tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19063893319955946162024-03-14T04:58:58.071-07:00Bonita Norrisbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-83111733477245561802012-05-28T21:56:00.004-07:002023-03-22T05:14:27.514-07:00Summit of Lhotse 8401m (world's 4th highest peak)So, the summit has been reached, and now i am back safe in Kathmandu.
I am now one of very few Britons who have climbed Lhotse, the youngest Brit woman and perhaps even the youngest woman to have ever climbed it. But that doesn't say anything about the experience itself....
As with these less poplar mountains, my summit day was completely void of other climbers- - whilst on Everest there have been hundreds of people going up at a time. In fact, we could look out from our route on Lhotse and see the climbers going up Everest- a line of head torches stretching for nearly a 1000m upwards- whereas we were totally alone with an entire mountain to ourselves.
No one on our team of 4 (2 foreigners and 2 sherpas) had been on Lhotse before, so we were all excited to be climbing into the unknown for the first time together. I found a rhythm and was determined not to rush or get out of breath- i found our pace very peaceful and after a while I fell into a routine that went on an on for hours without us stopping. I felt really strong and alert, and at no point did i feel like i was climbing in the 'death zone', despite Lhotse being a massive 8401m in height.
The climb gains the summit via a Couloir that seemed to go on forever- I can remember looking up and it seemed never ending. The couloir is usually covered in snow, but this year it was mostly a rock climb- dry loose rock that we would have to step so delicately over so as not to cause it to crumble and fall off down the Lhotse face.
Eventually we reached the summit slopes and suddenly the comforting enclosure of the couloir was replaced by the breathtaking exposure of the steep open summit field- you could look between your feet and see down for miles, look to either side and the drops were huge- a mistake here would have ended in an almighty fall. But it was also absolutely stunning- the sun had turned the sky pink and baby blue- Everest was lit up in the morning glow to my left, it was so quiet and peaceful to watch the sunrise over the HImalayas from a view point that so few have been able to look out from- Everest looked completely different from where we were perched on the Lhotse summit slopes.
Finally, a rocky mound maybe 50m in height leads to a snowy crest which is the summit. The rocky mound is a vertical rock climb- i never thought i would be actually rock climbing at 8400m with the himlayas spread out below me. Climbing with mittens, huge boots and an oxygen mask is pretty difficult- but my whole mantra had been to stay calm and keep a rhythm- i stepped my feet down like i was walking on glass, so as not to dislodge the loose rock, and slowly made my way up the 2 pitches of climbing that led to the snowy top. Below my teetering feet was the body of a Czech man- he had died only a few days before, he had simply sat down at the bottom of the rock climb, shut his eyes and died. Looking down and catching glimpses of him made my heart race and gave me a lump in my throat- another fellow climber dead, i tried not to cry and to concentrate on making my way safely upwards.
The last few jabs of my crampons into the last patch of snow and suddenly i was hit with the view from the other side of the mountain- it appeared out of nowhere! I was looking over the other side of the mountain into Tibet- i nearly fell off the other side! The summit is so small only 2 people can sit on it at any time. The sun burst into view and the entire world seemed to be at my feet- huge himalayan peaks so small in the distance, the clouds rolling below me like an ocean- and the beautiful colours of the dawn sky- I was the only person in the whole world who had this view, it was the most breathtaking moment of my life- literally, it took my breath away.
I was so overwhelmed and shocked by the view before me that i screamed aloud and then screamed again down the radio that i'd made it, Lakpa, then came up behind me and we hugged and i cried as i was so happy that he had made it too- another first summit for him also. We could see people climbing up on Everest, but where were were there was nobody- we sat for a while and just took in the view until our other two climbers reached the top, we all hugged again- 4 tiny humans perched on top of this giant himalayan peak.
It took us just under three hours back to our high camp, then straight down to Everest camp2, and base camp the next day.
Post expedition thoughts:
60 days to the day, and i was finally on top of the mountain. This has been the hardest trip i have ever done simply in terms of it being a metal struggle. This season on Everest and Lhotse has been hard, with the mountain being out of condition, strong weather systems, avalanches and entire teams packing up and leaving early, We hung on, we prayed, we listened to every piece of news and gossip and hoped that the mountain would at the last minute improve enough for us to climb. There were many times when i thought it was over, but still- something told me to hang in there and trust that we would get our shot. Over half the teams with permits for Lhotse abandoned early this year- but those that stayed were rewarded with the most incredible climb, yes the mountain wasnt in the best climbing condition- but it made it all the more fun and interesting to climb, and so I am very grateful for that.
Many people have perished this year, which is devastating. In less than a month I saw three bodies- this is not normal for any 24 year old woman, even one who climbs big mountains. I am so thankful to just be alive and safe and well, and to have been spared by the mountain. For those that weren't so lucky, may they rest in peace- my thoughts and prayers go out to all their loved ones. For now, I just want to go home and be with my family- this season has been a stressful and harrowing experience, and the fact that we made the summit hasnt sunk in yet over the worry that we have dealt with these past 2 months. I want to go home and not go near a mountain for a few weeks at least anyway.
I'd like to firstly thank Henry, Kame, Young Lakpa and Lakpa Onju for making our attempt successful, without any glitches and for working so hard against the odds to make sure that the Lhotse climb went ahead, despite the huge amount of attention that Everest required. Bob, my team mate- congratulations man, it was great to share the summit with you. The team at Karrimor for thier support and messages of well wishing throughout, and for supplying kit and finance for the expedition. To TAG Heuer for also supporting the expedition and for supplying me with a great watch that came all the way to the summit and back.
To my family and friends- your support and phone calls kept me going when the trip seemed doomed to fail, for the endless weeks of waiting and then through the nerves of beginning the ascent- your messages meant so much, and i really cant wait to get home and enjoy the summer with you- not just hear about it over the phone!
Finally, i think ive come a long way since my fall on Everest- i learnt a tough lesson there which i have never forgotten and has made me strive to be the best i can possibly be on the mountain at all times. Climbing a much more technically difficult peak in good style i hope has proved that my determination to be a better mountaineer has paid off. You fall and you pick yourself up again- you learn your lessons and you come back stronger. That's life, and I am so thankful to be alive and able to do this- and that is thanks to so many others, whom I dedicate the success of this climb too.
Over and out for now- Bonita.bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-75623423628834978672012-05-01T03:16:00.002-07:002023-03-22T05:07:29.238-07:00Lhotse updateOk a super quick update:
Acclimatisation Is pretty much complete- I've been up to 6700m, below camp3, turned back because of strong winds and inadequate clothing on my legs- a pair of leggings!!! In 50knot winds...
Don't worry I have proper cold weather clothing at BC.
Now it's the 1st May. Apparently at present (this can change at any time) there is no good weather (more strong winds) for the foreseeable future. So our team are deciding on what to do next. I personally am hoping for a trip to Sonams lodge in Pangboche (!)
So what's happened since my last blog:
First rotation up to camp1 was combined with 2 nights straight after at camp2 (6400m) it was an uneventful few days- a quick descent back to BC did however see us pass a body (RIP)being readied for chopper rescue. A few minutes after we passed the rescue party in the western cwm we came across a crevasse covered in his blood. It was a sobering and rather upsetting day.
Just before going back for the second rotation to camp3 a huge search fell and wiped out part of the icefall route. We watched it happen from the safety of base camp. Our Sherpas- true legends In this case- we headed down through the icefall and saw the serac, they knew it was going to go so went back up to a higher camp, made some noodles and as they predicted it fell a few hours later. Their judjement probably saved their lives and shows we are in good hands.
The next day we climbed through the icefall over the avalanche debris and through to camp2 with no problems. It was the next day as we sat in the mess tent that we hear the most almighty crack- rushing out of the tent we saw a huge avalanche cascade right into the western cwm and as the dust cloud exploded we watched as people- little ants in the distance- became engulfed in white. I was sure I was watching people be buried alive. The dust cloud was so big
It dusted us as camp2 and our friends down in the icefall probably over a mile away. Incredibly not a single person died. A miracle. It was 10am and so a busy time in the cwm- camp1 was obliterated but amazingly no one was there at the time. We assumed a mass grave. We still can't believe that just by chance camp1 was unusually quiet. There was one casualty who was blown by the shock wave into a crevasse and got airlifted to hospital in kathmandu. Our Sherpas along with others found him and rob, our team doctor, was first on scene with medical help.
After our jaunt up to the lhotse face in strong winds (I turned back pretty early from the winds) we made a safe descent back to BC (yesterday) and all feeling excited for what lays ahead. I'll say again- I am prepared to
Turn back at any moment if the route is not safe. And will not take any risks with weather- if a window doesn't come then that would be pretty tough to stomach but if that's the mountains then I accept that they don't necessarily have the same agenda as I do!
Lastly, our team is great- I'm in full health and everything is
Going to plan. We just need the winds to calm and maybe then we can take a shot at the summit. Fingers crossed!
We have to leave now and head back up from this little village with Internet access back to base camp before dark- thanks for all the messages of support. And family- if you are worrying please stop, as I keep telling you I am the most risk averse climber ever! If it's not safe I am
Not going anywhere.
Love to all,
Bonitabonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-40026124145908150082012-04-14T04:46:00.000-07:002012-04-14T04:50:11.079-07:00Lhotse pre-expedition thoughtsIsland Peak<br /><br />I am buzzing because I have just ticked my third peak in the Solukhumbu, a beautiful mountain called Island Peak.<br /><br />At over 6000m Island Peak is an expedition in itself- requiring days of hiking through the khumbu valley, past the village of Chukung and up onto a high plateau, before the summit is gained by a long walk up to the edge of a glacier overnight, from the glacier the bergshrund is reached and then fixed lines lead up steep ice and snow to the summit ridge.<br /><br />Along the summit ridge and on the summit itself are the most amazing views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Baruntse- it is a truly spectacular final few meters. It was a great climb and I owe a big thanks to my good friend Jon Gupta and his company JCG Expeditions for running the exped.<br /><br />Jon pulled a team of 10 climbers together for the trip, we were a mixture of abilities but all had the most amazing experience. For me, it was the perfect acclimatisation for Lhotse- it was also great fun being in an big team rather than trekking alone as I was thinking of doing before Jon invited me along.<br /><br />The team have now left and are heading back to Lukla, and from there- kathmandu then home. I said goodbye to them yesterday in Pangboche, and I am still here, missing the banter and the games but also looking forward now to lhotse having gotten some 6000m's of altitude and hopefully a fee extra red blood cells to help me out on the big climb.<br /><br />Jon has a pretty awesome expedition of his own planned for the summer- check out 'ESL12' on google for more information and to wish him luck with his record breaking attempt of the snow leopard award.<br /><br />Blog 2:<br /><br />Lhotse, pre-expedition thoughts<br /><br />For the first time in two years i am about to attempt another 8000m peak, my third after Manaslu (2009) and Everest (2010).<br /><br />Lhotse is the world's 4th highest peak, and makes up a significant part of the Everest range- the famous south col route is the point where Lhotse and Everest join- as a result, much of the route to the summit follows the Everest south side route.<br /><br />At 8501m it is a formidable climb- like the Everest climbers I will be using supplementary oxygen from above camp 3 (in the middle of the Lhotse face), down suit, high altitude boots and expect to be pushed to my physical and mental limits to reach its rocky and jagged summit.<br /><br />Am I nervous? Yes. I know the route well and am therefore much more aware of the dangers. I am also highly aware of how quickly things can go wrong. Ignorance is bliss and I definitely do not have that on my side this time around- I have seen seracs collapse meters from me in the ice fall. I have past people who were one day alive and a few days later dead. I know how it feels to just try and *breathe* at 8000m. I know the suffering- the extreme weight loss, the exhaustion, the cold.<br /><br />So why go back? Well, it wasn't all bad. Everest was the most incredible experience and the best two months of my life (thank you VocaLink and Dream Guides/Himalayan Guides). I guess that part of attempting Lhotse is to re-live that experience. The ice fall is deadly but it is also like nothing on Earth- the most beautiful sight is this world of ice bathed in dawn light. The Western Cwm is breathtaking and the feeling of satisfaction at taking the last step into camp 3 after a long day on the lhotse face is indescribable- mainly because you are too exhausted to put the emotion into words.<br /><br />The absolute best thing is a cup of hot grape Tang being pushed into your hand as you return to base camp after a few days up on the hill. You sit on a rock with the sun on your face, your thirst quenched and you are alive- life is good.<br /><br />You get used to the cold, the routines of looking after yourself, being safe and as your body continually adapts you get stronger, faster and more psyched for the summit bid. By the time the weather window comes, you and your team mates know each other- you're friends, you know their motives and what makes them want to climb- you want them to achieve their dream just as much as you want yourself to.<br /><br />The stress of not knowing, and the physical stress on your body as you go through the summit bid probably ages a climber by a good few years. It is not until you take that last step out of the icefall, sit down and take off your helmet and crampons and look back Jo at the world you have managed to escape from do you realise just how much your body has been through. The wright lifted from your shoulders- the memories of the summit forever imprinted in your mind. A cup of grape Tang in your hand. And your thoughts can finally turn to home. The sense of relief is overwhelming.<br /><br />Beyond that, lhotse is an entirely new challenge. After climbing AMA Dablam last autumn I realised that my technical abilities had improved, I was more skilled and confident and was (thankfully as always) coping well at altitude. Lhotse was now a realistic goal- the summit day is steep, very steep- following a couloir and then a rocky ridge to a tiny summit. It sounds scary, but it also sounds like an incredible climb- and I really want to give it my best shot.<br /><br />Lastly, I cannot wait to be back in the company of those who make these expeditions possible: Kame Nuru, Padaua, Lakpa Onjchu, Dorjee, Lakpa, Jabu, Bhim, Pasang Temba and Henry and Rob to name but a few.<br /><br />The risk is there. I cannot say that I have 100% accepted it, as after all- no mountain is worth dying for, and the chance of dying is probably quite significantly higher here than if I was to spend the Spring back in Wokingham. So how do you justify it? I am starting to think people will think I am obsessed with death- but actually, I am just trying to work things out in my head. The truth is- you can't justify a climb like this, it is selfish and risky and a mistake could be finite. I will take each day as it comes- I am ready and willing to turn back at any moment. I know what I have waiting back for me In England- my family and friends, and that is more important than any summit. Staying alive is the most important thing.