( from SMS messages as reported to David Lim)
Heading for a night at North Col (7000m) from ABC this morning. Not bringing the Satphone. Hope my HAPE wont recur.. But so far, feeling strong and healthy. It’s hard work living above 6000m.
David’s Note: From ABC, the path meanders up to 6500m whereupon the glacier begins. A gradual rise up to 6600m, andthen a steep er 35 – 45 degree snow/ice wall beckons. A fixed rope is usually already in place, and the North Col campsite is often sheltered under an ice ‘wing’ – essentially, an overhanging wall of ice. To the left , you will be able to see the snaking north ridge going up to the 7600m campsite, often referred to as Camp 2. From there, on bottled oxygen, most climbers will climb up the nixed rock sections to Camp 3 at 8300m; from which summit attempts are then launched.
Grant 'Axe' Rawlinson 
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