It's not over, it's the continuation of what has already begun.

This expedition started out with 16 young and naive team students, over 18 months ago. I was unable to return with the same team. What I did return with was a team of mature and experienced and competant young adults ready to carry what they've learned over the past 18 months forward into their futures. I can honestly say with hand on heart that I am so proud of what they have achieved as both individuals and team players, it has been an absolute privilege to know them, work with them and an honour to be able to call them friends. I have seen these people make decisions that many adults would fear to make and have confidence to stick by their convictions. When other teams out in the Himalaya were failing to reach their goals (mentioning no names) we gritted our teeth dug deep into the reserves to overcome sickness and fatigue to achieve our main aim, seeing sunset on Everest from the top of Kala Patthar, as a whole team.

Our return to the UK last night isn't the end, but it marks the continuation of what has already begun. This team forged a friendship second to none and it is inevitable that one or two may drift away but what they can rely on is that they will always be welcomed back with open arms.

All of this could not of been possible if it wasn't for Stef, Matt, Anne and the Sherpas and Guides, their professionalism, willingness to pass on knowledge and experience has left the team with a hunger to do more.

Kathmandu = KathmanDONE!

So Namche faded into the distance as the descent sped by and the high mountains rolled into valley floors lined with woodland and mighty rivers. What had seemed to take an eternity and nearly kill half of us on the way was a mear walk in the park now. The thicker air, oxygen rich in comparison to the heights further up made everyone feel strong and happy in the basking sun.

We made our way via Tok Tok and a tea stop at Karma's tea house, Karma has been one of the guides on the way and it was only fitting to share a cup of tea in his home on the way down. That night we stayed at Phakding again where the night passed by with the team singing songs and enjoying traditional dancing with the guides and the lady of the house. An early start for the last leg into Lukla....

The trek into Lukla was far more arduous than anyone would have imagined. A culmination of exhaustion after the long haul we've had and a small portion of the team suffering horribly from a stomach bug made what should have been a simple finish into a bit of a battle. We all made it though, and the sense of achievement when everyone rounded the corner into our last Tea House was absolutely epic.

After a long wait in the tiny airport at Lukla, we're all sitting here safe and well in the luxurious (after Tea houses) Harati Hotel. Everybody is overjoyed to have the small pleasures in life back; being able to go to the loo without putting your wellies on, being able to climb the stairs without blowing out of your arse....these little things are always a bonus!

The look on Jenny's face during the flight from Lukla? Worth every minute we sat in the dingy little airport waiting. The views out made us all sad to be leaving behind the beautiful place we had been privileged enough to experience, but the views inside the plane of Becca window-licking and Kelly gripping on to the seat for dear life cheered us all up.

Once back in the hotel the birthday plans began for Andy! The Sherpas planned a cake which I'm sure Andy will manage to devour without too much help from us. After wandering around the city it began to sink in that we had made it, we could really start to celebrate our achievement. The sights and sounds (and smells!) around us were overwhelming and everyone tried to take in as much as they could.

For the evening, the team went out for a meal in Kathmandu, settling at a swanky Italian for Gilly's birthday meal. After which, the team turned to a Kathmandu pub crawl- another amazing experience to say the least, especially for Bunny! In Tom and Jerry's bar, we all tried cocktails with names such as 'Everest Sunset', and to Si and Ollie's delight, live Premier League footy was on the telly. We then went on to meet up with Matt, Kenny, Anne and Stef at Rum Doodle, the climber's bar in Kathmandu, where we were graced by the presence of Chris Brown, a member of the Everest summitteer club. We left our mark here by leaving our own personalised foot, signed by the whole team, which will don the bar for years to come, along with thousands of other famous expeditions from years gone by. Then the fun started....

After an evening of festivities, no-one fancied the walk home, so the Kathmandu Wacky Races Grand Prix began. The aim was simple: 16 people, 8 rickshaws, 1 goal- our hotel. The loser got the drinks in. Racing through the quiet night streets of Kathmandu was a fitting finale to our penultimate day in Nepal.

For our final day, we are just about to visit a Leprosy hospital just outside the city centre, with a view to supporting them when we get back to the UK. Then it will be time to hit the shops in Thamel, picking up last minute souvenirs at the best possible price.