<br /><br />For now I am in Pangboche village at Sonam's lodge, aiming to be at base camp this weekend. We start our climb soon after, aiming to summit in one of the weather windows from mid-May onwards.<br /><br />I'd like to thank karrimor for their continued support and for making this expedition possible, and for the kit that I will use throughout the expedition- including my X-Lite rucksac which has been on many expeditions with me now and is undoubtably the best pac I have used. <br /><br />TAG Heuer have also been a continued and valued source of support for my Himalayan climbing, and after wearing an Aqua Racer to the summit of Ama Dablam, I am now hoping that my ceramic ladies watch will withstand the pressure in the death zone- it has so far worked perfectly up to 6100m.<br /><br />To Dad, Mum, Rob, Maggie, Nanny, Margot, Belinda, all my friends and family- love you and miss you and cannot wait for a summer of BBQ's (why is it that I always crave a BBQ whenever I am out here?!). Love you all. Bxxxbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-62050615835055317332011-11-30T15:01:00.000-08:002011-12-15T07:15:41.035-08:00Summit of Ama Dablam (6856m)<em>(photos not currently working but will be uploaded shortly, check @bonitanorris on twitter for pics in the mean time...)</em><br /><br />Having had a few days back in the UK i've finally had some time to digest what has been an incredible expedition to Ama Dabla, which was kindly sponsored and supported by Karrimor and Tag Heuer, and a trip that has never made me feel so alive and so grateful to be a mountaineer.<br /><br />Ama Dablam is truly the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen, and being face to face with it- climbing that perfect Granite, was just WOW.<br /><br />The trip didn't really start off this way however!<br /><br />After long delays in Kathmandu nerves were building, by the time myself and my team (emma, rosamond and tim) had made it into the Khumbu and were spying Ama we were absolutely terrified- looking at it, you'd think it was almost impossible to climb.<br /><br />I said to myself again and again: "this will be the last, no more expeditions, just finish this and then get a normal job which has a higher chance of survival"<br /><br />It made me feel better to think that I would never have to endure the suffering that was about to unfold again. I KNEW what was coming, i think that was the problem.<br /><br />We finally made it to base camp and Ama loomed over us- at night it's white flanks were illuminated in the moon light and the stars shone about it. It was always there. Even lying in my tent at night i was aware of its presence and was thinking: "will this be the one where my luck runs out?"<br /><br />The route takes a never ending rocky ridge line up the the summit fields- where the angle is steep to the point of needing to front point on your crampons. The hanging glacier (dablam) sits precariously to the left, and the final top out is a straight push up steep ice and snow. The summit is crevassed and will one day collapse. The entire route is fixed with anchors which in the UK i wouldn't dream of using as protection- the mushroom ridge for instance, boasting stakes wobbling like jelly in loose, sugary snow.<br /><br />The day before the summit push i had a wash at basecamp, i emptied out the bowl of dirty water, turned around and saw a familiar face: "lakpa?" it was lakpa Wongchu! The climbing sherpa who had been with me on Everest summit day, without his help would i be here today? Not sure. I owe him and others my life. We hugged, and then i duly burst into sobs of tears. Nice.<br /><br />This trip had made me realise just how much that day still haunts me- more than anything i wanted to climb this mountain to prove to Lakpa and to the people who helped me that day that i was capable of descending without getting injured. It's a vulgar word but this mountain for me was about 'closure'... putting an end to the demons that have haunted me ever since the 17th May 2010.<br /><br />The real climbing on the mountain starts after camp 1. When it comes to expeditions i am very anal- if we say we're leaving at 8am i am walking out of camp at one second past 8. Luckily, Lakpa Wongchu was also ready and thus we had a great head start on the way up to camp 3- nobody in front of us for the entire route, no waiting around at anchors. Just the two of us climbing in unison and moving quickly over the terrain that Lakpa new so well.<br /><br />I said to Lakpa that if he took lots of photos he could have my cannon 500D, which he happily agreed to- so all these photos are his, and he did an awesome job.<br /><br />The climbing from camp 1 to 3 is great fun- lots of rock, the most perfect granite i have ever seen and if this mountain was at sea level it would have some fantastic climbing routes on it in the VS to HVS range.<br /><br />The route follows the jagged ridge line up to the bottom of the summit pyramid. Theres lots of traversing, short pitches of climbing and also the infamous yellow tower (HVS rock climb) and grey tower (scottish grade III gulley)both were exhilirating- especially the top of the yellow tower where you are presented with an overhang- i threw my hand over the top, found a hold and just hauled my body over onto the platform, thousands of feet of air and cloud beneath me- just wow.<br /><br />The grey tower was more exhausting- by this point we had put on crampons and whilst this had its benefits it also made my intuition when trying to climb a little confused- anyway, i scratched my way up and used the jumar to ascend when i had the energy- though generally wherever possible on the mountain i tried to use my hands and feet to get higher- jumaring reguires far too much brute strength and i find that after 2 or 3 (sometimes 1) pull on it and i am gasping for breath- plus it aggravates my back, so i climbed as much as possible, using the jumar as a safety and anchor for resting on route- which is nice!<br /><br />Throughout the trip i was using a karrimor X-Lite rucsac which was perfect for this terrain- the lightest pack i have ever used and very slim so that it didn't get in the way of the climbing. I was also wearing a Karrimor baselayer (pink) which is quite a novel colour in the hills!<br /><br />Finally made camp 3 and the morning dawned on summit day- we decided to leave at 8, and so we were- bang on. Lakpa and I moving at our steady pace, soon we were ahead and had nobody infront of us all the way to the summit- looking up, the mountain was all ours.<br /><br />The climbing in the early hours was tough, the altitude (now above 6000m) was beginning to bite, and the blinding exhaustion as lactic acid builds up in your body after a few moments of effort started to become the norm. it was also very cold- but i had my headphones on (playing chase and status, naturally) and could see the halo of the sun up above me, I could also see the golden tint to the snow up ahead which signalled warmth- it drove me on, and i climbed as fast as i could until i was bathed in that beautiful sunlight.<br /><br />At around 10am i got a call over the radio, Lakpa passed it to me. it was Henry from BC, he said: "Bonita, you're about to pass a dead body. Please remember that there's nothing you can do- the soul has gone. Stay calm and go past it, just stay calm. I'm here if you need me."<br /><br />I could see him up ahead, on the route, tied into the fixed lines. He had died 48 hours previously. All i could think was: his family. And then: 'i want to speak to my dad. I can't do this until i've spoken to him.'<br /><br />Lakpa, patted my back and signalled for us to carry on. When we got above him at an anchor we both said a prayer and poured water into the snow as an offering. Then we carried onto the summit, i couldn't stop crying.<br /><br />Finally, we made it- Lakpa and I stook on the top of Ama Dablam at 11.45 on the 17th November 2011. We had made it 3.45minutes out of camp 3- a great effort, but in the back of my mind i was already thinking about the descent- we were halfway.<br /><br />First of all we sat and ate chocolate, then stood up on the big, flat plateau that is the summit and took photos of each other. I put on my karrimor down jacket to keep warm whilst we weren't moving so much.<br /><br />When we sat down again we were looking at Everest. I said to Lakpa: "you saved my life over there, i know that" He didn't look me in the eye, but nodded. It was closure, finally- exactly 18 months to the day since it had happened.<br /><br />We descended back to camp by abseiling and arm wrapping in around 2 hours, and the next day back to base camp. <br /><br />I came into base camp ahead of the others for no other reason than that i wanted to walk alone. When i arrived in the evening twilight Pasang Tempa grabbed me by the bum and lifted me in the air! Henry said to me: "Bonita, you've done a 360- the difference between this and Everest is a 360, well done"<br /><br />That night i got into my tent and laid down on (wait for it) a thin tent mattress, karrimat and a thermarest- it was THE most comfortable bed i have ever lain on and as i sunk into it all the stresses and worries and doubts that you take with you on the mountain melted away. I was blissfully happy. it was a perfect ascent and i had Lakpa and Henry to thank for it. I thought about the man we had passed, said a prayer and then thanked God that i was still alive.<br /><br />As we flew back to Kathmandu a few days later from Lukla I surveyed the Khumbu from above- this little known part of the world has become by chance the most important of places in my little life. I know i will visit again, many, many times. <br /><br />I thought as we flew away from the Himalayas and back to the city- this trip, this mountain, this country- taking the risk, knowing that i could fail utterly- but getting to climb with Lakpa and thank him for what he did as we looked across at Everest from the summit of Ama Dablam- the whole experience has simply bought me back to life.<br /><br />I'm ready and psyched for the future, my love affair with the hills has been re-ignited and I can't wait to take on more challenges in the mountains in the years ahead.<br /><br />Taking the risk on Ama bought me from the dark back into the light. Never give up on what you love. There will be good times as well as bad- and both are needed to truly live.<br /><br />It begins again in the spring! Lhotse is calling.<br /><br />Standing by for now...<br /><br />Bonita<br /><br />Thank you to Henry, Lakpa Wongchu, Jabu, Dorje, Pasang Temba, Kumar, Kame, Emma Tim and Rosamond for this incredible trip, one which I will never forget.<br /><br />Thank you to Karrimor for supporting this expedition and for providing kit which i wore throughout.bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-77155386284149685642011-11-09T02:45:00.000-08:002011-11-09T12:38:36.432-08:00Base CampAfter delay upon delay due to bad weather over Lukla, my team and I (Emma, Tim and Rosmund) decide to charter a helicopter from Katmandu to a lower village in the Khumba. Reports are 300+ trekkers and climbers stranded at both ends due to the stagnant cloud, meaning that domestic flights are grounded. Today (9th) flights have finally resumed. We, the lucky ones, are now at our base camp at the foot of Ama Dablam (6812m). It's a spectacular mountain- absolutely beautiful. Base camp is at 4600m and we're all feeling great. It's fairly cold- I'm wearing my karrimor down jacket, especially in the evenings. The sun disappears behind the mountains and a chill settles- the clouds fall and the moon rises over Ama Dablams left shoulder. <br /><br />We've seen shooting stars and the Scorpio constellation (my birth sign) dominated the night sky. The days- we have high pressure so brilliant blue skies and little wind. The sun rises and finally tips over the peaks at about 8am and the air temperature rises rapidly. Last night, the first in my tent at BC, was particularly cold and despite my minus 40 sleeping bag I was kept awake by the night time freeze. <br /><br />Today we had our Puja and went through kit for the hill. Things will start to move fast from now so I won't have a chance to write again. I'm feeling strong- no coughs, colds or injuries yet and no headaches or altitude related problems so I'm optimistic about going higher. The route looks very cool, and nothing like I've seen before on Everest or Manaslu- so a whole new challenge awaits. <br /><br />Standing by for nowbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-77175201070607144342011-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:002011-10-29T08:18:39.202-07:00Ama DablamJust about to head out the door to Heathrow- a whirlwind of kit bags, check lists, passport, tickets- I think i'm there.<br /><br />Flying to Doha tonight then on route to Kathmandu tomorrow. Looking forward to being back in the city for the third time, it's a crazy place- where faith, religion, culture, consumerism, west and east collide.<br /><br />For climbers its a special place- lots of bars, restaurants and small shops built up over the years as our gateway to the Himalayas.<br /><br />Fly into the Khumbu valley on Monday. One of the world's most dangerous landing strips awaits. Then we start our trek to base camp, staying in tea houses, eating daal Baht every night and craning our necks to see jagged tops of the Himalayan giants standing over us.<br /><br />Pangboche is the last village below Ama Dablam- our Quarry. At 6856m it's a beautiful peak. We will spend the rest of our time in the Himalayas trying to reach the top of it.<br /><br />I'm climbing with a friend from my first trip to the Himalayas- Emma Jack, we're using logistics from Himalayan Guides and climbing with a small team. Thank you to my family, friends, supporters and sponsor karrimor. My dad- my rock.<br /><br />Who knows what awaits. Another adventure begins... psyched!!!bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-6558994506092931412011-09-05T13:39:00.000-07:002011-09-06T01:30:35.671-07:00Summer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLrQXkBqhJsknjOUWzhXrv_S9Ob_8TO9JahuU1XNxiofhqZID5k9lyk8GLNlGvUeN6I1WA5xvNGFFky-0VNrKkHqFmPw-2WfwdvFt3pH25kCVLNB_H9RRtXDU6ahlcPU9WzWTFIPpDFY/s1600/089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLrQXkBqhJsknjOUWzhXrv_S9Ob_8TO9JahuU1XNxiofhqZID5k9lyk8GLNlGvUeN6I1WA5xvNGFFky-0VNrKkHqFmPw-2WfwdvFt3pH25kCVLNB_H9RRtXDU6ahlcPU9WzWTFIPpDFY/s320/089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160212686066194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ7h2a5dTlMTV4Pfso_YXsD3zfw3YQYQlXTRfu3CiNWY-ZhgKEuI8PFEhzSrVoRwkdQCAd2YVP0OQ-dzExODX4V8MtLJlup4mFO1KVGcWxUFLVKnIIyBbILCJrs8wTxWMBi1ZmaPag_U/s1600/316371_668760034380_200903396_36231794_2758779_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ7h2a5dTlMTV4Pfso_YXsD3zfw3YQYQlXTRfu3CiNWY-ZhgKEuI8PFEhzSrVoRwkdQCAd2YVP0OQ-dzExODX4V8MtLJlup4mFO1KVGcWxUFLVKnIIyBbILCJrs8wTxWMBi1ZmaPag_U/s320/316371_668760034380_200903396_36231794_2758779_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649003471331501938" /></a><br />So September has crept up on us and another summer has come to a close,though here's hoping for a few more days out on the rock before it gets too cold :)<br /><br />And what a summer it has been, for me it began after returning from the Arctic Circle and our team's successful last degree expedition to the North Pole. We skied in average temperatures of minus 30 and the sun never set. Arriving home in May I pretty much drove straight to sea cliff climbing at Swanage (Hi mum! Bye mum!), had a bit of an accident descending into a route using a fixed rope and ended up in A&E with a very painful foot!<br /><br />Days later I was back the airport on a flight to Toulouse for some hot rock in the Pyrenees with a climbing buddy, Rich. We were met at the other side by Rich's friend's Adam and Dawn and spent a great week driving around France visiting various crags, getting tanned and climbing pristine rock with the sun on our backs. I managed to onsight a 6a line and went home very chuffed considering that my foot was still swollen and didn't really move much! Thanks Adam and Dawn for hosting us :)<br /><br />By June England had some hot rock of its own and some great weekends were spent down in Devon at Baggy Point on the 40m slabs that jutted out of the Atlantic ocean. A fun afternoon was spent with fellow Karrimor athlete David Pickford on the Promentory Slab getting shots for our sponsors. Nights were spent sleeping in caves at Hedbury, long evenings messing about on the boulders at Froggatt, days swimming in the River Test, some speeding across the Solent on a RIB and weekends bivvying on the summit of Mt Snowdon.