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5 mei 2000 - Mick Cottam

Mail van Mick

"Just to let you know that I have arrived in Katmandu ok today - got here about 5.30 pm. I slept all day in the Land cruiser and stopped last night in Zangmu, I ended up in a room on the fifth floor of a hotel and had to stop for a rest after every flight of stairs. Scrounged a lift from Zangmu to Katmandu with a Peruvian team from Shishapangma, as I had no money! I seem a lot better now but still can't take a deep breath and have chest pains.

Bumped into Rob already - he's staying another week yet (he's going rafting and canyoning!), apparently can't get a flight until 10th - I will try tomorrow (don't really want to stay here a week!). Also hope to go and find Adrian later tonight or tomorrow to see how he is.

Please pass on my thanks to everyone: To Joke for her support and encouragement when she must have been so tired herself; to Steve for being as strong as an Ox; to Fritz for carrying all the kit down; to Rich and Dave Horrex for not hesitating in coming down from ABC with the essential equipment; to yourself Tjitte for packing my kit and being my night nurse even though it was a little worrying to wake up to see your eyes staring into mine only a few cm away; to Mike, Bill and Dave Arnold for coming out with refreshments and fresh legs to help; to Dave Allason-Pritt for his perfect and rational support to make the right things happen in this situation - even though he wasn't feeling 100% himself (Don't write yourself off yet Dave - there's still plenty of time to get your chest ok and continue with the climb, maybe summit); to Freddie for her vigil alone at ABC - she was the third highest team member on the hill that night; Also the sherpas and cooks who helped and to Dave Jewell and Paul for their support and concern from North Col.

My sincere apologies for upsetting everybody's plans for the next few days. I hope the weather improves for everyone to get going on the hill again as soon as possible. The situation did demonstrate that we have strong climbers who work together well as a team - that is important for climbing this mountain and I wish each and every one of you the up most success - good luck! I think I will sleep well tonight, though I am more than a little pissed off! I will let you know what's happening with the three of us here when I know more. I hope the team summits and comes back safely."

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