...Manaslu Wrap Up...
Update in from Team Manaslu that they're safe and sound back in Kathmandu and rolling into their hotel now. Hot showers and a shift to t-shirts and sandals is the name of the game. It'll be a welcome, if not wild contrast to being above 25,000 feet earlier this week, where the team gained exceptional experience in the highest reaches of the world. 100% of the team hit new altitude records on the trip and we couldn't be more impressed with their efforts.
A mighty congratulations to the Manaslu team!
Cheers,
Team CTSS
...Manaslu Team Safely Back At Camp 2...
Our Manaslu Team are safely back at Camp 2 and will descend to Base Camp tomorrow.
The team made the difficult, but wise decision on their summit climb to abandon their attempt due to high winds and very deep snow after successfully reaching Camp 4.
Despite clear and sunny weather the strong wind forecast for later in the week made an unwelcome early arrival and the team reported gusts of 50 miles an hour on the summit plateau.
Our team and the 4 other teams at High Camp who were going for their summit attempt today all turned around.
Such is nature of high altitude mountaineering but wise decisions always triumph summit fever... Manaslu awaits another year.
We couldn't be happier that they are safe and sound to Camp 2 and below and we'll update you again when they depart Base Camp for Kathmandu.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Summit Bid on Manaslu Continues...
Spoke to the team on the satellite phone - they are at Camp 3 on Manaslu ready to make their summit attempt with the forecast looking excellent for the next few days.
We're wishing them the best of luck as they keep moving higher.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu up to Camp 3 Today...
The Manaslu team are heading up to Camp 3 today with the intention of summiting when the weather allows. The forecast is clearing up and looking positive over the next 3-4 days so they are in a great position for standing on top.
Reports are the route is in great shape with several teams who have already summited kicking it in. The rather stormy season in the Himalaya looks to be finally breaking and giving way to a decent summit window so hanging back and allowing the weather to clear and the crowds to dissipate, will hopefully pay off.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Camp 2 on Manaslu...
The team are off on their summit bid, staying at Camp 1 last night and en route to Camp 2 today.
There is still a little bit of cloudy weather and snow in the forecast for today and tomorrow morning with the hope that it will begin to clear tomorrow afternoon.
The team will tag and stay at Camp 3, and then Camp 4 in succession on their journey to the summit before descending back to Base Camp so still a good few days of Himalayan climbing ahead.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team Ready...
After 4 restful days at Manaslu Base Camp the team are ready to leave for their summit push tomorrow. They hope to reach the top on the 2nd October.
Tendi reported in that the team are "all feeling strong and well-motivated" and are feeling positive that with the first wave past there won't be much traffic to contend with.
We'll keep you updated as we hear from news from the High Camps via the satellite phone.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Tagged C3, Acclimatization Complete...
Updates in from Team Manaslu: Acclimatization rotations complete.
The full team tagged Camp 3 Monday just on schedule, at over 22,000 feet (6,800m). They've officially climbed and slept higher than the highest point on 5 of the continents now.
Reports from the ground are that the team is back in base camp and in good spirits. They're enjoying time out of triple boots and down parkas, at least during afternoon sun. Now the Sherpa team switches place and they head up to stock high camps with all our summit push supplies.
Stay tuned through the end of this week as the team assess forecasts and make plans for the next bid up the mountain - the summit push.
Cheers,
Team CTSS
...Summit Ropes Fixed on Manaslu...
The team aims to tag Camp Three today and then make their way back to Base Camp for a good rest and recovery before our summit climb. The weather seems to be on our side now and we've just had news that the rope fixing team has opened the route all the way to the summit this afternoon.
Great news for the mountain and especially for us as we let the early waves of teams move ahead. Gives us space to have a quieter mountain for our final push to the top. Till then, Team CTSS enjoying the relative comforts of Base Camp once more.
Cheers
Team CTSS
...Progress on Manaslu...
The team is doing great and are currently at Camp Two looking to tag Camp Three tomorrow before descending back to Base Camp thereby completing their final acclimatization rotation, ready for their summit bid and making the most of the weather window that opened up.
Looks like clear weather the next few days with a little more precipitation in the forecast toward the end of the week which may, or may not, eventuate. The team will take it day by day, always erring on the side of caution but are now well primed for their summit attempts.
Cheers
CTSS Team
Mike's Top 5 Gear Must Haves
Mike's Top 5 Mountain Gear Must Haves!
1) A Buff. Buffs are one of the most useful tools in any high altitude climber's kit. Not only do they keep your neck warm but when put over your mouth, they warm and humidify the air making it less stressful on your lungs to help keep the dreaded "Khumbu Cough" at bay. They're great for keeping the sun off the back of your neck when things heat up on the glacier, too. I bring several on every high altitude expedition.
2) Insulated Leather Work Gloves. I have lots of expensive climbing-specific gloves for different occasions but I find my go-to, day to day gloves on the mountain are cheap insulated work gloves. A long time climbing friend of mine is a lineman in Pensylvannia and sends me a 6 pack every few years, so you can't get more inexpensive than that. (Thanks Dave Schlimme!) They are light enough for those hot days on the glacier and warm enough when the temperature drops and the sun ducks behind the mountains. You can pick up a hot stove with them and they're as easy to waterproof as a pair of hiking boots.
3) iPhone. It's priceless to be able to take quality photos and videos easily while in the mountains. On occasion, I will bring the big gun DSLR to capture the right image, but it's amazing what you can do with an iPhone these days. It's great for being able to share those magic moments from expedition with loved ones back at home and quick to pull out, snap the shot and put it away without getting cold. I keep it close to my body when climbing to keep the battery from getting zapped.
4) Wet Wipes. Being able to wipe off the grime and sunscreen is priceless after a week or so in the mountains without a shower. I always toss in a 2- pack of baby wipes or face wipes. It's amazing how refreshing it feels, and great to avoid getting heavy zinc sun protection all over your expensive clothes and sleeping bag.
5) Himali Altocumulus Jacket. The Altocumulus is the perfect mid-weight down puffy and is incredibly versatile. I basically live in it on expedition. It's so light and packs down so much that I can't justify NOT throwing it in my pack! It's tough and looks good too.