<br /><br />In between weekends of climbing work was super busy- i've been hot footing it between Leeds, Sheffield, Harrogate, Newcastle, Wiltshire, London- the list goes on. One minute it's speaking at a corporate event in the city with spectacular views overlooking the London skyline, the next i'm kicking off my heels in the car and heading straight off for a weekend of sleeping in a tent. Sofa surfing and hotel rooms have become the norm and i've been lucky enough to meet some sporting legends such as Peter Shilton, Tim Henman and Graham Bell, who are also supported by Sports Direct, along the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFddLmm51q1rxlbRziTj1xFowhFYZlhzIeZhEckbjlStJd8nNsLms5feTeYVJZgXVe3BBakTWj55AAKkrnwqwZ4HioVlzbnQmqkr6IbQmX0Tq7ez2wKxEn3BIQFmpL4AKHlSUJe8EITA/s1600/320696_666856079920_200903396_36187389_2136682_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFddLmm51q1rxlbRziTj1xFowhFYZlhzIeZhEckbjlStJd8nNsLms5feTeYVJZgXVe3BBakTWj55AAKkrnwqwZ4HioVlzbnQmqkr6IbQmX0Tq7ez2wKxEn3BIQFmpL4AKHlSUJe8EITA/s320/320696_666856079920_200903396_36187389_2136682_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160623655381762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ3W1hTlZBX13Hf8itM5JNeqV9YRaFp5xEnqS4UZZtmqwuC333qLCD_dhY4dWWVFy7mYPX3bUO4O8mtGIkt_uHfVIDjmvDQNW3xCcYA-32UqrQQ1DE2sABbojg088hFoT-lYohgmZhe0/s1600/311609_668744904700_200903396_36231465_2047047_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ3W1hTlZBX13Hf8itM5JNeqV9YRaFp5xEnqS4UZZtmqwuC333qLCD_dhY4dWWVFy7mYPX3bUO4O8mtGIkt_uHfVIDjmvDQNW3xCcYA-32UqrQQ1DE2sABbojg088hFoT-lYohgmZhe0/s320/311609_668744904700_200903396_36231465_2047047_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160622427422258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfcQy-DvJVt53NXenGZJNzmt8Trq7uYUIyKauMtdKJpJwJhpwWf29Ibhsq8ydPi6iRAh2RmQqlJlCC7mhCvEc9igGLNxlYbHX2VR_A3mQMvNzKy0QSKw3cYv9MudjSq6NFFQIY-KcB7o/s1600/269874_661343636900_200903396_36059092_5042855_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfcQy-DvJVt53NXenGZJNzmt8Trq7uYUIyKauMtdKJpJwJhpwWf29Ibhsq8ydPi6iRAh2RmQqlJlCC7mhCvEc9igGLNxlYbHX2VR_A3mQMvNzKy0QSKw3cYv9MudjSq6NFFQIY-KcB7o/s320/269874_661343636900_200903396_36059092_5042855_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160622413891730" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wvA8gzVo3Ok7CGX0G9HlM2YzGGjP9G5-01yYcMvv1cFM055_gfQRzHHej2prX24Sn-dhdARuL5XPqvRRIyvNszxcsZv5zx0yXIegpMbTxXDvR1-n5cLIAkTBJHrX_51Kg5UYeahHhIM/s1600/229557_10150180552432928_771847927_6791749_1531435_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wvA8gzVo3Ok7CGX0G9HlM2YzGGjP9G5-01yYcMvv1cFM055_gfQRzHHej2prX24Sn-dhdARuL5XPqvRRIyvNszxcsZv5zx0yXIegpMbTxXDvR1-n5cLIAkTBJHrX_51Kg5UYeahHhIM/s320/229557_10150180552432928_771847927_6791749_1531435_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160618729451314" /></a><br /><br /><br />Once July was out my work diary for August was a massive blank, with 4 weeks to play with this was quickly filled with trips abroad. <br /><br />First up- some Alpine climbing for Trek & Mountain magazine. Accompanied by editor Chris Kempster i packed my rucsac and headed to Chamonix, where we firstly met with BMG Chris Ensoll and bagged a 4000m peak (the Weismeiss in Saas, Switzerland). I somehow managed an AD route called the Dri Hornli traverse with a raging hangover after the Les Houche pub quiz with the lovely Emma Jack, who was a great friend when we climbed an 8000m peak together back in 2009. We attempted Mont Blanc with IFMGA guide Tim Connerley but were twarted by the weather and only got as far as the Gouter hut- third time lucky next year i hope... check out Trek & Mountain magazine for the full details of that very sketchy 24 hours on the Blanc!<br /><br />Back from the Alps and i was pretty much straight back to the aiport for a trip to Norway, again for Trek and Mountain Magazine. We spent 4 days being shown around the Fjords by the lovely Hanne- we trekked up a mountain, ate lots of good food and got to visit a UNESCO world heritage site. All i can say is: Visit Norway! It's an incredible place.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-5FWVQNAqotfOCKgvFqj8wwNhw7U7T49HjhpyZDAmAbSvZ773iaGNArCXQ8oPeVrIcj-X8yoescaFKY5E3ZIXpangZ990XIiFsS9ctrOO_dJshSK4pzFfQcWh7Ysk3UdNfq3u5hZd-Y/s1600/229588_646841419460_200903396_35867999_1728275_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-5FWVQNAqotfOCKgvFqj8wwNhw7U7T49HjhpyZDAmAbSvZ773iaGNArCXQ8oPeVrIcj-X8yoescaFKY5E3ZIXpangZ990XIiFsS9ctrOO_dJshSK4pzFfQcWh7Ysk3UdNfq3u5hZd-Y/s320/229588_646841419460_200903396_35867999_1728275_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160221545861202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPIYO4MalcylOOBEHDHbOVrGZYbZfr77quPPVsO-BBAi14z-rCgYimoDPGlo93HVeNOxiC3BIo33MOWth1NB6d5yqxSJ8aXSXWyJf95o8K96MmHHnqzeA1s7eGUHz8Jpf1sZcGRk_Sc8/s1600/229542_646841584130_200903396_35868001_3056869_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPIYO4MalcylOOBEHDHbOVrGZYbZfr77quPPVsO-BBAi14z-rCgYimoDPGlo93HVeNOxiC3BIo33MOWth1NB6d5yqxSJ8aXSXWyJf95o8K96MmHHnqzeA1s7eGUHz8Jpf1sZcGRk_Sc8/s320/229542_646841584130_200903396_35868001_3056869_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160217694609778" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, 48 hours after getting off a plane from Alesund i was back at T4 pushing a huge kit bag through departures on my way to Africa- Tanzania to be precise, to attempt Kilimanjaro with a team raising money for the charity Cash 4 Kids through Radio Wave 105.<br /><br />We trekked the Lomosho Glades route and were blessed with great weather. Summit day went smoothly and 9 out of 11 reached the sign on the edge of the huge crater which marked the summit. I'm psyched to be leading two teams out there next year on the same route, but very much missing the people i've spent the last 10 days eating, sleeping and experiencing such a beautiful place with, aawww!<br /><br />Back from the mountain that day, a few of us summoned the energy to visit the infamous night club, la Liga, in Moshi. We partied until gone 2am, taxied back to hotel, woke the rest of our team and went straight to the aiport- no sleep! An internal flight, a 4 hour stop over in Nairobi and finally a last 8 hour flight to heathrow and we were home and straight out for drinks with the Reading Climbing Centre team (still no sleep). A big thanks to Camps International for supporting my place on the trip, and to our fantastic team of guides, cooks and porters lead by Kassim. Visit <em>www.rjseven.com</em> for more info on climbing Kili :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX7UpxZP25GdWTQAZBEr3Iywgvzs6-SsrU8KQuFcb4C9bVNwd4IxUVuWv9y0hmXdWQzplvoK9BWYbuXumIE1lQ53DfaXywWr0WEZntNZ0tvWCf2JnhZh4Jg-dYV_bfEVv-AMKAHSp-H4/s1600/227597_10150166967159397_663369396_6665620_8211250_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX7UpxZP25GdWTQAZBEr3Iywgvzs6-SsrU8KQuFcb4C9bVNwd4IxUVuWv9y0hmXdWQzplvoK9BWYbuXumIE1lQ53DfaXywWr0WEZntNZ0tvWCf2JnhZh4Jg-dYV_bfEVv-AMKAHSp-H4/s320/227597_10150166967159397_663369396_6665620_8211250_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160217488872306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9kzLbd2O3sgjgrdZ0B_6G7djEGWF97Sj3gyRspk58nng9M__SevpdTCCPEg3ZviM1oZ2r91-be99t2mL2rh7Cf-oJJZtYiZ2QwT4CuxGvQCFKbAFhCxZN8XJDwtMWS-vkI7WfiB7GGw/s1600/198695_254866727866190_108518765834321_1017510_7832489_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9kzLbd2O3sgjgrdZ0B_6G7djEGWF97Sj3gyRspk58nng9M__SevpdTCCPEg3ZviM1oZ2r91-be99t2mL2rh7Cf-oJJZtYiZ2QwT4CuxGvQCFKbAFhCxZN8XJDwtMWS-vkI7WfiB7GGw/s320/198695_254866727866190_108518765834321_1017510_7832489_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649160211249972306" /></a><br /><br /><br />And that leads me to now- sitting on my bed, uploading a summer's worth of photos onto my computer and remembering some great moments but also planning some new ones for the winter. I'm hoping upon hope to get out to the Himalayas in November to attempt a peak just shy of 7000m, but for now its back to work with a very busy September of talks at schools and businesses across the country, including a 3 peaks challenge at the end of the month with Artillery, whom i gave a talk for in the city a few months ago and have gotten a bug for climbing of their own- can't wait for what should be a fantastic weekend!<br /><br /><br />Will keep this updated on whether i make it out to the Himalaya. If you'd like to catch me at an event in the next few weeks i'm speaking at the Night of Adventure in Bristol in October, which raises money for a great charity- Hope and Homes for children. Check their website for tickets :)<br /><br />thanks for reading... Bbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-44622200729754798382011-05-04T04:53:00.001-07:002011-05-06T08:45:50.308-07:00VocaLink North Pole Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNAWpvzI13vjXG9IWzurpjodyofXTdoe9tKA4uGuTY0rMRIixb9kcS9D-MHria1ketrv_vSZO7Dy6NdkJP87A_xlLSFgrqDB_OVfRr2PiOIB5timXmkbMhNpvi645tx9Pd4aRMB_ZJT0/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNAWpvzI13vjXG9IWzurpjodyofXTdoe9tKA4uGuTY0rMRIixb9kcS9D-MHria1ketrv_vSZO7Dy6NdkJP87A_xlLSFgrqDB_OVfRr2PiOIB5timXmkbMhNpvi645tx9Pd4aRMB_ZJT0/s320/IMG_0417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602837234429349554" /></a><br />If there is a moment from my recent North Pole expedition that sticks out it is the moment I stepped off of the Oslo flight to Longyearbyen at 78*North.<br /><br />I gulped down the fresh air as we were herded onto the tarmac- and it was that first breath that sent a shiver of fear down my spine.<br /><br />Like swallowing a thousand knives, the bitter air at minus 23*C was a deadly comparison from the warm aircraft- I choked at the shock. Within seconds of stepping off the plane I felt I was in the coldest environment I had been in my life. Everest didn’t seem to compare.<br /><br />My mind reeling, all I can remember thinking was ‘what on earth am I doing here?’ The thought of heading even further North onto the barren sea ice seemed ridiculous. Impossible even.<br /><br />But, it is testament to the human body- within a day my team of intrepid skiers and I were walking around town in ‘little more’ than thermals and Karrimor windproofs. We even began taking our gloves off! And yes- Everest reaches far lower temperatures but when heading into the death zone one is often more prepared for the cold than when stepping off a plane.<br /><br />78*North is an odd place- the sun doesn’t set until 2am and even then leaves behind a scar of orange on the horizon. There are no stars. The community is even odder- it’s expedition season and so in every bar, every guest house and lingering in every aisle of the co-op is someone involved with or embarking on a polar trip of some sort. Gossip is rife, especially when a place like Longyearbyen becomes host to Prince Harry and the world’s media.<br /><br />I even bumped into a Chinese chap in the equipment store who stood on the summit of Everest the same day as me. We had never met but had stood on top of the world together- and now again next to the jet boilers and sporks.<br /><br />I was a member of a team lead by Alan Chambers MBE. Chambers was the first Briton to reach the North Pole unsupported from Ward Hunt Island in 2000 and his MBE is in honour of that expedition.<br /><br />Our team was an eclectic mix of Brits all wide eyed at the prospect of reaching the top of the world. We waited with baited breath for the ice and weather to settle so that a camp and runway could be established at 89*N.<br /><br />After a week the call finally came: ‘be at the airport tomorrow morning’. Not exactly a scheduled flight, but credit to the Russians they get things done.<br /><br />I wish I could say that that flight went smoothly, but it didn’t. The Russian Antanov plane crammed full of sledges and people was moving steadily towards to ice runway when just before the last ground checks were made the ice began to move and a 3 metre wide crack in the runway appeared- exposing the black depths of the arctic ocean beneath it. <br /><br />The drama hit the world’s press and within hours the web was full of stories of the plane landing and nearly crashing through the ice. The flight onto the ice is the most dangerous part of the expedition and the media hype only served to make us more nervous.<br /><br />A week later we finally landed safely at our start point. The Russian chopper lifted off in a whirlwind of white and then, quite suddenly, we were left in to survive in a silence like nothing that I have ever experienced before.<br /><br />The expedition had begun. Within hours of skiing we were setting up camp- the sun was skirting around us, never rising or falling, just encircling us and offering little warmth as we struggled over the infinite white.<br /><br />That first night must have been one of the coldest of my life. My sleeping bag simply wasn’t up to the job of keeping me warm- I didn’t freeze, but I didn’t stop shivering either. With my bobble hat pulled down tightly over my eyes and a hot water bottle I must have managed a few hours. ‘Man-up’ I can remember telling myself- though not really taking on the advice.<br /><br />The routine of the day was always the same- breakfast, pack, tents down, ski, snack breaks, tents, food and then sleep. It can get monotonous. We were efficient- a ten day expedition was quickly reduced to four days as we skied for long hours, took few breaks and kept a strong pace.<br /><br />The ice and weather had been good to us- by the final day it felt like we were home and dry, but like heading towards the summit of a mountain, I kept telling myself ‘it ain’t over ‘til it’s over’- anything could happen right up to 90*N, and in fact- it did.<br /><br />At one point crossing a frozen over lead (channel of open water) a sickening crunch split the graceful polar silence. We froze in fear but the ice had begun to move. Water suddenly appeared- bubbling menacingly around my team mate’s skis. He was half way across the lead and the solid ice he has stepped onto was now morphing before our eyes to liquid.<br /><br />We retreated as fast as we could on skis with heavy sledges. Looking back to where we had tried to cross the landscape has completely changed. This happened twice that last day to the Pole- we really were on thin ice as we covered those last few miles. The spring melt was on its way and where we stood would soon be ocean- it was time to reach the pole and get out of there!<br /><br />The moment finally came after a long day- our team lined up on the crest of a small ridge and surveyed the flat plain of ice beyond us. I imagined all the lines of latitude gathering in this small area- this was the point where all time zones met, where you can ‘walk around the world’ in a matter of seconds and where for a moment or two you can stand with the entire planet beneath your feet. But first we had to find our goal of exactly 90 degrees North.<br /><br />The sea ice was moving fast and so we seemed to skirt on the edge for some minutes- finally Alan got the exact reading on his GPS- this was it! We hugged, we cheered and I think some even got teary eyed. A toast was made and as the shot of cognac hit the back of my throat it burnt like fire- the liquor had almost congealed to syrup in the cold. I felt sick for a good half an hour.<br /><br />The night was spent drinking hot chocolate and whisky and calling friends and loved ones on a satellite phone. One of our team mates nearly set his sleeping bag on fire in excitement and could have died in an inferno, which would have been quite ironic considering.<br /><br />Back in the UK I am missing being on expedition already. These environments really are accessible if you can save hard, train hard and are willing to suffer a little. The things you see you will never forget- the sun surrounded by a halo of light, the infinite expanse of white and blue and the transformation in yourself as you adapt to life at minus 30.<br /><br />For now I am back on the rock and looking forward to a summer climbing in the UK and in the Alps. That’s the great thing about these cold places: even England feels like the Caribbean when you return… for a few hours anyway.<br /><br />http://www.vocalink.com/bonita<br /><br /> <br />Even though I completed my challenge, by reaching the North Pole on the 13th of April, you can still help me to raise up to £10,000 with my sponsors VocaLink by topping up a pay as you go mobile phone at an ATM, during May 2011.<br /><br />Thank you to my sponsors VocaLink, MPTU and YourCash for making this trip happen and enabling the public to donate to such a worthwhile charity.bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-1907361364878874092011-03-25T03:52:00.000-07:002011-03-25T04:08:47.020-07:00VocaLink North Pole ChallengeThe time of year has come again- last March i was sitting on my bed, looking at an explosion of kit on my bedroom floor, and a year on it feels like De'ja Vu.<br /><br />It's not the Himalayas i'm heading off to this time- though i hope to visit again soon. I am in fact heading North to the arctic circle to a place called Longyearbyen, then onto a Russian base called Camp Barneo and after that (fingers crossed) the North Pole.<br /><br />This last degree expedition is in aid of a great charity, The Forces Children's Trust.<br />The trust supports families who have lost a parent in the British Armed Forces- that may be Afghanistan or Iraq, or even closer to home.<br /><br />The trust provides counselling, days out and even adventures- such as taking a group of bereaved children to Lapland to meet Father Christmas. My sponsor VocaLink, alongside Mobile Phone Top-UP at ATM and Your Cash have a bold target to raise over £10,000 for this fantastic charity- and thanks to their support we are well on our way.<br /><br />But we need your help too- whilst i am on the expedition (31st March to 15th April) everytime you go to an ATM and top-up your PAYG phone a few pence goes directly to the FCT. This is such an easy way to raise huge amounts of cash. We raised £10,000 from your Top-Ups for Global Angels whilst i was on Everest, and that money has made a huge difference to children in the UK and in Africa.<br /><br />So please- help us. Go and Top-Up at an ATM. Together we can make a difference.<br /><br />So i leave next thursday from heathrow, and hope to reach the Pole around the 11th of April. I'll be guided by Alan Chambers MBE, the first British man to reach the North Pole from Canada unsupported alongside a team of other intrepid adventurers from the UK and one from NYC- hi Rob! This trip has been organised by Charity Challenge, who took the celebrities up Kilimanjaro. If you want to go on a crazy adventure they are www.charitychallenge.com.