Two out of three aint bad...

Aims of the expedition;

1. To get all team members safely back to UK
2. To summit Kala Pata for sunset on Everest
3. Make Base Camp

Ok, so lots to tell and bring up to speed, first things first the WHOLE TEAM made it onto Kala Pata and it was worth it as clear skies gave an awe inspiring sunset on Everest for all to enjoy! But this is just half the story...

...So from Dingboche the team made the long trek up to Lobuche and a height of nearly 5000m, this took its toll as team members arrived shattered and feeling the thin air. The long climb from Dughla was really tough but the team spent a little time walking around the numerous monuments and memorials to those who have lost their lives on Everest. As a few of the team are reading Everest based books some of the names were familier such as Scott Fischer from the 1996 disaster.

As the team had two nights in Lobuche their acclimatised by a short walk to the Italian Pyramid, a weather station situated in the hills giving up to date data to NASA as well as to other universities and orgainsations around the world.

The team settled down to a meal with the prospect of Kala Pata, Gorak Shep and Everest looming, a tough day was in lie.

Waking early and shaking off coughs, colds and the runs the team headed out on what would be an epic day. Making good progress they made it to Gorak Shep by lunch time and prepared for the afternoon plod up Pata.

Becky and JJ had written a short speech which was read out to all who were embraced in a huddle. This inspired the team as well as drawing a few tears from some members so our first and really main aim was ahead, it was time to bag a Brucie Bonus!

We plodded slowly and slowly upwards, some team members started to struggle with the alitude but they would not be beat and after over 2hours of climbing the WHOLE team were stood together on the top of Kala Pata looking out over Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam. Que the time for posters, banners and personal pictures. Some cheered, some had a quiet time of reflection and some were just overcome by it all, we had made it!!!!!

As the sun dropped the highest point in the world glowed a glorious red colour with snow blowing of the summit it was a sight to behold, emotions running high and a real sense of achivement.

How things change. As we dropped down it was apparant that one of the team had become unwell. Bunny had been hit with High Alitude Cerebal Edema (HACE) a potentialy deadly illness but one of the most simple to cure, descend, descend, descend.....

As the whole team came together in the lodge the fast thinking and diagnosis from our experienced team of porters and guides has Bunny on oxygen and were preparing to get him down the mountain and to the safety of the hospital at Phereche some 1400m lower.

The sun was down, the temperature had gone to well below zero at here there is no mountain rescue or helicopter, just the will power, stregnth and determination of the human mind. So a team of three porters, Steff, Matt, JJ and Doug set off in the dark night sky physically carrying him on their backs to safety. What had taken 3 days of walking and acllimatisation to come up would take just over 4hours to descend to the hospital in what was a demonstration of team work and understanding of the first order.

The cure is easy and it showed as Bunny quickly recovered and after an hour at the hospital the doctors were more than happy with him and let him go for the night. The doctors it is worth mentioning did their paramedic training in Northallerton!! Small world!! However he couldnt stay over as they said he was ginger and they needed the bed!!

So the rest of the team made their decision to the return down the mountain and come back as one team, they gave up Base Camp as they showed that throughout all of this the strength of this team is greater than any mountain or destination, as Alan Hinkes says "the mountain will always be there"

The following day Bunny was great and the team had walked down to meet up again, it had taken the fully fit in daylight over 6 1/2 hours to descend the same route as the resuce team the night before.

Spirits were high again as the team were united and they made there way to Pengboche for an overnight before another long day today back down to Namche where we will spend two nights and have a day chilling out tomorrow.

The events of the last couple of days would knock most teams for six and put them off things but this team again just showed how resliant and unique they are, they faced up to the challenges thrown infront of them and hit them out of the way as only they would.

So as for now we are on our way back down the mountain but when we set off we would be happy as two out of three aint bad...

Another day in paradise..

Good afternoon from a hot and sunny Dengboche!!

The team have enjoyed a good nights rest, filled up on fuel from the lodge and enjoy spectacular views of sunset over Lohtse and the clear night sky of Nepal.

We rose this morning a little later than normal, 7-30am for a hearty breakfast before our acclimatisation trek to the height of Mont Blanc, 4800m. The team made this with relative ease as were able to take on board the views of Cho You and Makalu (5th and 6th highest mountains) as well as clear views up the valley towards Island Peak and back towards Namche and Lukla.

