Mt. Everest 2004: Irish Expedition

Special message to Brian at Sigma Wireless in Cork

When you and Fidelma were here a couple of weeks ago, I told you that the range and signal are excellent and they perform better than the specifications. I think I also said that during several days testing in hostile mountain environment that they performed admirably. In fact I think I might have said that apart from user created problems they are a great communications system. Last night when it really matter they were reliable as ever. When bad weather conditions, caused by electrical charges and varying air pressures, interrupted other radio broadcasts the Motorola was the perfect companion.

The GM 360 Base Set and the GP340 Handsets are just brilliant - and so say all of us. A big thank you from me on behalf of all those at the different Base Camps. A very big even huge thank you from those people on the mountain, who from dusk to dawn absolutely needed radio contact.

The Base Set and handsets are brilliant - thank you Sigma Wireless and Motorola

In the early of hours of the morning, we received the good news that most of those who had been in danger were now relatively safe at Camp 3 and others had made it to Camp 2.

At no stage were any of our team in danger. Those involved in the rescue and evacuation were tired, but are now resting at Camp 2 Lowe Alpine. At present it is snowing hard at Everest Base Camp, these conditions that started at 15.00hrs are expected to last for 24hrs.

We have just received news that the trekkers are in Lobuche. They are staying the night there. We hope to see them soon. Among this group are Nima Sherpa, Tim Orr and Eamon Muldowney. They are joining Sheila Kavanagh in her expedition to climb the 20,305ft Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak.

Thanks to Sheila Kavangh

Sheila arrived at Base Camp Wyeth in April. She immediately embarked on a very fast learning curve in relation to the expedition’s radio and satellite communications system.

Within a few days Sheila mastered the operation. This was essential so that my work load could be shared.

Being a sociable person, Sheila made many friends among the support teams from different expeditions. These friends shared many cups of tea with both Sheila and me. These friendships meant that mutual help was always at hand when needed.

We support teams were able to assist each other with any IT and Communication problems. Such problems occur regularly with delicate technology in such a harsh environment.

I spent up to 2 hours every morning and the same in the evening getting and analysing weather reports. Sheila always helped in checking the numbers. This help with the weather forecast analysis ensured accuracy in my calculations. Sheila also managed to keep to a rigid training programme in preparation for her climb of Imja Tse.

Sheila made a huge contribution to the running of the communications system. Her understanding of the operation made my life easier. This was the specially the case over the last few days during our team’s summit attempt, success and subsequent difficult descent.

Thanks Sheila,

Adrian

18th May - 3pm

Pat has made radio contact with Base Camp Wyeth from inside his tent at High Camp Wyeth. They are staying the night and will descend tomorrow. On the way they have to break up Camp 3 Spórt Corrán Tuathail and bring everything from there to Camp 2 Lowe Alpine. This is where they will spend the night. Tensing will have a good nutritional meal with plenty of hot drinks ready when they arrive.

Pat says that they are all well, but tired. He wants to thank all those
who have helped them over the last year. He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the many people who have followed this expedition through the website and to the many thousands of encouraging e-mails that have been received.

He added that they all plan to descend early in the morning and hope to be settled in Camp 2 Lowe Alpine by the afternoon. Pat hopes to be able to transmit some photographs to Base Camp Wyeth for us to send on. However the wind and low air pressure are causing difficulty today.

We will have more news as events evolve tomorrow. Here at Base Camp Wyeth, it is 19.10hrs on Tuesday 18th May 2004 and we are about to have dinner. When finished eating, Dawe, Da Rinji, Sheila and I are heading to bed. We have not seen our tents or sleeping bags since Sunday at 03.00hrs. It has been a great few days full of excitement. Tomorrow we rise at 05.00hrs, back to normal. The climbers need precise weather details to plan their descent.

On behalf of all my friends here at Base Camp - Dawe, Da Rinji, and Sheila, I would like to thank all the congratulation message that we have received today - and they are still co ming in.

Sheila and I would also like to thank our families and friends for all their support, since our involvement in this Irish Wyeth Everest Expedition 2004 began.

This is a day that none of us involved will ever forget.

Adrian Rahill

Talk to you in the morning
Goodnight
Base Camp Wyeth Out.

Dispatches Pat Falvey, veteran expedition leader, Everest climber, author and motivational speaker. To book Pat Falvey on his 'AGAINST THE SKY' LECTURE TOUR. e-mail us at

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