<br /><br />One last thing- thanks to VocaLink and my family for being the biggest support. Without you this wouldn't be possible. I am very lucky.<br /><br />You can check out www.vocalink.com/bonita for more details and also keep up to date with the trip via my twitter feed @bonitanorris. Finally, this blog will be updated whilst i am away with our progress.<br /><br />Let's hope the weather holds...<br /><br />Bbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-27016463563744091962011-03-24T06:35:00.001-07:002023-03-22T04:57:48.694-07:00Spring climbing><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHG-dfk-4V3JN_UhOZvgKVNOmwPJYCvD71WMTT8_qWw0VkDKLkioyBihWEXqDo2d8bPuMpqO0v1HhHAfDMCUAf5TGKeYXEbTNatqvYxV2W2QCjvgdqDSnzh2ng5dcgPAC-Df5HHpOeZQ/s400/190488_10150120693602928_771847927_6401339_98292_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587648479295371378" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sYboEzSQ8ZjblXt6zhGXFTXdxzcFBEqHggv7ASsGB5qb8lh3iPz0Vg8DoSe9TF_jEuLd2pm5RG_uLy3J60kuq6S1Xcumn1rd3eJ5LZYHRPEkDB6YSeJB9c3aNRuVDfSktHs2HhwgbuI/s1600/190139_10150120696192928_771847927_6401385_2196157_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sYboEzSQ8ZjblXt6zhGXFTXdxzcFBEqHggv7ASsGB5qb8lh3iPz0Vg8DoSe9TF_jEuLd2pm5RG_uLy3J60kuq6S1Xcumn1rd3eJ5LZYHRPEkDB6YSeJB9c3aNRuVDfSktHs2HhwgbuI/s400/190139_10150120696192928_771847927_6401385_2196157_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587648477120480162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW40yJhLOj2DJZ8L-s4BfT6I3e-aWhQlvp8VrwCB3tJk8A7nbwOjTDLPucQuUjFaYkp2k09w7AYrJ_LCwXIJlORtNqPJot4Jjbz96jgif-z1TzziFTffWq61No0RKpgQr6YrU5kaWJGM/s1600/198255_10150120694622928_771847927_6401362_3384241_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUW40yJhLOj2DJZ8L-s4BfT6I3e-aWhQlvp8VrwCB3tJk8A7nbwOjTDLPucQuUjFaYkp2k09w7AYrJ_LCwXIJlORtNqPJot4Jjbz96jgif-z1TzziFTffWq61No0RKpgQr6YrU5kaWJGM/s400/198255_10150120694622928_771847927_6401362_3384241_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587648471926851506" /></a><br /><br />photos courtesy of Rhys Jones<br /><br />What a glorious weekend for the nation's climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers- blessed high pressure meant brilliant blue skies, bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky.<br /><br />Taking full advantage of this mid-march anomoly Rhys Jones, Becky Bellworthy and myself headed down to the south coast for two days with high hopes of ticking some good routes and maybe even getting a tan.<br /><br />Saturday saw us and what seemed like the world and his wife head down to Portland (sportland) to clip some bolts. Our threesome scrambled down past the cliffs of Blacknor Central to the jumble of slabs and boulders that seemed to be constantly battered by the swells.<br /><br />We climbed pretty much every route on three of these slabs- including the diamond slab and ticked classics elsewhere such as The Bolt Factory. Good fun, but easy climbing. The waves crashed below, and had many proud moments as Becky had her first experience of climbing and leading outdoors. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDA5AZVpiI6YQ6OQGz_ftfA4SlTEIeJX3_4_rVsreWBwqHjtryqhG6wp-CvfpUeI_9XIhJnQ2tc8WmcuhVfKuy5xKiFOKacDZ_h7vAJkhyov28UQ88GbIYUGtEYrF0E83HbA5-6dVO5U/s1600/196682_10150120695352928_771847927_6401372_7731881_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDA5AZVpiI6YQ6OQGz_ftfA4SlTEIeJX3_4_rVsreWBwqHjtryqhG6wp-CvfpUeI_9XIhJnQ2tc8WmcuhVfKuy5xKiFOKacDZ_h7vAJkhyov28UQ88GbIYUGtEYrF0E83HbA5-6dVO5U/s400/196682_10150120695352928_771847927_6401372_7731881_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587648470254596498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS4gnDKAdvSyeIDqY5TTEnAuMRPkDe9m53dcG_Io2i0Aj-UjnwLqusd-FBmrIadqlwrk_vEebzyaoJL8fHhEt4ugNWUmNLqj9x81S06mydoP9rPsZ3Xst3VlO4uhjhgOHgJEZzpZz870/s1600/197178_10150120691557928_771847927_6401304_168206_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHS4gnDKAdvSyeIDqY5TTEnAuMRPkDe9m53dcG_Io2i0Aj-UjnwLqusd-FBmrIadqlwrk_vEebzyaoJL8fHhEt4ugNWUmNLqj9x81S06mydoP9rPsZ3Xst3VlO4uhjhgOHgJEZzpZz870/s400/197178_10150120691557928_771847927_6401304_168206_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587648464812631122" /></a><br /><br />Photos courtesy of rhys jones<br /><br />I found a huge, loose fossil which could be a 100million years old- i have no idea. I wandered whether i should take it home but instead hid it well under a boulder- if it has been there for millions of years without being taken then i suppose its not really my place to remove such a beautiful piece of history from the shoreline.<br /><br />Day two Rhys persuaded us girls to head to Swanage for some trad climbing. Another great day and it was also nice to chat to Dave Pegler over sandwiches- he has provided all these of us with our kit for our Everest expeditions so it was nice to thank him in person.<br /><br />I lead my first Severe climb- Inspiration S 4a. I had a long run out at the end after placing a sold nut and cam half way up the route. I knew i wasn't going to fall. That was a nice feeling- getting to the top with a smile. It's gotten me psyched for future trad days, Rhys you'll be pleased to know!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMFCeG3vxML4Fx6WFHLstGZl8K3S2GJPt-OAJiIkakmj8YoPGW8KPAZihFIGUbj6IPqutCiBSvjYoOTTrI0Dfhz8U1mCUJ8AnSPzOR1zlHM1wQzJiyNgTb5IbFwei8jyfJ3B6_7iDY1M/s1600/188336_10150120707422928_771847927_6401514_1101780_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMFCeG3vxML4Fx6WFHLstGZl8K3S2GJPt-OAJiIkakmj8YoPGW8KPAZihFIGUbj6IPqutCiBSvjYoOTTrI0Dfhz8U1mCUJ8AnSPzOR1zlHM1wQzJiyNgTb5IbFwei8jyfJ3B6_7iDY1M/s400/188336_10150120707422928_771847927_6401514_1101780_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587650562469919250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l-Msp1H4i5EU6BItwXw_7jhYbKOlqn0Rwr94k9hDrA-DB12jhXzU2KzgaM8i2IJoRRVyzFwKNoDxQe-0QRemTFfZ_02V0yEBks50BlKtNGrDK4fYmnR6_jDFDHR6DGO0z6jsJ1c5VMg/s1600/188210_10150120705222928_771847927_6401487_1352514_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l-Msp1H4i5EU6BItwXw_7jhYbKOlqn0Rwr94k9hDrA-DB12jhXzU2KzgaM8i2IJoRRVyzFwKNoDxQe-0QRemTFfZ_02V0yEBks50BlKtNGrDK4fYmnR6_jDFDHR6DGO0z6jsJ1c5VMg/s400/188210_10150120705222928_771847927_6401487_1352514_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587650555226128354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmER9bLRGfzlS1Eg-PjGifAFK_NV0jgDfYNPIHbwhgu4na736IvadswIH7pyHVOspodpMWEQZpWHampbUPdGJeVnhCIJZttPov-jgIFs_hnEkmYzVNhYBZFSIjO_Kv3Bb6a2nl9hNmhM/s1600/190140_10150120696797928_771847927_6401394_7256415_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmER9bLRGfzlS1Eg-PjGifAFK_NV0jgDfYNPIHbwhgu4na736IvadswIH7pyHVOspodpMWEQZpWHampbUPdGJeVnhCIJZttPov-jgIFs_hnEkmYzVNhYBZFSIjO_Kv3Bb6a2nl9hNmhM/s400/190140_10150120696797928_771847927_6401394_7256415_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587650531171804226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswK9xcy24PUJBTqIQ5HGl9k_rdN4eV4ElR8GXofX-XW-YsakHapyU6wEFHCrjww9uPa9qvwnM8H3TrmePS1bhN0kqUGx_ysGel_JABq216BV-hORjRyGDXJeF7o9OnsChafPxW6vaVoY/s1600/189091_10150120703042928_771847927_6401462_1833090_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswK9xcy24PUJBTqIQ5HGl9k_rdN4eV4ElR8GXofX-XW-YsakHapyU6wEFHCrjww9uPa9qvwnM8H3TrmePS1bhN0kqUGx_ysGel_JABq216BV-hORjRyGDXJeF7o9OnsChafPxW6vaVoY/s400/189091_10150120703042928_771847927_6401462_1833090_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587650528576010594" /></a><br /><br /><br />We watched the sunset from the top of the Agglestone in Studland- this great fiery orb sinking before our eyes behind the horizon. In the twilight we messed around on the sandstone and eeked out the final few moments of a wonderful weekend.<br /><br />As we said goodbye to Becky, Rhys had to remind her- climbing in the UK is NOT normally like this! We've experienced gales in Scotland, frozen toes in the Lakes, cold hands pretty much everywhere else and not forgetting drizzle and wet, slippery rock.<br /><br />But that's why weekends like that are so unforgettable- maybe they only come around once or twice a year, and to have been able to make the most of every moment is really what it is to feel alive.bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-53475490122412663932011-03-24T06:32:00.001-07:002011-03-24T06:34:50.921-07:00Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalFor me, one of the most important things about climbing is the community that has spawned from such a complex and varied sport. From the highest mountains to the smoothest boulder, climbing takes us to environments that require every ounce of our being, but have so much to give in return. It is no wonder that people from all walks of life and of all different levels of experience feel a need to come together and be amongst those who cherish the adventure, danger and grace that makes climbing such a unique sport.<br /><br />Every year across the UK various festivals showcase films, lectures, awards, outdoor retailers and competitions to celebrate mountains, adventure and get the climbing community together for a good party, the pinnacle of this calendar being the Kendal Mountain Film Festival in November.<br /><br />When spring comes around it’s all about the home of the world famous grit stone. The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival took place from the 4th to the 6th of March this year and saw not only some amazing films showcase but also an electrifying bouldering competition which took place over two days at the Climbing Works.<br /><br />Friday evening kicked off the festival with a hilarious talk from Andy Kirkpatrick. Andy manages to make his atrocious mountain epics sound side splittingly funny. He has been consistently trying to push the boundaries of big wall climbing with solo and winter ascents of some pretty big rocks- El Capitan and the North face of Fitzroy to name but a few. His talk was sold out, along with Kenton Cool’s, who was on stage after. It was in fact Kenton’s lecture about Everest at the Royal Geographical Society that first inspired me to climb the great mountain. I have since been lucky enough to climb that same hill with the man himself, so be careful if you’re seeing him speak soon- you might leave and turn your entire life upside down like I did.<br /><br />The next two days were a whirlwind of films such as The Prophet and lots of short films from across the spectrum. Kayakers, cyclists, skiers, swimmers and runners all showcased breathtaking films and the screenings were consistently packed out despite the beautiful and tempting anti-cyclonic weather- perfect for an afternoon on the grit!<br /><br />When not spell bound at the showroom cinema we were down at the climbing works for the qualifying round on Saturday and the finals on Sunday of the CWIF competition. The qualifiers saw over 300 competitors- some there to give it a go, some there to win. It was a great atmosphere climbing amongst some of Europe’s best. With 30 problems to get through the competitors had their work cut out- there was everything from technical slabs with almost non-existent holds to pumpy overhangs requiring almost impossible amounts of body tension.<br /><br />Sunday loomed for all but the 32 semi-finalists with sore heads after a night at the showroom for the official festival party. Semi-finalists included Reading Climbing Centre regulars Jen Wilby and British bouldering team member Jon Partridge. Only six competitors from each category made the grand final which took place to round off what was a fantastic weekend long celebration of climbing and adventure.<br /><br />I watched from the 200 strong audience as Katie Whittaker clinched the women’s title and the Slovenian machine Jernej Kruder flashed all but one of the four problems, which were set by Britain’s manliest man Jason Pickles.<br /><br />By the end of the final the Works was so packed that people had to stand in the street and watch through the windows. It was a fantastic atmosphere and everyone came home with a humbling appreciation of the pressure that these climbers are under and the skill it takes to climb at this level.<br /><br />With the last trophy handed out it was back south to another normal week. After a weekend of so much inspiration from the speakers, films and climbers themselves I am more excited than ever for my own projects over the coming year. That’s what it’s about I guess- inspiring yourself to be the best climber you can be- whatever being the ‘best’ means to you.<br /><br />On that note- It’s time to go climbing!bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-31460792308448132582011-03-13T16:32:00.000-07:002011-03-13T17:06:36.896-07:00Karrimor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w5IXS998ab1vEPVPR4Ahapjm-sbXDCthiT6G_38oS85w4yeZHI0gdYVVPrZeLvO5l5wUbcwBX5JHmPfAcfrFENvWUFVD8AoScTCLJcrxwasFctt3ooFA06-kbfSXqxLs8NRTNot1L0o/s1600/karrimortitle.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w5IXS998ab1vEPVPR4Ahapjm-sbXDCthiT6G_38oS85w4yeZHI0gdYVVPrZeLvO5l5wUbcwBX5JHmPfAcfrFENvWUFVD8AoScTCLJcrxwasFctt3ooFA06-kbfSXqxLs8NRTNot1L0o/s400/karrimortitle.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717382336752962" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbexXFz40hK2uqlHoG6GgJZhpdqSmdopwICfO3_V6XVcgOeOh84kOStSc2dq8jSUEZKnQp5wBAoQWV0siZRuejY1ZXdRC2lPzm74Ef5ZaxcLVfIIIS8_y3hsPWF2F5YWNUXyeOBdqipUg/s1600/180443_606915591140_200903396_35634746_4697968_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbexXFz40hK2uqlHoG6GgJZhpdqSmdopwICfO3_V6XVcgOeOh84kOStSc2dq8jSUEZKnQp5wBAoQWV0siZRuejY1ZXdRC2lPzm74Ef5ZaxcLVfIIIS8_y3hsPWF2F5YWNUXyeOBdqipUg/s400/180443_606915591140_200903396_35634746_4697968_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717391279619218" /></a><br /><br />Great news to announce: i am now working with the great British outdoors company Karrimor.<br /><br />Since our first meetings last summer i have been wearing Karrimor clothing out climbing in the hills of the UK and can say that i'm very proud to be associated with a British brand that has dedicated itself to creating fantastic outdoors wear for the past 40 years.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLN19slxIc8KqIjhOmxiWAsBYLgEg06__u18Mzn4XTT1mdm_b0_KYfO1_s1nIzO-4MTgGVESXof_Kkbin01sajb9RRuOR24QqEASYU5NLlc04x5rZYxdX4Id-Ls_4ebisn00T8nPA_60/s1600/Karrimor%252520logo%252520NEW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLN19slxIc8KqIjhOmxiWAsBYLgEg06__u18Mzn4XTT1mdm_b0_KYfO1_s1nIzO-4MTgGVESXof_Kkbin01sajb9RRuOR24QqEASYU5NLlc04x5rZYxdX4Id-Ls_4ebisn00T8nPA_60/s400/Karrimor%252520logo%252520NEW.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717386688089058" /></a><br /><br />Karrimor originally sponsored the British Everest expeditions lead by Bonnington and have been the leading British rucsac brand ever since.<br /><br />I am honoured that this great British brand invited me to join its team of ambassadors. The team is made up of some of Britain best and most well known rock climbers including <a href="http://www.karrimor.com/team/members/dave-pickford">Dave Pickford</a> (editor of Climb Magazine) Jude Spanken and James Mchaffie.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p_uey8ExomCdHkQJtvP2kwxOUNfZvUeweL-pZ0gveTFDti7ZSbzo4lsQZOo63BLFjN3YO26edgBMPncsep8bvT4IeW6lh2vsZfXCok-SdJ2Ebv6uDKuuhHOWxkLh4urrOUApXXzC364/s1600/61363_591130359870_200903396_35184214_1121688_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7p_uey8ExomCdHkQJtvP2kwxOUNfZvUeweL-pZ0gveTFDti7ZSbzo4lsQZOo63BLFjN3YO26edgBMPncsep8bvT4IeW6lh2vsZfXCok-SdJ2Ebv6uDKuuhHOWxkLh4urrOUApXXzC364/s400/61363_591130359870_200903396_35184214_1121688_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583718403171060914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz_dY3T5udK7WGdMCeggE_JvzB0WcI9dMxeP33hNpGPNkYQNtU-WSqU4ZoBwYG5KeTpIdlsgEewFZ9VEeR5GXWNVwD9BEx8IE2mvefW0FK-cg1DOjbKRD9j7zZCMIexhLGHvHrxrrkoo/s1600/150213_468222942927_771847927_5567133_2537512_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz_dY3T5udK7WGdMCeggE_JvzB0WcI9dMxeP33hNpGPNkYQNtU-WSqU4ZoBwYG5KeTpIdlsgEewFZ9VEeR5GXWNVwD9BEx8IE2mvefW0FK-cg1DOjbKRD9j7zZCMIexhLGHvHrxrrkoo/s400/150213_468222942927_771847927_5567133_2537512_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583718402248037074" /></a><br /><br /><br />Over the next 12 months i'll be working with karrimor on various projects in the UK and in the greater ranges, and will be reporting all the adventures in a <a href="http://www.karrimor.com/team_blog/">monthly blog</a> on <a href="www.karrimor.com">www.karrimor.com</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp30g7_csVrpQ4Bb9SgCxu_jiS030L-Df0X_5ca8GZaroSTPg2K7j5sF0UDK0JYXiigrBCu42lVvrOIdnXuCK2h0CKhs9rBDZ7gSGRO1oAxOjm3ljCSbW2_U1YSnzG8qjT6kGr5LpTE0/s1600/blencathra_event_pewter_black.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp30g7_csVrpQ4Bb9SgCxu_jiS030L-Df0X_5ca8GZaroSTPg2K7j5sF0UDK0JYXiigrBCu42lVvrOIdnXuCK2h0CKhs9rBDZ7gSGRO1oAxOjm3ljCSbW2_U1YSnzG8qjT6kGr5LpTE0/s400/blencathra_event_pewter_black.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717380758660914" /></a><br /><br />So in the mean time, check out the website and their spring/summer collection of <a href="http://www.karrimor.com/catalog/rucsac_ranges">rucsacs</a> and <a href="http://www.karrimor.com/catalog/footwear_ranges">boots</a>. Karrimor are focussing on creating technical kit for alpinsim and rock climbing- so keep posted on developments with their already iconic rucsac line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HHP4W5VMcLVjyqIudWQCWwIM7Mfn1NJFsFaCNCBbMHPKcQ2H5SaNwbc6j61nmkxu8LvuqNSB6IRh_bJxCKDFulXQNE8tQUA260H2wqmYa1YN9D2mtTxCcZF-i010fZq5A1KJjZoCgvE/s1600/alpiniste45_10.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HHP4W5VMcLVjyqIudWQCWwIM7Mfn1NJFsFaCNCBbMHPKcQ2H5SaNwbc6j61nmkxu8LvuqNSB6IRh_bJxCKDFulXQNE8tQUA260H2wqmYa1YN9D2mtTxCcZF-i010fZq5A1KJjZoCgvE/s400/alpiniste45_10.