The going rate for cleaning socks is around one twix, thanks Clare for that one!! Apart from that the team will now chill out for the rest of the day before our journey tomorrow towards Lobuche and then up to Gorak Shep and Base Camp. Spirits are high and confidence likewise as we aim to stand together on Kala Pattar on Sunday to watch the sunset over Everest...

So thanks for all the ongoing support, hopefully we can keep you all up to speed with how we get on but we dont know what the internet will be like up there but here is hoping!! Mobile phones are now done so apart from a carrier pigeon you might just have to wait and see!!

Hello World!!

Hello all and thanks for the patience, as you could expect getting reliable internet in the fourth poorest country in the world is about as guaranteed as Gareth Southgate's next pay cheque!! (we keep up to date now!!)

So a lot has happened in the last few days and we will try to bring you up to speed as quickly as we can,

Khumung and project was a great couple of days, working in the heritage home was a great pleasure and the school really made the trip thus far for those involved. In fact we worked so hard that they ran out of jobs so we spent a day digging the potato field of our lodge to help the family!! The family were most welcoming and the father is a seven time summiteer of Everest and he kindly gave up his time to talk to us about his experiences. So a great couple of days of the beaten track away from the masses of tourist was a pleasure.

We then packed up our stuff and headed to Tengboche high on the hill in the distance. A peaceful walk through the trees took its toll as some members of the team found the height gain tough but with our team of leaders the pace was spot on so that everyone walked up to the village together and feeling stronger than before. Our lodge for the evening was also the local bakery and my god are those cakes good!! Doug spent up on cake the greedy .....

A real coup was experienced in the afternoon as we all went for a blessing, or Puja in the monastery. We were so lucky to be granted a blessing from the head Lama himself and he spoke to us about his concerns for the world. This was followed by watching the monks in full meditation, a sight to behold in a very religious and Buddhist area.

So we have today left the trees and made our way up to Tengboche and 4300m above sea level. The Nuptse Wall and Lohtse dwarf our small lodge and tomorrow is an walk out to aid acclimatisation as we can see Pumori in the distance that sits above Kala Patar.

Hot showers are here, fantastic views and the whole team in great spirits (until we walk back down and tell bunny about boro!!) So from here we hope to all be stood on Kala Patar on Sunday and if we cant be in touch for any reason take it that no news is good news!!

The team is strong, confident with snotty noses but apart from that there is only one way now, UP!!!

We will try to upload some photos but technology out here is comparable to Debbie with air con in the car!!!

Nameste

Long way for a brew...

Short day today, not too much to report.

After a lie in we got up at 7am for another cracking breakfast and a day that would see us climb 4oo vertical metres to aid our acclimatisation. After 8 cups of tea each we were ready!! What would normally be like a brisk walk up Roseberry or alike our climb today was slow as the thinning air began to hit us hard.

Our guides and leaders made sure that we were all going slowly enough and that we drank water at a constant rate as we plodded for nearly 3 hours to reach a teahouse for a brew.

But was it worth it!!! With a clear view straight down the valley we will follow we were greeted with Ama Damblan, Lohtse, the Nuptse Wall and Everest again. In the distance we could see the villages that will be home over the next few days and we sat and enjoyed our brew just taking in the sights.

The walk back down was a lot quicker and after a look around the museum the team tucked into lunch and now have the afternoon to wander the streets of Namche, this will take about 5mins!!

So we thought we would drop you all a line to say hi, we are now going on a 'Tea House Crawl', postcards have been posted, we have so many that the post office has stayed open just for us!!

So off to Khumjung for project now, hopefully we can keep up to date blogs but from now on in it is off the beaten track!!

Speak soon, and keep the support going,

The Team

Namche How Bizarre....

Altitude has been reached, heads are pounding a little and the air is short, nothing to disimilar to a night out in Boro!!

We have reached Namche Bazaar now at the height of 3443m (or 3446 for those on the top floor) after a long day trekking through some amazing scenery.

