Positano would certainly be cooking all of our meals!!

What is the biggest mountain that you've ever climbed - either figuratively or literally?

Charles: Mont Blanc!

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A huge thank you to CHUCS for sharing with me their rich history and for keeping me comfortable (and stylish!) while on the mountain..! The only caveat is, next time I decide to ‘explore often’, please remind me to focus on the ‘dive’ rather than the 'mountain' - a beach holiday, a bikini, espadrilles (and a mojito) are pretty appealing at the moment!!

Live Well. Stand Tall. Give Freely. Explore Often.  CHUCS DIVE AND MOUNTAIN SHOP

CHUCS Dive and Mountain Shop

31 Dover Street, London

http://www.chucs.com

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The People You Meet: Accomplished British Alpinist & Author, Andy Cave

Whilst this blog claims 'not to be a climbing blog' - I can't help but include the profile for Andy Cave - a figurehead for British Mountaineering with more than 20 years of desperate routes to his name in the Himalaya, Patagonia and Alaska and esteemed author of Learning to Breathe and Thin White Line. I had the pleasure of working with Andy - not as a climber, but as a change-management consultant - in May 2012. We drew upon our climbing and consulting experiences to co-present at the PwC Finance Leaders Summit, an event organised by the firm to provide an opportunity for finance leaders to learn how peer organisations have delivered significant changes to the finance function, share their own ideas and innovate to deliver new solutions.

You wouldn't immediately think that this would be a natural place to find someone like Andy - you'd think he would be more comfortable hanging off a vertical wall or plodding his way to the summit of a remote peak in Alaska, the Andes or the Alps. However. through combining the lessons learned from the early days of his career 3000 feet underground as a coal miner to his experience in climbing the North Face of the Eiger (at the age of 20!), attaining a PhD in Sociolingistics from Sheffield University, and reaching the summit of the notoriously difficult Himalayan mountain, Changabang by one of the most challenging routes ever recorded, Andy has a plethora of experiences to draw from and share in a business context. 

He often runs workshops and presentations with organisations to illustrate how motivation plus teamwork and an ability not to be limited by the expectations of others can lead to the realisation of extraordinary goals. Succeeding on the world’s most formidable, inaccessible mountains requires innovation, effective planning and the ability to manage risk, sometimes in situations of extreme crisis. These are themes, which are central to the business world - hence the perfect opportunity for a talk to an audience of business leaders which was, well, 'beyond' the numbers..!

Our presentation titled, 'From Basecamp to Boardroom' used the John Adair Action Centred leadership model through which we demonstrated that good managers and leaders should have strength and depth in each of the 'elements' of the model, drawing from each of these elements according to the situation. These three elements of the model are: Achieving the task; Developing the team or group; Developing individuals. Being able to do all of these things, and keep the right balance, gets results, builds morale, improves quality, develops teams and productivity, and is the mark of a successful manager and leader - be it at basecamp or in the boardroom.

Reflecting on our mountaineering experiences we were able to discuss the qualities of individuals and experiences in which we saw elements of true leadership. In a very engaging presentation, Andy drew specifically from four main mountaineering case studies - his experiences as a coal miner at the start of his career, the climb of the North Face of the Eiger, Shishapangma as well as the climb of Mount Kennedy.

I've learned heaps from Andy and have gone on to reflect on our presentation and other parallels that exist between bascamps and boardroom and the lessons learned from individuals in both environments. I look forward to continuing to work with Andy in exploring these new routes and helping others to forge their own - both in business and in the hills..!

If you were to go on an expedition for 2 months and hand-pick a team of individuals to be on your team, who would you pick and why? Roles could include: Team mates, Guide, Sherpa, Cook, Porter....etc.

Andy: I would take Dave Hesleden as a lead climber, he seems to know how far to push it and has good judgement. he is also very courageous when necessary. Mick Fowler would be a great asset too, he is always motivated and is excellent at the meticulous planning and dealing with authorities to gain permits to unusual areas. Jamie Oliver could do the cooking!

What was the biggest mountain that you've ever climbed - either figuratively or literally..?

Andy: There are too many to mention. At 20 yrs old Eiger north face was a big deal though I went on to climb much harder things in the Alps. Changabang north face first ascent was arduous. But also projects we failed on (and remain still unclimbed) Gashebrum lV south ridge, Annapurna 3 south west ridge, Ogre north face - These climbed in alpine style will be cutting edge challenges. Going where nobody has been before is pretty exciting.