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717392383900594" /></a><br /><br /><br />In the mean time- i am still working with <a href="http://www.vocalink.com/">VocaLink</a> and MPTU at ATM on a new project to a very cold place- more details to be announced in the next few weeks! But please get ready to support me and my charity <a href="http://www.forceschildrenstrust.org/">Forces Children's Trust</a> on the next VocaLink expedition!bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-85225956220251415532011-01-31T01:30:00.000-08:002011-02-14T05:36:35.912-08:00Lakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EcNY6mawBK129okd-KC0YV273PyJbmFeVNL3LGmMyydYrdKB9GScx85jU0BYYSSw9QZ2HYJOrssQKCFklY_Yq3X4iJIGPrNwwGqITLp71XwedPcY3SY5dYaxWKsf6YjFzw2AJan0GHw/s1600/180683_10150092035102928_771847927_6110265_2681965_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EcNY6mawBK129okd-KC0YV273PyJbmFeVNL3LGmMyydYrdKB9GScx85jU0BYYSSw9QZ2HYJOrssQKCFklY_Yq3X4iJIGPrNwwGqITLp71XwedPcY3SY5dYaxWKsf6YjFzw2AJan0GHw/s400/180683_10150092035102928_771847927_6110265_2681965_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573211836635207026" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-u3PhcWJC3BlHtlxsZ4TcA7zmk_VzL3iolpjCBNgAi7FokPAgMgr6TpX6kYOUAudTFn9V0LlCa0MC1AphKaKU8k-4vtqfypt5ORj_KRJNHBDf7hW1ALJ330m9jUEztZU9yU4ry_qELI/s1600/179829_10150092037902928_771847927_6110319_760228_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-u3PhcWJC3BlHtlxsZ4TcA7zmk_VzL3iolpjCBNgAi7FokPAgMgr6TpX6kYOUAudTFn9V0LlCa0MC1AphKaKU8k-4vtqfypt5ORj_KRJNHBDf7hW1ALJ330m9jUEztZU9yU4ry_qELI/s400/179829_10150092037902928_771847927_6110319_760228_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573211834419423250" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpU_BijgLOtFAMggXH020O7eAsJ_NLXYDs48QM2vMHpv6-dWAjn7hjrBPeXlBsLhNn6n3ZxV6kcw3IClyaI1ThoGOes3xM9h_EOBim_OGnAzsP_R1SG9U5gyVjS5Heu3dh-griGafArs/s1600/168737_10150092036962928_771847927_6110305_6686977_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpU_BijgLOtFAMggXH020O7eAsJ_NLXYDs48QM2vMHpv6-dWAjn7hjrBPeXlBsLhNn6n3ZxV6kcw3IClyaI1ThoGOes3xM9h_EOBim_OGnAzsP_R1SG9U5gyVjS5Heu3dh-griGafArs/s400/168737_10150092036962928_771847927_6110305_6686977_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573211832781811426" /></a><br /><br /><br />By glorious coincidence Rhys Jones and I must have chosen one of the best january weekends on record to go to the Lakes- beautiful anti-cyclonic weather.<br /><br />We arrived friday afternoon and headed down to Shepards crag. The Brown slabs are hidden just off of the roadside in a woodland and were bathed in pink light evening light.<br /><br />Rhys breezed up a rib just off of a VD route which followed an obvious line. Our route was slightly harder but as it wasn't listed in the guide book (guide book was 20yrs old) so we are calling it a first ascent! That proud FA is called 'lunch box sarcastic'. <br /><br />I followed Rhys up and found him sitting on the top of the crag with the most stunning view over Derwent Water and the hills beyond. The sunset was reflected off of the water in beautiful dashes of colour and it was a peaceful moment sitting up there on those rocks watching the day end.<br /><br />Saturday dawned bright and clear- the sky a brilliant blue as we set off on another day of rock climbing- this time an attempt of a 140m multi pitch D/VD route on Gillercombe crag. <br /><br />We could look out at the valley below and see not a soul for miles, and save for the occasional jingle of nuts and cams on a harness or our own 'safe' and 'climbing' shouts to each other, there was not a sound. It was worth a 45 minute walk in- the roadside crags would have been heaving on a day like this.<br /><br />The route itself was fantastic. We took alternate leads on the 5 pitches which started by following a corner, then moved left up a clear chimney line. We always tried to climb on the ribs in the sunlight, where the climbing was more technical and exposed, but the sunlight was warm on our cold hands.<br /><br />The second pitch was by far some of the most odd climbing i have ever done- the route dissapears behind a huge stone, meaning that you have to crawl into a hole and push yourself up into a crack no thicker than my chest- put it this way, if i was a stone heavier i wouldn't have fitted through- it was caving on a rock climb! <br /><br />You re-appear into the glorious sunlight after being stuck in the very claustrophobic and damp crevasse and have to haul your body out- Rhys aptly named it a re-birth. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpU_BijgLOtFAMggXH020O7eAsJ_NLXYDs48QM2vMHpv6-dWAjn7hjrBPeXlBsLhNn6n3ZxV6kcw3IClyaI1ThoGOes3xM9h_EOBim_OGnAzsP_R1SG9U5gyVjS5Heu3dh-griGafArs/s1600/168737_10150092036962928_771847927_6110305_6686977_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpU_BijgLOtFAMggXH020O7eAsJ_NLXYDs48QM2vMHpv6-dWAjn7hjrBPeXlBsLhNn6n3ZxV6kcw3IClyaI1ThoGOes3xM9h_EOBim_OGnAzsP_R1SG9U5gyVjS5Heu3dh-griGafArs/s400/168737_10150092036962928_771847927_6110305_6686977_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573211832781811426" /></a><br /><br />Onwards and upwards, i led the next pitch. Mentally i am not strong on lead- sport climbing is scary enough, so leading and having to find gear placements and having to place gear so that you are safe is a whole new level of climbing.<br /><br />I began tentatively making my way up the rib next to the chimney where the route officially follows. I know i am capable of far more technical climbing, but as soon as my feet where off the ground my heart started to race.<br /><br />6 feet up I placed a cam- i knew i would still hit the deck if i fell.<br /><br />The foot holds were good but the rib was pushing my body away from the wall- i was hugging the rock trying to find a decent hand hold to the left- there wasn't one. I found myself shouting to Rhys 'i don't think i can do it'.<br /><br />'Yes you can. Stop being an idiot and get on with it.'<br /><br />There was nothing for it- I couldn't face defeat- i pushed onto my good left foot and held the tension in my upper body, the extra height meant i found a good hold with my left and and with a great sigh of relief i pulled up to a good stance. PHEW!<br /><br />We topped out a few hours later and walked back to the car, both extremely happy with such a fun and adventurous route ticked. <br /><br />In the rock gym it can get boring if you're not pushing yourself technically and physically all the time, but out in the mountains enjoyment comes from the exhiliration of seeing such beautiful views, touching the cold rock with your hands and working out your own route without brightly coloured holds- yes its easy climbing in comparison to the gym, but they are almost uncomparable in the experiences they each offer.<br /><br />Sunday we nipped up Helvellyn via Striding edge, it seemed that quite a few parties turned back but we found conditions to be fine without crampons and only used axes to descent from the summit onto Swirral edge. The weather by this time was closing in on us- the top was windy and bitingly cold- i put on a wind proof jacket from Karrimor which was super lightweight, i wasn't sure if i should have taken a more heavy duty one, but it worked fantastically. It also had a hood- i recommend not buying a jacket if it doesn't have even a simple hood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOQGQaFyW9YRh6jzx_Y8eB109lB74k6l4mL7_AAszkDYm00qvUHog71E2JmKRyVVP2gvpQQADHrAiLATlU5rjjILTwkpx_5NJpyfOZ6gqDmNs1wZokt6ekTOQACwyS8n-CfM-9Haqfio/s1600/169087_10150092034907928_771847927_6110264_2398057_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOQGQaFyW9YRh6jzx_Y8eB109lB74k6l4mL7_AAszkDYm00qvUHog71E2JmKRyVVP2gvpQQADHrAiLATlU5rjjILTwkpx_5NJpyfOZ6gqDmNs1wZokt6ekTOQACwyS8n-CfM-9Haqfio/s400/169087_10150092034907928_771847927_6110264_2398057_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573211836424601362" /></a><br /><br />We descended in bad visibility onto Swirral edge, there was no 'cop out' path, we climbed with our hands and feet for 30 minutes over ice, rocks and snow (it felt very alpine!) until finally we emerged back below the cloud line and could spy the valley and our car way below.<br /><br />As we jumped in the car, ready to begin the 5 hour drive back Rhys said rather depressingly 'don't you hate that moment when you press 'navigate to home' on the sat nav? Its the moment when you realise you have to leave again.'<br /><br />With that solemn press of a button, the sat nav whizzed into life and pointed our way home. it was back to the real world, until next time.bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-10115027375306585272011-01-09T13:34:00.000-08:002023-03-22T04:54:49.976-07:002011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoytwv1_ykFN8HcQzebUAAHi-13L0RRETEs7rz9TOT0daBUpYRqGTwVDvgI_JvX3AYdoAtrdbdfEGjGgzCsdk-4Xvh7ivnXMkKSO85BZuFsqyUq7s3q3Rc8-Jo8TNGNXlNDQTVMT9kokA/s1600/168866_475153284396_663369396_5779187_2531115_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoytwv1_ykFN8HcQzebUAAHi-13L0RRETEs7rz9TOT0daBUpYRqGTwVDvgI_JvX3AYdoAtrdbdfEGjGgzCsdk-4Xvh7ivnXMkKSO85BZuFsqyUq7s3q3Rc8-Jo8TNGNXlNDQTVMT9kokA/s400/168866_475153284396_663369396_5779187_2531115_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560321048693590962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQChQ5b-guYaYMaiSm8IcZrL1B5aY3FihYLz7TCaeG55bfVv1ysNeAsF6OvTVv_jl30cXaAq8_IhBjYzCp2h_-aYh5AYamAZFxD4kXQdcmURZpP4sh_I43a3qInuAel7vyDGkCAFzA360/s1600/166133_485753427927_771847927_5853948_1249692_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQChQ5b-guYaYMaiSm8IcZrL1B5aY3FihYLz7TCaeG55bfVv1ysNeAsF6OvTVv_jl30cXaAq8_IhBjYzCp2h_-aYh5AYamAZFxD4kXQdcmURZpP4sh_I43a3qInuAel7vyDGkCAFzA360/s400/166133_485753427927_771847927_5853948_1249692_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560321044651512274" /></a><br /><br />happy new year to all<br /><br />for me, 2011 ended with a bang and 2011 has started with a blow<br /><br />First- 2010. Myself and a group of mates including Rhys Jones (who lead us in the hills) headed up for a taste of the famous Scottish winter. Any British climber worth their salt has heard of or been on a trip north of the border over the winter months to try their hand at ice and mixed climbing.<br /><br />Last year in 2009 i was having far too much fun in London partying on New Years Eve to think about a week in Scotland- Everest was ahead of me (even though at that point i didn't have the money) and i was 22 and SHOULD have been getting drunk and partying, right?<br /><br />Fast forward to 2010 and NYE was nearly spent in a snow hole as we topped out of a grade II/III route far too late in the day and had to navigate back to the car park in the dark. We got a bit lost, but found the glorious lights of the ski lifts in the distance and so an epic was narrowly avoided.<br /><br />We all fell asleep before the clocks chimed 12.<br /><br />Then i got the flu.<br /><br />After recovering in Mambo's climbers cafe in Aviemore and spending all my money in Ellis Bringhams we headed back south for work, talks and training.<br /><br />I thought about it in the car on the way home- it was the best NYE i'd ever had. In the hills, with mates, a bit of climbing then back to the warmth for tea and medals. Give me a climbing trip over a night club any day. Then again, 2010 had been the best year of my life- who'd of thought that little old me would stand on top of the world? My cousin got married- we all went on holiday together, my dad and his partner found out they were expecting another baby- 2010 will define my life for the rest of my life. How can you top that?<br /><br />Back south i had a few meetings before heading straight back north for a talk in Mansfield- friday i finally got home and could relax- that's when the news came.<br /><br />My trip to the sea ice of northern canada has been cancelled. We were set to leave in 5 weeks. it was a ski expedition to Ellesmere island- a 400 mile expedition. We hoped to be the first unsupported British team to do it. Everything was coming together, and now its cancelled. To say i'm devastated is an understatement. Reports we are getting is that the sea ice is 50cm thinner than from 2010 records- it's to dangerous to mount an expedition in early feb as our team had hoped.<br /><br />The worst thing is that i was hoping to work with an amazing charity on the expedition- the Forces Children's trust <a href="www.forceschildrenstrust.org">www.forceschildrenstrust.org</a> who were recently featured on The Sun's Military Awards.<br /><br />VocaLink, my sponsor, had been passionate about helping this amazing charity too and its plans for an outdoor adventure week in the summer for the children that the charity supports.<br /><br />FCT offers kids who have lost a parent in the military the chance to meet up with other children in a similar situation- they go on trips together and get to do all sorts of cool things that hopefully offer them a chance to be a child again despite their grief. I really hope i can support them in the future.<br /><br />The cancelling of the expedition is a massive blow. i've spent the weekend in a bit of a blur. My life, for the moment, is up for grabs. This could be an incredibly good thing or a very bad thing. What was last week a concrete future is now but an idea. I think of all the hours of training and planning, gone to waste on nothing more than a dream.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5S0IHzwdhjdxUz9oAZq6a7gjP9eC5_KYN1SpZs5s5y5qlPS3Lxt8N5Q3w9wT-QWbdOfgwq53RRuxkDHVu-JwVFqJ2UqyLrVGTd1mVH8dhv3Up_jPIBm46ZZY0me2xbOonAO4Vw-3xF8/s1600/163948_485749862927_771847927_5853837_3719383_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5S0IHzwdhjdxUz9oAZq6a7gjP9eC5_KYN1SpZs5s5y5qlPS3Lxt8N5Q3w9wT-QWbdOfgwq53RRuxkDHVu-JwVFqJ2UqyLrVGTd1mVH8dhv3Up_jPIBm46ZZY0me2xbOonAO4Vw-3xF8/s400/163948_485749862927_771847927_5853837_3719383_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560321042035279858" /></a><br />Yesterday was a beautiful day. My flu is still rattling in my chest and has weakened me- my arms and legs are thinner. I didn't think it would be a good idea to run, but my head was begging for one.<br /><br />I parked in the muddy car park of the look out, pulled up the zip on my karrimor to keep my neck warm and headed off into the woods. I don't run much alone in here- i've almost forgotten what it feels like.<br /><br />The setting sun cast the woodlands in shadow, and the orange rays burst occassionally through the trees. It was a beautiful evening and the air was still and cool. I breathed deeply- it felt good to get some fresh air after a week on trains.<br /><br />What next? I could be on this exact run in a years time but still in the exact same place. Everything had been so clear, and now- i simply don't know what to think. I tell myself there's no rush- better to take my time to make my next move. But i can't shake the sense of urgency to just DO something. <br /><br />If i'm honest with myself, my goals are quite simple. Too simple to be more than hobbies- i need proper goals. Big goals. But for me the most important goals seem to be the simple ones. In which case i need to make other goals- money making/ career making goals.<br /><br />My feet glide along the soft orange sands of Swinley forest. My pace quickens as i head down hill towards Surrey Hill. My favourite hill. I want to climb, run, adventure and speak about the aforementioned. Right now i am lucky enough to say that that is exactly what i do. But what about the future? <br /><br />I pump my arms as i hit the bottom of Surrey hill, my feet slide on the loose rocks and sand. I look to the top- the orange sunset is gleaming on the horizon- just. If i run fast enough i might be able to catch it. I pump harder- the top getting closer but never quite getting there. My lungs expand, thighs pump. The ground flattens and i am greeted with the most stunning sight.<br /><br />The sunlight ripples amongst the trees. the fiery orb gives off one more burst of light and then lowers below the horizon. My heavy breathing fills the air. I am all alone here- in fact, i haven't seen a single soul. <br /><br />People say that standing on top of the world must have been the greatest moment of my life. It wasn't. It was just another moment on an incredible journey. This was an incredible moment- alone in these woods with the sunset all to myself, feeling good on a run. What more could any human ask for? Wouldn't life be so simple if such incredible moments were seen as pinnacles and achievements? I can't make a career running in these woods- if i could i would.<br /><br />I turn and carry on- into the belly of the beast. I zip up and down the mountain bike trails, my legs leap and bound around puddles and mud. This feels good. It's getting dark, i start to head back.<br /><br />I suppose there is only one answer to all my questions and worries- if i cherish these moments so much, and want to run and climb and adventure, then i have to fight with every ounce to make sure that that happens. I will go to the ends of the earth for it. <br /><br />Don't give up on yourself.<br /><br />I don't know what i'll do next. But i do know that i will continue to push myself as hard as i can. I've got a personal list of ticks for 2011, to run certain trail races and climb a certain grade indoors and outdoors. In terms of the bigger picture i am planning to go to the himalayas again and hopefully china in 2012 on expeditions. Is it enough? I hope so, but i know it's not.<br /><br /><br />When the time for action comes i hope i am ready- i'm scared of the unknown and of starting from the beginning again, but what scared me even more is that i let opportunities in the unknown pass me by.