The day started bright and early at 6am with a rousing call from Adolf Fryer, a good breakfast of porridge, toast and eggs set us up nicely for the long lung buster ahead. Clear skies showed off some 6000m peaks, as we stopped to photo the porters laugh and mock them as hills. A long morning alongside the river led us to
Monjo for lunch and our first dahl bat and a refill on the water. The leaders (Kenny and Andrew for today) went to get our permits to enter the Sagamatha National Park and after a toilet stop and another layer of suncream we crossed over into the park.

From here the trail took a steep change in direction, UP! 3hours of constant uphill to reach Namche. walking at a snails pace to help us aclimatise we plodded for what seemed to be an eternity and then our guides stopped us and through a pine tree pointed to a distinct triangular peak and murmured to us "Everest", our first sight and even from miles away it looked huge! Sat nicely with Nutpse and Lohtse either side she sat there and posed for the cameras, even Olie was awake at this point, Kenny wasnt farting and Jenny thought it was Roseberry Topping, "Should havegone to Specsavers"!

So we marched on in good spirits and arrived in Namche in the late afternoon, another cup of tea later and a mooch around the market stalls we sat down for a cracking meal of curries, rice and popadoms. A goodnights sleep is needed by all to help combat the altitude but with 4 days around this area everyone should be fit as an ox in a day or so and crying out ot go higher!

A short walk is in store tomorrow before we head up further our project the following day, thanks to all for the comments, keep them coming in, best wishes from Nepal,

Namaste

The Team

Phakding Hell!!

What a day and what a flight!!

With an early start, breakfast at 5-15am and a drive through a very quiet Kathmandu to the airport it was one of the moments of the trip we had waited for, the flight into Lukla- and it didnt disappoint! Taking off in the twin prop Otter plane the 16 of us onaboard along with the inflight attendent raced into the early morning sky above the city. The quite simply majestic peaks of the Himalaya around us kept people busy clicking away the cameras in an attempt to capture the moment, all but Olie who slept through it!!!

Then for the moment we had waited for, the landing. In the distance we could see the landing strip angling up the mountain side, a fews ooooohhhhsss, ooohhhhhss, and the ocasional NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! could be heard. The pilot dropped us down, we hit the deck and rolled up the tarmac to a chorus of cheers and applause from the team.

Meeting the others we sat for tea in the sun whilst our bags were packed up onto the Yaks and after a short brefing we got up and took our first steps towards Base Camp. We are not alone, the number of tourists is suprising with lines of ruck sacks and porters stretching out along the path. The porters are simply amazing, carrying massive loads, one guys carrying a 10x4 piece of wood on his back!

The trek has been simple today, downhill to Phakding, but the height and thin air stills leaves the uphill bits demanding and short of breath. We have plodded along at a very steady pace taking in all the sights, sounds and smells, including Kenny's farts, but whilst you still can you might as well do it with confidence and blame a passing yak!!

We got into the tea house around 1-30pm and had some great food, traditional Nepalise cheese toasties and chips!! Kelly has had her first good meal and we can hear about it now!! The rooms are great, simple but effective, clean and comfortable beds. Olie and JJ are however sharing a single bed, they were not to forthcoming to change it let it be said!

So day one of the trek over and done with, the whole team feels as though we are really here now and making strides, the 6000m peaks around us are sneered at by our porters who just laugh and call them hills, I wonder what they would think of Roseberry Topping???

Tomorrow has a longer day that takes us up to Namche Bazar, the market town and kind of capital of the Sherpa region. A couple of days acclimatising there before project and fingers crossed if the weather is good tomorrow will give us our first glimpse of Everest....

....so with that in mind we wish you all well at work, thanks for the ongoing support, for the team to read the messages really helps everyone and gives us all that little extra spring in our step (trust me we have lots of them to go!)

Photos will be on tomorrow, it is beer o'clock here so it is goodnight from me, and it is goodnight from him,

Matt, Kenny and the TEAM!

That Will Ding Dang Kathman-DU!

Well we are here folks! In Kathmandu after two very good flights, a couple hours in Delhi and about less than then hours sleep between us!

The overnight flight from London to Delhi went very well, after some food and a quick film on the touchscreens!! We tried to catch a few winks as our flight would touch down on Tuesday morning in India. Waking up to breakfast we were only around an hour or half out of Delhi and this flew by (get it??)

