Author: Grant ‘Axe’ Rawlinson

With great happiness we departed the flea pit of Tingri for a bumpy and dusty 5 hour drive up to Everest Basecamp. As we crossed the Pang La pass at 5200m the whole of the North face of Everest became visible. The North Ridge was clearly visible and cloud was billowing off the summit. It…

I reported last night from the border town of Zhangmu located at 2300m. Today we drove for one hour up the steep sides of the gorge to another small town named Nyalam, located at 3750m. We have stopped here to rest for two nights. It was a spectacular drive up the steep, narrow gorge as…

Quick update to say I have finally arrived in Tibet in the border town of Zhangmu.  Am testing out my Chinese roaming USB modem kindly supplied by Ms Fanny and the comms system works great!  We arrived today at 4pm after a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu.  I will update the GPS position shortly so…

After 7 days here in wonderful Kathmandu, tomorrow morning we will leave around 9AM to start the drive into Tibet and our final destination, Everest Base Camp at 5300m. I have had a very relaxing time here. The first 5 days with Stephanie was as an enjoyable time together as we have ever had. It…

I arrived here with Stephanie on Wednesday lunchtime after a 4 1/2 hour flight from Singapore, and was greeted by a sweltering 29 degrees of dry burning heat. Even though this is approximately the same temperature as Singapore it felt much hotter due to lack of humidity. The visa upon arrival line went very fast…

And so there we were, sipping Javas and lattes in airconditioned comfort in Changi airport and being seen off by friends and loved ones. Off to Everest and 2 months of a distinct lack of the usual pampered luxuries in Singapore. Learnt a new, critical Nepalese word today.  Toilet = charpee. Hope I dont have…

All the gear is packed and as you can see from the photo, one duffel bag, one pack, one mini suitcase, one small back and a computer bag.  I am not sure of the weight yet, but am guessing around 50kg+. I have 40kg baggage allowance on Silkair and with Stephanie’s 20Kg allowance I am…

After years of dreaming, months of planning, training and fund-raising, tomorrow morning at 9:10AM I will takeoff for Kathmandu, to start my journey to Everest. Working right up until the day I leave has made things hectic. I feel rundown.  I will leave for Kathmandu tomorrow requiring some quality recovery sleep.  In the last four…

Last week – I  arranged to do a stair session with Latif, a nice young chap from Indonesia whom I have known for many years.  Latif had recently joined my company and had expressed an interest to come for a training session with me.  He arrived 45 minutes late and looked a little puffed already from…

It’s a tough couple of weeks ahead with lots of business travel. Got to keep fit in the planes some how. Maybe I’ll do a few pushups in the aisles….

My attempt on Everest in April and May 2011 – will raise awareness and money to support 2 foundations – the Central Asian Institute (CAI) and the HUMANEITY Foundation.  Both foundations support causes which I hope will make a positive difference to children’s lives.  The idea of combining my climb with a community support element first really…

In 2002 I was playing for the Singapore National 7-aside rugby team.  We were heading to the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament to play in what would be my first time at this event. For those who don’t know the Hong Kong 7’s, it is the most prestigious international 7’s event in the world.  The stadium is packed with…

This Saturday 26th February starting at 8:30PM I am holding the 6 nations rugby party in support of Everest 2011 – Climbing for Humaneity.  The party is held at Citygolf Sportsbar, 61st floor, 1 Raffles place, in surely what is the most stunning view of any sports bar in Singapore. Tickets are S$100/person which includes:  –  Free…

Brutal is the word that best describes the 8 day training climb I spent last week in the Mt Cook National Park in New Zealand. Together with partner Alan Silva, we attempted to climb the full west ridge of Malte Brun, a 3200m peak opposite Mt Cook. On Saturday 5th February we took a helicopter flight into…

“Your training regime in the new year will be bloody tough you know?” were the words Darren Blakeley told me at the end of December as I was about to head off to New Zealand to get married. “Yeah I can’t wait to get into it Darren” was my reply. Well it’s now the end…