<br /><br /><br />Happy 2011- who is going to take a leap of faith with me this year?bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-18913311266655197022010-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:002010-12-03T13:46:24.029-08:00Glorious LakesSome pics from the Lakes c/o Rhys Jones- taken at Gimmer crag, jake's rake and Sharp Edge BOOIFUL! thanks Rhys<br /><br />Can't wait to go back- if you haven't visited you must. It really is incredible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKKgDcgYTA-xUY1Q_3jU-oVDqtp37vg99L3Tw8_DcsHPKrFEnu7jSUAnoq3BJ11afkcf35lgkCOBpRKea2mWAA1lYgewJ_e8bW3rckT2XwBoyszeAI-hnzd7lRsdXzHQamsRCM8ZlzcQ/s1600/162660_468224677927_771847927_5567178_6499026_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKKgDcgYTA-xUY1Q_3jU-oVDqtp37vg99L3Tw8_DcsHPKrFEnu7jSUAnoq3BJ11afkcf35lgkCOBpRKea2mWAA1lYgewJ_e8bW3rckT2XwBoyszeAI-hnzd7lRsdXzHQamsRCM8ZlzcQ/s400/162660_468224677927_771847927_5567178_6499026_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546575455718064546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6fx1c2NR0b0cpXRhzAc_4zpKMpxbjYASEIxNIlFwkkCFBN_nwV_FJttJV-TsW9AhPPFGL5ypjSx2qyifqDE0iYRLGkbIWVqeTQUkZU2q3Izg_GOnNWA0JeI3cDxBLaMNO-1Ocht_U4E/s1600/162615_468219132927_771847927_5566981_8229115_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60G-wdVLTfdB6KojWKWuu3rmhi3xN31NCE4Y1UINJvRuviO6cGk96Q1oneX4F8vuIltO0i_vidMH-vDQPo8qHRm4CqgpV4q3Ok_LF-3eNyOxsJnHIOOyIH6mmm7-QCs8p3hd5ZHKiz6I/s400/33830_468218252927_771847927_5566939_7543169_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546574277633300690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaveQ6Iq6bRVUm4cobCGs057YZEkLm4UFdl4HV0AW6l2FjD9i_6nM09aEZ9sImU4YmaagDpH_EuEpjT-MkQZj4NUQsHbDQJhWVgdhZUvU29Iq17eb-iQzIvmcHKKAnHGgFkzkI7cUYs0/s1600/33795_468218692927_771847927_5566959_2942011_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaveQ6Iq6bRVUm4cobCGs057YZEkLm4UFdl4HV0AW6l2FjD9i_6nM09aEZ9sImU4YmaagDpH_EuEpjT-MkQZj4NUQsHbDQJhWVgdhZUvU29Iq17eb-iQzIvmcHKKAnHGgFkzkI7cUYs0/s400/33795_468218692927_771847927_5566959_2942011_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546574268572855538" /></a>bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-42806672427941636902010-12-02T06:09:00.001-08:002010-12-02T06:30:34.560-08:00KendalSo pretty much stuck at home today as our driveway has turned into an icy ski jump leading straight onto the main road<br /><br />whilst this weather isn't particuarly great on a day to day basis- for winter climbing in the Uk its a dream!<br /><br />Myself and a few friends are planning our ice climbing trip to scotland this Christmas- we're heading up to Aviemore for what will hopefully be one of the best winters on record!<br /><br />a quick round up of Kendal mountain festival- it really was a fantastic experience as a first timer. Listening to Alpinists such as herve barnasse and the Pua Brothers speak about their trips around the world, i wanted to pack my bags and head off to the Himalaya there and then. Leo Houlding's new film The Prophet, about his new route on El Cap was also very cool and well worth a watch.<br /><br />The weather was beautiful and it almost seemed like a crime not to be out in the hills enjoying it. Rhys, Jon and I stayed in a lovely littkle farm cottage about 2 miles from the nearest village and woke up evey morning surrounded by the beautiful green fells and lots of sheep and chickens- and then went inside or talks and films all day!<br /><br />the evenings were wound up with drinks in the Brewery arts centre where the entire festival seemed to congregate- it was an awesome weekend and if you have the chance to go next year- do!<br /><br />the last two days of our trip was spent scrambling- we zipped up Jacks Rake and Sharp Edge. An attempt on some rock was made but embarassingly i got cold feet (literally) and called time on it with dark only a few hours away. We ended up at Kendal rock wall for some boulding once night as was our thirst to get some actual climbing done.<br /><br />Jacks rake is a really cool scramble in the summer- grade 1 and requires a helmet. Its only 30 mins from the nearest car park and close to the top has some slabs which if you fancy can make quite a fun boulding session. the walk out is clearly marked on a well used path and for a few hours in the hills with great views its fantastic.<br /><br />Sharp edge is slightly short lived and reminded me more of Crib Goch though perhaps not as scary. it was pretty icy and on the tops it was snowy. Again- stunning views of the lakes- views to easily compare with the Himalaya. something that kids or people new to scrambling would feel safe doing. I tried to go for a swim in the tarn at the bottom- it didn't last long.<br />I've since nipped up to sheffield and climbed at the Foundry which has a really good bouldering area and cool traverse wall which has been sculpted in places to be more like real rock.<br /><br />Back down south i was the only climber at craggy island yesterday morning, and running today in the woods like id hoped seems a little fruitless. its a gym session then i guess.<br /><br />Lastly- just finished reading Dave MacLeod's book '9 out of 10 climbers make the same mistakes'. if you rock climb READ IT! www.davemacleod.com it is well worth it, i am climbing much harder already- it will improve your climbing, so buy it!<br /><br />Next blog will be after i come back from germany where i am dusting down some skis for the first time in years. Ski touring in Bavaria is apprently pretty famous and hopefully will live up to such a great reputation. see you then and merry christmas!bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-4552856117497767152010-11-09T06:36:00.000-08:002010-11-09T07:28:51.932-08:00Autumn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOADj3pwFjmdZcRRaLIRcaUuyeHsbCHMaUwd449QSD83JxAXAkq1YK47_9WDLuaFey9MCD6TyM-69xCK5l8zPtPWhrG0thXlcCC74CDdl0CB2iYYxEjODmSi8kdqCHPezhB82DIbMwTLU/s1600/karrimor1.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOADj3pwFjmdZcRRaLIRcaUuyeHsbCHMaUwd449QSD83JxAXAkq1YK47_9WDLuaFey9MCD6TyM-69xCK5l8zPtPWhrG0thXlcCC74CDdl0CB2iYYxEjODmSi8kdqCHPezhB82DIbMwTLU/s400/karrimor1.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571653058485394" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f8O_zwlkZufK8kV_jEnaEKHkOjKNYiZoE29hhjIZj5drF25Nwjl9K64j1yYQsZhhxE9OUnV2VYsWlh5f1bBcRDQCTjvy4-b893jtd5EK2DaeuAcMLnODEy0KcV2Fj069U7jK-7U_pzA/s1600/72543_595373002580_200903396_35322395_5389487_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f8O_zwlkZufK8kV_jEnaEKHkOjKNYiZoE29hhjIZj5drF25Nwjl9K64j1yYQsZhhxE9OUnV2VYsWlh5f1bBcRDQCTjvy4-b893jtd5EK2DaeuAcMLnODEy0KcV2Fj069U7jK-7U_pzA/s400/72543_595373002580_200903396_35322395_5389487_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571650664460034" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7m9qtaKVBds3pXY6Y1p2FIT8NeEdIhBPLbIn9HLbX7Jxd2xijfGhgoN_WlmReczknE4TAYrrZYxcJStLE6a1T6gE5QN45UDyte8V8bd0Sh7mxDr6i3fcvobPAPETyUlfQ9-6uLVhpbk/s1600/76033_596083997740_200903396_35340827_254757_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7m9qtaKVBds3pXY6Y1p2FIT8NeEdIhBPLbIn9HLbX7Jxd2xijfGhgoN_WlmReczknE4TAYrrZYxcJStLE6a1T6gE5QN45UDyte8V8bd0Sh7mxDr6i3fcvobPAPETyUlfQ9-6uLVhpbk/s400/76033_596083997740_200903396_35340827_254757_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571031687930258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtpCsYyhBMfpfctkS8VI58YyvuZBrbFkkVhR62ykue_gjyIm9opzA9oxuEzh-vBfxcFjSbQ-oYfhQRaoL9GBUtfaFMfma3XjNETsH4ty-RjU_NOhKQ0HG5A5wkpbpTwSKSqep-A5NoDM/s1600/148813_596121702180_200903396_35341728_511817_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtpCsYyhBMfpfctkS8VI58YyvuZBrbFkkVhR62ykue_gjyIm9opzA9oxuEzh-vBfxcFjSbQ-oYfhQRaoL9GBUtfaFMfma3XjNETsH4ty-RjU_NOhKQ0HG5A5wkpbpTwSKSqep-A5NoDM/s400/148813_596121702180_200903396_35341728_511817_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571025935455666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6BJ1y6Iqs97RtBwZPSOLqJlcDpnLGAxBxv3n5QzxGWsn8dLuWCNvIpZcvAy9LJzM9ZeLVGj411f5-qjtipCurUKaQFd9i_HmXQKbi6Kui5U-yZ2MPWYO8BEvsGDQusWKEHcgzmInXIs/s1600/149209_596084067600_200903396_35340828_4885498_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6BJ1y6Iqs97RtBwZPSOLqJlcDpnLGAxBxv3n5QzxGWsn8dLuWCNvIpZcvAy9LJzM9ZeLVGj411f5-qjtipCurUKaQFd9i_HmXQKbi6Kui5U-yZ2MPWYO8BEvsGDQusWKEHcgzmInXIs/s400/149209_596084067600_200903396_35340828_4885498_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571026240643234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCjKk1jmKqv7pRKO_CdewNPdx3T2ItpnLmGXgbFyV81VACwOqWA5OXbYQke1ioqK9DfD3bqSs1fY2YwkyN369rTLHM75inn1cII-4i9rZk6WWr0KT_dIo0ufDpTYUvuv0dRTxajLeuE0/s1600/61363_591130359870_200903396_35184214_1121688_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCjKk1jmKqv7pRKO_CdewNPdx3T2ItpnLmGXgbFyV81VACwOqWA5OXbYQke1ioqK9DfD3bqSs1fY2YwkyN369rTLHM75inn1cII-4i9rZk6WWr0KT_dIo0ufDpTYUvuv0dRTxajLeuE0/s400/61363_591130359870_200903396_35184214_1121688_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571023521941874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-dy6fjLXWNHa2pArOD5sCduMtucYH6qZyVKE4hJJvF9y_0s3tXrHuPYwaoJyfEe3WcAYZrsVUMFy-O22-X6w6wdazopw2vxqPobtNlNnT41viT20y4EGGqq1rkXe__2_apxFfryg0uk/s1600/60474_591130454680_200903396_35184226_2306450_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-dy6fjLXWNHa2pArOD5sCduMtucYH6qZyVKE4hJJvF9y_0s3tXrHuPYwaoJyfEe3WcAYZrsVUMFy-O22-X6w6wdazopw2vxqPobtNlNnT41viT20y4EGGqq1rkXe__2_apxFfryg0uk/s400/60474_591130454680_200903396_35184226_2306450_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537571009088593634" /></a><br /><br />Possibly my favourite time of the year- simply love the colours and the sunsets which you simply don't get in any other season.<br /><br />I've been making good use of my new phone to capture some of these stunning moments- i have no idea how to edit these images or perhaps make the most out of the tools on the camera, but the raw pictures seem to do a small amount of justice to what are some of the most glorious vistas i've ever seen- and all in the UK. Fantastic.<br /><br />*<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who came to see my recent talks at the ski show and the PPP forum- it's very odd because Everest almost feels like a dream that never actually happened, until i begin talking about it again and i am thrown right back onto its slopes and often when i'm going through my slides a memory hits me like a bold of lightening- i am so very lucky to be able to re-live such a once in a life time experience on a regular basis.<br /><br />It was lovely to catch up with some old faces at the show and meet some new ones- come down next year and get in on the fun! www.metrosnow.co.uk<br /><br />Lots of school talks coming up- starting with one in Rickmansworth tomorrow as part of the VocaLink Everest schools tour. Can't wait!<br /><br />*<br /><br />So it was my birthday last week and so i am now at the grand old age of 23. I feel like there is so much left to do in such a short space of time!! I can't believe i was 20 when the dream of Everest took over- it seems like yesterday. Thanks for the lovely flowers from Vocalink, a constant support from start to finish- i really can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me- thanks guys.<br /><br />Now to see what 2011 brings- fingers crossed for an exciting and tough year!<br /><br />*<br /><br />Lots coming up as we move into winter now- i will be spending this weekend down in Dartmoor for training with my expedition team. We're leaving in February and it's training for the South Pole- i can't say anymore than that. The weekend will be spent tyre hauling, running and generally beasting ourselves and of course bonding in the pub in the evenings. Oh- and did i mention that everyone there is from a military background except me?!<br /><br />Then its off to the Kendal Mountain Festival the weekend after with Rhys Jones- we're going to stay up a few extra days in the Lakes for some climbing and bouldering- weather permitting! www.mountainfest.co.uk for anyone who wants more info- its the 18th- 21st November and is the biggest annual festival of film and speakers in the UK- not to be missed!<br /><br />i'll be sure to get lots of photos of both weekends.<br /><br />*<br /><br />Training has been going well and my climbing has improved loads since taking bouldering a bit more seriously- however i've since got an injury on my right elbow which i'l be getting acupuncture for on Thursday (thanks sean). There are loads of new routes at Craggy Island in Guildford- there's not a better time to start climbing now the days are so short- check out www.craggy-island.com and book onto a beginners course<br /><br />I am now climbing 6a+ fairly consistently at craggy (grading is considered pretty stiff!) and top roping over hanging 5's, so getting there- slowly! Consistent 6b by New Year and i'll be happy.<br /><br />Would love to get out on some real rock and climb though- people in Chamonix i hope you realise how lucky you are!<br /><br />Running has also been shaken up a bit- on saturday i went with my trusted running partner, my auntie Belinda, down to swinley forest where we did hill sprints for the first time- the result? Fantastic! it was actually really nice to sprint in short bursts- i love a good sprint at the end of a run but you are always aware of keeping a strong pace until the end- with hill sprints you can go gun blazing thighs pumping for 15-20 seconds then jog back down the hill to recover. I loved it and so hill sprints will definitely become a (dare i say it) regular feature on my training schedule- and there are plenty of bigger hills in the forest to keep us on our toes.<br /><br />So, whilst running for me is more than just excercise, i've been a devotee now for 6 years and as much as i love my long runs, i'm not sure how good they are in comparison to interval and sprint sessions. My knees are beginning to suffer a bit- it's going to be hard but i am determined to cut the long runs down and take on a faster pace- watch this space!<br /><br /><br />until next time... <br /><br />Bonitabonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-7946401835821538032010-06-17T02:26:00.000-07:002023-03-22T04:48:19.864-07:0017th June- One month on and adapting to life beyond the big E<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilord8vUNinpTq3EcCu1Fzz6fGtyvAPoc04KE2I2lC8UBhB5oBjM7eotdZi0qHw0H_5jRokr5m9lYFUZvsFYFzoj6m_aiGZo1hlSVr3wK-OBnNi3rdqaG1AnVj_un3HWE0OGRLFfop0UQ/s1600/28337_580762318271_277001800_4948792_533310_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilord8vUNinpTq3EcCu1Fzz6fGtyvAPoc04KE2I2lC8UBhB5oBjM7eotdZi0qHw0H_5jRokr5m9lYFUZvsFYFzoj6m_aiGZo1hlSVr3wK-OBnNi3rdqaG1AnVj_un3HWE0OGRLFfop0UQ/s400/28337_580762318271_277001800_4948792_533310_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485336393923311602" /></a><br /><br />I'm sitting here in my room, trying to sort out kit and bits and pieces from the expedition- prayer flags, my scarf from llama geshe, the poster that Alli and Kritika made me after the summit- so many little trinkets which just seem too overwhelming to put in a box and be forgotten with.<br /><br />Holding a little piece of rock that i took from just below the summit, i can't believe that this time a month ago i was standing on top of the world. I love this piece of rock- it looks so boring and non-descript, but it is from a place that so many hold dear to their hearts- people who might never even see Everest that appreciate the history and significance of our planets highest point.<br /><br />People keep asking- 'what's it like to be back?', i will often say 'fantastic, amazing!, or i might tell the truth and say that it really, really hurts. For a long time i couldn't get to grips with why i was so despressed, i am back home with my loved ones, the pressure off my shoulders and the sun is shining- i should be over the moon, right? <br /><br />I realised that simply- i had lost a part of me when i left that mountain. I can still remember the sherpas faces as i peered out of the chopper before it whisked us away. I can still remember the vivid sunrises- especially on summit day, when we looked down on the horizon and saw the orange sun suddenly burst into view and flood the valleys below with golden light. Mostly, i can remember the laughter and banter in the mess tent- we ate three meals a day together for 6 weeks. We had become like family.<br /><br />I suppose it is like the nostalgia that anyone gets when they return from a great holiday and have to face reality. The odd thing is, i have never felt more content, more happy to just 'be' than before the summit. That kind of contentment is like being at 'one' i suppose, i have never felt that state of wholeness before and never since. It is wierd because at that point the pressure of not knowing was huge- on Everest you set yourself up for failure as the odds are against you, but there was something telling me to be still, to do what i had come to do- the rest is in the universe's hands.<br /><br />For anyone thinking about attempting an ascent themselves, i would say do it- but do it for the right reasons. it was such a shame to hear of some climbers calling it 'purgatory'. Others saying it was like a chain around their necks, that they HAD to summit before they could go on and do other things. Everest woke something up inside me- from the moment the thought came into my head that i could do it, it has never stopped inspiring me and giving me a reason to work harder, do better and strive to be the best. <br /><br />It is not just a mountain- it is the country, the people, the climbing, the history- but most importantly, it is what you learn about yourself- about what you're made of. And it's not just Everest that can give you that- Manaslu for me had an equal effect.