So into Delhi and another curry soon followed and the three hour wait at Delhi to fly up to Nepal. Some powernaps laters the team bordered the flight that took them up to the promised land!! Skirtin the Himalaya all the way up the sights were second to none and after a short delay in landing we hit the deck, got visas stamped and were caught up in the the rat race of Kathmandu.

The Hotel is fine, our agents seem spot on and we have had a great evening out enjoying traditional Nepalise food and dancing as well as a couple of rice wines!!

First leader of the day in counry Bunny has set a good standard for the others to follow, just as soon as the jet lag, lack of sleep and cutlure shock has hit home the flight at 7am tomorrow should be a doddle!!

Keep on reading, on the trail tomorrow and many more stories, thoughts and images to be shared as soon as we get the right USB lead.....

Thinking of you all,

The TEAM!!!

Heathrow Hello!!

HI to all, we are now in Terminal 3 here at Heathrow waiting to get on our flight to Delhi later on this evening.

What a send off from family, friends and colleagues. After a heart rendering speech from Mayor Tony Hall and the kind words of John Denis Chair of Govenors we had a hassle free journey down the motorway to London.

The day started very early with Radio Si on air from before 6am!! Minster Northallerton broadcasting from the college all morning and getting insights from numerous members of the team. A warm send off from the current Y10 students in assembly and from Mrs Phipps and Mr Merrifield gave the team a real feel of purpose and drive.

After loading up the coach kindly supplied by local firm Proctors we were met again by parents for coffee and butties. After a few photos and tearful goodbyes the fire bell went and we were joined by the whole of the college and had it been a real fire Debbie would have douced it in moments with her tears!!! The last couple of goodbyes and then we rolled out of town!!

So we thank you all for everything thus far, moral is high, whilst watching Bruce Almighty a loud cheer went up on the bus when a scene came up with Bruce on the top of Everest!!

We are in good hands and it wont be long until we will back in touch, thanks again to everyone,

Bon voyage!!

The Team

Seven sleeps to go, this time next week we should be boarding our flight to Deli to connect with the flight to Kathmandu. With excitement rising some headless chickens are running around getting the last bits and pieces together (me included). I think I've got everything I need except for the wet wipes that's a job for Saturday.
Anyone who wants to follow the Team's progress as we trek up to Everest Base Camp can do so by following this link. http://live.adventuretracking.com/truenorth the Yellow Brick Tracking device will be activated when we arrive in Nepal and show our position on the map as we go.

The excitement is intensifying and the training is going to plan with just over 3 weeks to go before the start of the Expedition. Even Jenny has been told to start packing by her mum (bit early yet Jen). All the girls are wondering where to hide any non essentials (hairdryers, Straighteners etc. You can only take them if they are high altitude compatible). The lads are about to give up shaving in an attempt to pull the best looking Yak on the trek (best of luck, Matt's got a head start on us all). Anne has tried to get out of coming with us by breaking her arm, sorry Anne you signed on the dotted line you're coming with us.Joking apart its been a long hard road to get to where we are now and I am honoured to be associated with the best team of young people I could ever wish to work with. Leading this group of dedicated, hard working, hand picked individuals on this journey of a lifetime is a privilege. The team have worked so hard with all their fund raising events, which is still ongoing as we speak. We all must thank everyone who has supported us with sponsorship, donations and even with words of encouragement. I would also like to thank all of the parents for their loyal support from day one, turning out in all weather to raise a bob or two.Thanks to Matt for his inspiration and for putting the wheels in motion and getting us to where we are now. Also thanks Matt for inviting me along to join the Team, sorry if it took more than 10 seconds to say yes. Unaware that further down the line I would be handed the reins of Group Leader for the Expedition, as he side stepped into his new position at True Adventure (good luck for the future mate) I know I can count on your support as you can mine.Last but not least, Expedition Leader Stef Economedies, welcome to the Team, we all look forward to working with you.Follow this Journey of a Lifetime for The Team of 16 students and 4 adults when we depart on the 12th October 2009 from Northallerton College, North Yorkshire with kind permission of Principal Mick Hill.Everest Base Camp here we come :)

26 Sleeps to go!

Not long now until the team meet up to venture bravely to Nepal, the Himalaya and Everest. Follow updates here from the team as we travel to Base Camp.