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The People You Meet: The Royal Mail Postman bearing gifts of mountain kit

One of the more random people that I’ve met along the way of in this crazy mountaineering journey is my friendly local Royal Mail postman. Central London isn’t exactly the mountaineering mecca of the world and you’d have a much easier time finding a pair of Gucci heels or Alexander McQueen gown within a ten mile radius than a pair of high-altitude boots and a matching down suit. So, needless to say, I can now add ‘online shopping’ to my extensive CV alongside being able to light an epigas stove above 7000m and set up an altitude tent in the comforts of my bedroom.

Over the course of past expeditions I’ve learned to pack ‘lite’…. Generally this equates to 1 x ‘stuffed to the max’ 110 litre duffle bag complete with equipment duct-taped to the shoulder straps and bottles training from the frame… I look more like bulky yak trying to navigate Heathrow Airport check in lines than a fashion-conscious traveller trying to schmooze my way into business class. There are times when fashion comes second to function – and packing for Makalu (or any big mountain for that matter!) is a prime example of one of those cases.

Packing for Makalu presents an interesting predicament – I finished packing last night. In a state of panic at the sight of the mountain of bags in my front room, I spent my morning writing to JET Airways grovelling for (a) an upgrade AND / OR (b) a *tiny bit* of excess baggage allowance above and beyond the permitted 30kgs.  I have about 45 kilos… of...um... essentials.

When I look at the ‘snapshot’ of kit below, I can’t help but admire (yet again!) early mountaineering pioneers such as George Leigh-Mallory and stand in awe of their achievements wearing wool socks, gaberdine jackets and leather boots..!! Climbing isn’t just about going up and down a mountain. It’s the culmination of years of planning, testing new equipment, getting to know your equipment, and the 'i' word... investment....

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What happens in the altitude tent, stays in the altitude tent…

For the past 8 weeks my bedroom has become a tourist attraction… I don’t believe that it’s hit ‘Time Out's Top 10 Things to See in London” yet (although I’m sure that it would make good advertising for the White Company) but it has raised a few eyebrows from guests to the flat....

I came home the other day and my flatmate mentioned that a friend had come round and happened to peek into my room and demanded, “What’s up with your flatmate – is she into that Michael-Jackson sh*t..” alluding perhaps to the rumors that  in the 1980s, the King of Pop slept in a hyperbaric chamber to slow the ageing process.  I personally prefer to rely on Oil of Olay as my ticket to eternal youth.....

My bedroom has also become a playground – my friend’s two children recently came over and I quickly saw the tent transformed into a jungle-gym as the plastic ‘door panel’ of the tent quickly turned into a make-shift slip n’slide with my feather duvet serving to break their fall.  

I can’t claim that the altitude tent has done wonders for my sleep pattern and do wonder every night as I zip up the flap to ‘seal’ the tent and provide the controlled environment into which the air is pumped whether it's working with a loud <whooshing> sound. It’s really not a surprise that Mo Farah and a handful of Olympic athletes were forced to sleep in their altitude tents outside of the Olympic Village for the duration of the games because of the noise. The small beer-fridge size machine which sounds like a low-decibel lawnmower is connected to the ‘tent’ with an 8 foot long clear plastic hose which pumps the oxygen controlled air into the tent. The body’s response to the lack of oxygen is to stimulate the production of red blood cells, giving the blood better oxygen-carrying capacity and lowering the heart rate.  This is extremely important for endurance athletes like Mo Farah, football players such as Wayne Rooney recovering from injury, and something that will be very important to me in just over a weeks time as I make my way up to Makalu Base Camp at 5050m. It takes the body more than two weeks to produce new red-blood cells – hence why I’ve been sleeping in this plastic bubble for nearly 8 weeks now..!!

If I don’t pre-acclimatise correctly, I risk suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which caused by a lack of oxygen when travelling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude over 2,100 m who have not had a chance to acclimatise to the altitude before engaging in physical activities.

I must admit, I’d prefer acclimatising high in the Swiss Alps in a gorgeous chalet with a fantastic mountain view while eating cheese fondue with a dreamboat ski instructor named Otto, but I’ve learned that in life (in this crazy world of high altitude mountaineering) you have to learn to make compromises….

The effects of the lack of oxygen have clearly taken effect...

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