<br /><br />People ask what have i learnt from my experience. A lot, and mostly about myself. Mostly- you learn what your flaws are, you learn your weaknesses and how you react to situations. Oddly, i didn't realise what my weaknesses were until i returned- i am terrible at emotion, terrible at communicating properly and lack empathy. For me, returning to normality was the most pressure i have ever been under- and my adjustment back to reality has upset a lot of people.<br /><br />I have learnt that being outdoors, having a physical challenge, looking after oneself and having time to think is when i feel most alive. Being back home, i am really struggling to work out who i am- Everest has changed so much of my perspective.<br /><br />I know that these words are simply that of a person grieving, and that in time i will be able to allow the joys of returning home to overwhelm the feeling of sadness and loss of knowing that a year and a halfs hard work and dreaming is now all over. Happy Fathers day to you. <br /><br />My Dad was for a long time the only person who supported and believed that i could climb Everest. When most of my friends and family were scared that i would die and didn't want me to go, he would say to me: 'it's YOUR dream Bonnie, i'll do as much as i can to help you'. And he did, without him i would never have been able to do what i have done. My dream was to call him from the summit- a lot of my motivation came from the idea that i would call my dad from the top of the world. Unfortunatly it wasn't meant to be. He recieved a text message instead!Love you dad xbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-32183150174095078402010-05-29T03:11:00.000-07:002023-03-22T04:39:44.680-07:00a big thank youSo, back home finally- to my mum, my dad, all my family and to my own bed!<br /><br />England looks absolutely beautiful with fresh eyes- when i left it was still miserable winter and now: SUMMER!!<br /><br />I am still missing Everest dearly. In Kathmandu i had my first meal alone for 6 weeks- eating soup at the yak and yeti buffet without the usual banter from the team was really depressing, i just wanted to be back with them in the mess tent, wearing my down jacket and munching on Bihm's fantastic fare.<br /><br /><br />Obviously, i have read all the comments on this blog and take them seriously- to those asking why i havent thanked my rescuers enough- the courage to come out of your warm tent and go back into the freezing cold and dark to help someone is truly heroic. As i said in that blog- i owe the sherpas and the team that came up to help, my life. <br /><br />Overall, i feel incredibly guilty that this ordeal happened. It just goes to show that one small mistake, one small slip, can have such huge concequences on a mountain like Everest. The ascent and beginning of the desent on summit day was absolutely text book- i was feeling strong, and throughout the expedition, had had no other problems and was a strong member on a strong team. <br /><br />Would i have gotten down alive if i didnt have the team around me? Its very unlikely. I would have most likely suffered from exhaustion and the cold and died on the path, unable to move fast enough back to camp. it scares me to think that such a small injury rendered me so useless.<br /><br />I am so lucky to have had not only support but GOOD support. In my opinion we had the most professional sherpas on the mountain, they were fast and didn't mess around- they were true heroes.<br /><br />Better mountaineers than me have died on big peaks like Everest, and i am sure that some of them need not of if they had had the support that i had that night. Thankfully, the day after next we all arrived back at BC, i was in a huge amount of pain with my back, but we were safe and the ordeal was over- that was a huge relief.<br /><br />So back home, on reflection of the entire expedition- whilst i can say it was the time of my life, and when i was asked yesterday in an interview if i preferred all the media pampering or being on everest- i replied dead pan: Everest. And i meant it- give me sunrise in the ice fall over a photo shoot any day. It is still marred by the fact that i caused such a dangerous situation for those sherpas and my team that came up to help- from the bottom of my heart i have thanked them for helping me, but it will never be enough.<br /><br />So again: Lakpa, Dorje, Rick, Greg, Victor, Henry, Kami, Tom, Namgel, , KC Lakpa. Thank you.<br /><br />Bonitabonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-77626710163516934292010-05-21T02:35:00.001-07:002023-03-22T04:34:22.254-07:00the end of the top-up at ATM Everest ExpeditionHI all,<br /><br />firstly- sorry for the lack of updates on the blog, from the 13th May (if i remember rightly?) we were heading to the summit from BC, and from there on its been none stop the hardest week of my life. I simply forgot that internet existed!<br /><br />So... wow. At 10.30am on the 17th May 2010 i fell to my knees on top of the world<br /><br />It was an amazing ascent- our team left at 9pm on the 16th. We made it to the balcony just before sunrise.<br /><br />As i walked up the south east ridge towards to the south summit i glanced away from my plodding feet to my right and saw the most brilliant sunrise about to burst onto the horizon- the curvature of the earth was clear, and the Himalayas sunk away below us, some of the snow covered peaks just glinting in the dawn light- it was like being in space. I knew from that moment that i would make it.<br /><br />Me and my sherpa- Lakpa, waited patiently in line at the first rock step, and when i freaked out a bit at the vertical wall (one side going into tibet, the other into nepal), he stuck right behind me and helped me on my way. Soon we were on the south summit...<br /><br />Here i met kenton- he had just broken his own record for summitting everest 8 times. <br /><br />At the south summit the Hillary step revealed itself- i had seen it in so many photos- a towering 70ft wall of rock, with footpaths only a few inches wide. I wasnt filled with fear as i thought i would be- i thought it was the most beautiful thing i had ever seen- it was the gateway to the top of the world. i felt strong, and carried on moving.<br /><br />Here, a climber passed me- i recognised his green eyes past his oxygen mask immediatly- it was Manuel. We had spent a few days together with his wife down in pangboche. He saw me too- he put his arms on my shoulders and with tears in his eyes said to me 'Beautiful Bonita, just beautiful'. He looked like the happiest man on earth. I had a lump in my throat- the emotion was high for everyone as we neared to roof of the world.<br /><br />I cant remember much of the ascent of the Hilary step- apart from that it was over much quicker than i imagined, and i had not looked down once as the drops were so sheer and so unforgiving!<br /><br />From here, the weather started to close in- a thick fog was coming over the ridge from the Tibetan side, and as i walked those last couple of hundred metres to the true summit, we were slowly engulfed in white.<br /><br />In front of me i could see the rest of my team members- Tom and Rick. I saw them embrace on the summit and knew that i would be there in a few minutes, but it felt like forever. Every step was so slow.<br /><br />Out of the mist came the prayer flags that are attached to the summit- bright colours of red, yellow and blue. I remembered suddenly being in the Tengboche monestary and having a vision of walking towards the prayer flags- they were caling me to me. Before i knew it they were at my feet. I looked up and there i was, surrounded my other climbers on top of the world. We had ran out of earth- no more up. We had done it.<br /><br />There i saw my team mate, Rick, holding up a t-shirt for his sons that read 'live the dream boys'. I sobbed behind my oxygen mask- he and his wife, Ally, live for the three sons- to see him get that treasured t-shirt out on top of the world for them... well, it brings a tear to my eye to write it now.<br /><br />I sat for a few moments in my own thoughts, i wondered it my friend Geordie, who is climbing on the North side, would be somewhere on the summit- we had bought union flags together in Windsor and i hoped that we would be able to get them out on the summit together. Alas, he is still waiting high up on the hill for his turn- i am sure he will make it. best of luck Geordie.<br /><br />The winds blew and occassionaly i could see the huge mountains below us. It didnt matter that there was no view- what mattered was the people around me. I hugged Lhakpa an embarrasing amount of times, and recognised other friends there who i had made along the way. We were all lost in our own thoughts- exhausted but elated, trying to let the reality of our situation sink in- we were the highest people on earth!<br /><br />I finally came round to doing what i had come to do- present the three flags to the ceiling of the earth. These flags had been auctioned on Ebay for Global Angels on behalf of top-up at ATM. I realised that when i wrote them, they all had the word 'love' in them. I motivated myself on the way up by telling myself i was taking a lot of love to the top of the world. <br /><br />Suddenly, Lakpa was urging me to go- the weather was closing in- it was time. As i plodded away from the summit i took one last look at it- i knew i would never see it again. I felt so very lucky. So, so lucky.<br /><br />*<br /><br />The descent started smoothly, we got stuck behind some climbers literally sleeping on the path. People felt like they had done the job and now could rest- we were very aware that safety and relaxation only comes when you are back safetly at camp 4.<br /><br />The HIlary step was busy- it was my turn to descend a short rock step.;I clipped in, took hold of the rope, and must have slipped. <br /><br />At the time i felt fine- i was still on the path! Not in Tibet somewhere without a visa! 20 minutes later though, my neck and shoulders had siezed up to such a point that i took one last step and a shooting pain went up my spine- it was so painful i yelped and Lakpa stopped. He saw i was crying- but this time with pain. It was then i realised something was wrong. I didnt know what it was, but moving was excruciating. We were in trouble.<br /><br />About an hour later and only a couple of hundred feet in distance made, Lakpa and I stood back on the south summit in a total white out. Here i radioed Kenton and told him the situation- i had done something to my neck, i had plenty of oxygen but was going far too slow. I didnt think i could make it wthout extra help.<br /><br /> As the sun set the first sherpa came to greet us with more oxygen. <br /><br />Finally, about an hour below the balcony, another group of sherpas arrived, from here on i dont remember much- My neck was blinding with pain, but i remember having covnersations with the sherps and thinking i felt OK bar the neck- i knew if i just let them do the job we would all be home safe. After that i remember being at camp pretty quickly- hot tea being poured down my throat and down jackets and sleeping bags shoved onto me. The team warmed me up- they were dreading to see my feet, thinking i might have frost damage. Thankfully all digits were in order, and i was passed out asleep from a 24 hour push on Everest as they sorted me into my spot in the tent.<br /><br />After that- all is blank. Sleep overwhelmed me like nothing before. I was safe, we were all safe. The warmth of the tent was intoxicating. I must have snored so loudly. I owe the sherpas and the rest of the team my life. <br /><br />Those 5 days of climbing and descending off of Everest were easily the hardest of my life. It was harder than i could have ever imagined- but i can honestly say that until my slip on the Hilary step, i took every step with gratitude- i was so lucky to be there, and felt prepared and resilient towards the emotional and physical pain. After the slip, i still did not resent the mountain or my situation- but i did crack and let the pain get to me.<br /><br /><br /><br />The true feeling of jubilation came when i arrived back at Base camp <br /><br />At camp we were met with cheering, pot banging, lots of hugs, beer, sweets and beautiful posters made by Ally and Kritika- i cried and cried! I was safe, we had all made it. The sun was shining, i had a cold drink in my hand- it was a beautiful day. <br /><br />I'll blog again tomorrow- as i feel i might be boring people! thanks for all the messages- i am reading every single one.<br /><br />Bonita x<br /><br />bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-73716205121144569632010-05-17T01:54:00.001-07:002011-10-11T07:56:43.365-07:00Record Broken: Bonita reaches the summit of Mt. Everest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJLQh1UmWBKV_0Inl2aHbdfgOauIRA5eDpscrJVqQm4fBW_yCF4iD9ouvy-WiE6216-pkw7FBBR8EBvsHc0xCwpXB5XVnRvZZTfcj51pugo1jHy5dPBR_isUguAht9xixHPwqdZ9WCQY/s1600/MPTU_EverestLogo.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJLQh1UmWBKV_0Inl2aHbdfgOauIRA5eDpscrJVqQm4fBW_yCF4iD9ouvy-WiE6216-pkw7FBBR8EBvsHc0xCwpXB5XVnRvZZTfcj51pugo1jHy5dPBR_isUguAht9xixHPwqdZ9WCQY/s400/MPTU_EverestLogo.PNG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472191373844985602" /></a><br /><br />BREAKIN NEWS<br /><br />On the morning of Monday 17th May 2010 Bonita Norris reached the summit Mt. Everest. In doing so, she has become the proud new holder of a British record: Youngest British Female.<br /><br />Full Blog to follow, once she is back down safely. Bonita has relayed this message:<br /><br />"Thank you ALL for such incredible support back home, it really kept me going in the toughest of moments. Also a special thank you to those who contributed to the campaign by topping up their mobile phones at ATMs. <br /><br />Thank you also to my sponsor, Mobile Phone Top-Up at ATM (VocaLink), who have helped make this dream come true."bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-42910016400560031712010-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:002010-05-14T08:48:50.861-07:00Message relayed by Sat PhoneMessage from Everest, relayed by Satphone:<br /><br />'Summit day has been pushed back by one day to Monday 17th due to extremely high winds on the mountain. Feeling ready, fit and positive about the final push. Managed the climb from Base Camp to Camp 2 in a very respectable time of 6.5 hours, quite chuffed with myself for that! I promise to do a proper blog when I come back down from the mountain, when I might even be able to throw in a few photos for good measure. Love to all back home, missing you all lots, but I must admit I am having the time of my life out here! Fingers crossed for Monday!!!'bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-35811190110149374812010-05-08T00:54:00.000-07:002023-03-22T04:24:58.977-07:00Resting down in the valleys, and getting ready for the summitsorry for lack of communication- i decided quite last minute to pack my pack and head down into the valleys for some proper rest whilst we wait for the weather window. You see, festering at BC is not much fun after er... one day! <br /><br />*<br /><br />After talking in my last blog about fantastic weather, i think i went to sleep that very night, and woke at 4 in the morning to find my tent roof inches from my nose- it was weighed down with 4 inches of snow, and i could still hear the storm outside.<br /><br />Base camp unsizpped its tents to a winter wonderland like no other- in the shadow on Mount Everest, there we stood, puffy eyed in the snow, wearing our crocs and sandals and wondering where on earth the bloody lot came from. It was deadly quiet.<br /><br />After breakfast people mulled around, and what do you instinctively do when surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow? Well, i started throwing it, and a huge snow ball fight ensued between us and the sherpas.<br /><br />The fight was ferocious, military, and lasted well over an hour. BC is perfect for such a fight- huge boulders to hide behind and more ammunition than we could ever need. There were ambushes and targeted assaults (usually on me by 6 or more sherps)<br /><br />Rob, who is good at everything, could through a snow ball for miles and was our main asset. I was more of a liability. But the true hero was sundip- another camps water porter. HIs job is to collect water from a glacial pool- he makes this trip 50 times a day. But his true talent lies in snow ball fighting- his aim was spectacular and we all suffered. <br /><br />Suddenly, after pelting us for an age, he put his hands up and announced "okay. I tired now" and just like that, the fight was over. We were all exhausted- doing anything at 5000m is tiring. But as we all collapsed in the mess tent, talk became of the weather up high- we knew there and then that we wouldnt be going anywhere for a while.<br /><br />*<br /><br />So, a couple of days ago Rob, Fi and James announced they were heading down- the bad weather meant no one was going onto the hill. As usual- i was in my tent reading and doing my back no good on a wonky thermarest. <br /><br />"OI, NORRIS", it was Rob coming to say goodbye. i poked my head out, blinking into the light- hair a mass of 'rats tails' as my mum calls it. Rob spun a story of comfy lodges with blankets and fires and lemon tea and good dahl baat. I was sold- i packed there and then. <br /><br />We ended up leaving the next morning, James had to bail after spending the night regurgitating his supper. "Better out than in" in his own words. So one man down we set off for Pangboche at 3,950m- a bed, a shower and most importantly- thick air, awaited us.<br /><br />We skipped down to pheriche, every step filling our lungs with more and more oxygen. It was a 5 hour walk to this point, and i was loving it- my legs were moving! they had spent days plomped on a chair or flat in my sleeping bag- i was wondering what use they were. But now- they were dodging rocks and yak poo, striding up hills and jogging back down the other side- not used to the oxygen i felt like a super charged human.<br /><br />At pheriche, Fi decided to stop and do the last leg to pangboche the next morning- so it was just me and Rob for the last part- walking up the side of a ferocious river at dusk. The two of us out of the original four made it to the lodge after dark, and were greeted like old friends by the Sherpas who run the place.<br /><br />We settled down into the corner, and, warmed by the wood burner and covered in blankets, had the most fantastic Dahl Baat i have ever eaten. The night was finished with a movie and the luxury of a room each and huge quilts on the beds. Best nights sleep for a long time.<br /><br />*<br /><br />Since then, Fi has arrived and Rob has gone down to Namche to see an old friend. <br /><br />Fi and I (the only two Brit women on Everest this year) have done nothing but rest, read and eat. We are basically preparing and fuelling our bodies for the summit push- 6 of the hardest days of our lives, plus a 17 hour marathon on summit day- the longest of my life. It is so important to be healthy before we set off, and this is one of the best ways of doing it.<br /><br />We leave tomorrow (9th) for the 15 mile walk back to basecamp, which on the way in took 3 days- but now we are acclimiatsed and fit, will do in one long push.<br /><br />*<br /><br />News up high is that Adrian and sherpas from Russel Brice's team fixed rope to the summit on the 5th. There were more sherpas on the summit on the 6th, and the first western climber- Lucille, summitted yesterday and is now safetly back at camp 2. <br /><br />Thanks again for all the messages- i hope to get in touch when back at BC, though things might move pretty fast, in which case i will send updates from the sat phone.<br /><br />People are talking about getting the summit 'over and done with'. I keep quiet- i am loving every minute of this expedition- what will be will be, i dont want to wish it away.<br /><br />Over and out.Bonita xbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-86474603424729953752010-04-30T23:07:00.001-07:002023-03-22T04:00:43.392-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfknSHBHffHP26_HDxXq3UE9X1N7c60tHgH9uWllE_Dzug5eLca9qG7tAKjNEM-QcFiSHpQoBl1_30wO3GPKiMqLPiLILplLp_xyXJhO7M63tZPsqpYmYvuECz8Bu-KT5Wagx2JfIhB0/s1600/bon+blog+tent+c2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfknSHBHffHP26_HDxXq3UE9X1N7c60tHgH9uWllE_Dzug5eLca9qG7tAKjNEM-QcFiSHpQoBl1_30wO3GPKiMqLPiLILplLp_xyXJhO7M63tZPsqpYmYvuECz8Bu-KT5Wagx2JfIhB0/s400/bon+blog+tent+c2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466179591058575650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN7sh_df6oKyhcRSe1u5dIpkuYro9gnPyZIB-iLTo68h4ke0hWLoXabHAAUWPcgkljURNjVyOIfUHkgB6dpWuFc8QdhyphenhyphenxffEGU-lMFCnoMMjYqdZP2rJKoA5BxqlEuLL2W3i8EGFLwnk/s1600/bon+blog+memory+flag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN7sh_df6oKyhcRSe1u5dIpkuYro9gnPyZIB-iLTo68h4ke0hWLoXabHAAUWPcgkljURNjVyOIfUHkgB6dpWuFc8QdhyphenhyphenxffEGU-lMFCnoMMjYqdZP2rJKoA5BxqlEuLL2W3i8EGFLwnk/s400/bon+blog+memory+flag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466179586172177778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmVx3UG9tfri-fHxwp8V33f3D7hE-065bHSTXPEElC7FqbxgPc6u81oio_gz32wXUu4INW3oaUwI8Cjh8HxitEtsL3eK6PfjjgTohwwHVKDUMY0I6Vxv3FwA7VOW1mnCdYYyS4IlDa3U/s1600/bon+blog+feet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmVx3UG9tfri-fHxwp8V33f3D7hE-065bHSTXPEElC7FqbxgPc6u81oio_gz32wXUu4INW3oaUwI8Cjh8HxitEtsL3eK6PfjjgTohwwHVKDUMY0I6Vxv3FwA7VOW1mnCdYYyS4IlDa3U/s400/bon+blog+feet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466179580744522354" /></a><br />Just a quick update- the top-up Everest campaign at ATM’s has raised £10,000 for Global Angels!<br /><br />This is fantastic, the amount will be split between the two projects I am supporting through Global Angels- White Lodge centre in Chertsey, and the Child Voice International village in Uganda.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who topped up at a cash machine over March and April, as every time you did so, 5p went to Global Angels. Such an easy way to raise loads of money for charity!<br /><br />Please continue to support this expedition by topping up your pay as you go phone at ATM’s across the country- and tell your friends to do so too!<br /><br />*<br /><br />I have also just finished writing the messages onto the Ebay flags this morning at base camp- not bad for 17,500ft!<br /><br />It has been a great morning- the sun has been shining and BC is pretty quite as people rest ready for their summit bids. We are still waiting to hear on our weather window- so writing out the flags was a welcome respite from the endless waiting.<br /><br />*<br /><br />Finally, a picture of what my feet looked like after zipping down off the Lhotse face.<br /><br />The top up Everest expedition now simply waits with baited breath for the summit- with beautiful weather like this, we might not be waiting too long… fingers crossed.<br /><br />Over and out. Bonita xbonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906389331995594616.post-69696162553876058302010-04-30T21:10:00.000-07:002023-03-22T03:59:48.128-07:00camp 3<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBABY-C%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="time"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:SimSun; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-alt:宋体; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 680460288 22 0 262145 0;} @font-face {font-family:"\@SimSun"; panose-1:2 1 6 0 3 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:134; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 680460288 22 0 262145 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:SimSun;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">A long time since my last blog, the team have been up on the hill for the past 5 days and have now finished our acclimatisation, having been to 7100m, and await a weather window for the summit. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is therefore a very nerve-racking time at BC, every time a weather report comes in we sit with baited breath to hear whether the summit of Everest continues to be battered by the jet stream, or if the monsoon has pushed the winds north enough for us to sneak to the top- currently, we are still waiting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, the past couple of days- our rotation on the hill started as usual, we left BC in the dead of night, climbing over rock and scree to get to crampon point at the bottom of the ice fall for around <st1:time minute="0" hour="5">5am</st1:time>. The ice-fall ascent was quick- we are now better acclimatised and familiarised, and made the final section of the fall in just over 3 hours, overtaking a big team along the way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Out of the blue- disaster very nearly struck. A bottle neck had occurred at one of the last ladders, I was one of many climbing down the ladder, and there were Sherpas and climbers trying to climb up. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then- a huge BOOM, followed by a deafening crash, out of the corner of my eye I saw a massive block of ice under our little ledge collapse and fall into the depths of the glacier. The climbers and sherpas exploded into panic- At the bottom of the ladder I could hear a lady: ‘please help’. She was tangled in the fixed ropes, and was asking everyone who passed to simply help sort her ropes out- no one stopped. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The lady was getting very panicky, climbers and Sherpas kept rushing past- we were on a very small ledge and I was trying to unclip her jumar and re-set her ropes whilst trying to calm her down and snap her back into reality. I wasn’t being particularly nice, but I did sympathise with her as I knew how it felt to be that scared.the Spanish lady and me were frozen in horror as we watched the ice under our path just disappear- would the whole lot go? Would our ledge collapse? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrenaline then kicked into action and I realised that this woman would be even more of a danger to me and to everyone else if she panicked even more- we all had to get out of this area as fast as possible, it was not safe and could go any second. I made her my responsibility to get her across the ledge and onto the next section as fast as possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I finally sorted out her jumar and we turned to jump off the ledge I was met with a climber trying desperately to get out of this section- his eyes said it all- he was terrified. He barged past without a thought to his or our safety- I suppose that’s what fear does to you. Sherpas followed with the same expression on their faces- they were all praying aloud as they rushed past us- the lady and I were forced to the side of the ledge as the fearful hoards rushed up the ladder. That was the first time I had ever seen such fear in any human.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally it was time to jump the ledge, ‘ok, we must move quickly- this is very dangerous- you jump and do not stop, carry on to the next ladder, ok?’ I shouted at the woman over her fearful sobbing. ‘Go!’ I nudged her forward and she got more hysterical: ‘my jumar- I cannot do it without my jumar’. I couldn’t believe it- this was not the time for jumars! ‘No! You must jump!’ Thankfully she followed, and we both moved a few feet away from the edge, clipped into an anchor and collapsed into an exhausted heap- adrenaline causing our hearts to still pump at a million miles an hour. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The whole episode was probably only a minute long- it had gone from calm to terror in a matter of seconds and I realised after that I had not stopped to help; I could have been jumping over the ledge as the ice collapsed underneath me. As stressful as it was, I was thankful to be focussing on getting this woman untangled- it allowed me to block out the chaos and danger around us as I simply tasked myself with sorting her ropes and trying to calm her down. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lady let the one thing you don’t let happen to you on a mountain happen- she broke mentally. I have done the same on the descent off of Manaslu. I am aware that this could happen to me at any time- when you are exhausted and in a dangerous environment, it is so easy to crack. I think it is simply experience and conditioning that allows you to overcome it. I pray that my mental strength is enough.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After this short episode the rest of the climb to camp 1 was un-eventful. We slept most of the time at camp, before leaving the next morning at <st1:time minute="0" hour="8">8am</st1:time> for camp 2.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The climb to camp 2 has been described to me as like ‘being in an oven’. The route, which snakes through the Western Cwm crosses a glacier and on either side is towered by huge ice walls. The sun reflects off of the ice from all angles, climbers have been known to burn the insides of their mouths and nostrils on this short climb.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bearing this in mind, I was dripping in sun cream as I left camp. The climb was pretty easy- we were only ascending around 3-400m. I trotted along without crampons and soon made the edge of camp in just over 2 hours, and then got lost trying to find my way in. Finally saw Kenton and collapsed onto a rock outside the mess tent in 2hrs 30, which is good considering that KC predicted 3 hours at least. The boys (Rick and Tom) arrived shortly after- we were together at camp 2, life was great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The next day was an ‘active rest day’. The aim was to tag the bottom of the great <st1:place>Lhotse</st1:place> face, gaining about 250m altitude. Poor Lynette didn’t make it out of camp as she has an illness that was making her feel sick. As her tent buddy I am quite worried that this is contagious! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We made the bottom of the face in good time- Kenton and I chilled on the ice as we waited for Rick and Tom to arrive, it was a great morning looking down the valley and looking up at the climb ahead.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That night at supper, Kenton announced that the weather reports were pretty confusing- they predicted low winds but lots of snow. He recommended down suits and high altitude boots. None of us were sure if we would make camp 3 the next day. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rob’s team had attempted the climb to C3 but had failed because of the cold, they had had to re-attempt the next day and had persevered until they tagged the camp at 7,100m. It showed just how unforgiving the weather on the face could be. I was sure that we would also be given the same fate if the weather reports were true.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the sun rose over my tent, my stomach churned with fear- I had never been to 7000m without oxygen, and certainly not in treacherous weather. But hang on- the sun on my tent, not a breath of wind? Kenton shouted up to us: ‘hey guys, re-think the down suits- weather looks good.’</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our team was off by <st1:time minute="0" hour="7">7am</st1:time>, Lynette was to go back to BC because of her illness, and would attempt to reach camp 3 at a later date provided her health improved. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The climb to 3 was perfect- we were blessed with awesome weather. I had hardly slept the night before had been praying for a good day- it looked like it had paid off and according to Kenton we were making great time as we climbed up the ladders and onto the face itself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The face is extremely icy this year. The foot holds hadn’t quite formed yet as we were one of the first teams making the ascent. This meant lots of delicate crampon action as we balanced on blue ice. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 5hrs and 30mins exactly I made our stop at 3. Rick and Kenton had been waiting an hour by the time I arrived- they had had a great time and moved fast over the ropes, avoiding the que’s that unfortunately Tom and I had gotten stuck in. We were now above 7000m- under 2000m to the summit. From our stop we could see all the way down the valley- camp 2, camp 1, Pumori and the entire Western Cwm spread out below us. I couldn’t believe how high we were- and whilst tired from the climb, altitude was not as debilitating as we predicted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From this point acclimatisation is finished- I wondered whether I would ever see this spot again- what if something happened on the descent? Would it all mean nothing if I never made it back here? All the sweat and pain and exhaustion to climb to this point, only to leave when the summit is seemingly so close. I didn’t want to leave this spot- this glorious place where the <st1:place>Himalaya</st1:place> laid itself out before me. I could see for miles, I breathed the air, I smelt the air. 7000m is a special kind of place- I realise how lucky I am to have spent time up there on Manaslu and now again on the great Sagarmatha.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The descent was fast- Rick and Tom had already gone and so Kenton and I went together. We were nearly running down the face at some point- its easier than walking when its that steep! At every anchor Kenton would attach our karabiners together and wrap a prussic around the fixed line- this meant that if we tripped, we should hold safe. This was proven at one point when Kenton let go of the prussik as I was charging down the face, we were both pulled to a halt and I fell flat on my back with a jolt. ‘Oops!’ from Kenton, we dusted ourselves down and carried on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The descent back to BC yesterday was just as fast- 3hrs 40mins from camp 2. Rick and I wearily trudged through the bloody pinnacles back to base camp, and finally we were allowed to take off our packs, sit down on a rock, and drink a cold cup of grape tang in the sun- ‘safety’ was what I was most thankful for.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That night a few of us stayed up until midnight playing cards, laughing hysterically at Tom’s bad jokes and not even mentioning the climb ahead. We needed the chill out time, the last few days had had us all constantly on edge- the weather, the going into unknown territories and for Tom and Rick- new altitudes. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today I am slowly getting my kit together for the summit push. A bowl of hot water and a cup was much appreciated for a shower. Undressing in the shower tent I realised how my body has changed- my thighs have huge muscles, my hands are tanned dark but my arms are ghostly white, I have lost a bit of weight, but definitely have enough fat for the summit! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">*</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">bonitanorrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08626036017520863786noreply@blogger.com1