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Updated 4 October 2009

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Twickenham Operatic Society (TOpS)

COUNTDOWN TO EVEREST

TOpS member Carol treks to Base Camp of Everest for Charity.

TOpS member, Carol Naylor who is trekking to the foothills of Everest , sends this message to everyone in TOpS and to the many TOpS friend's who regularly check into the TOpS web site.

  An Update from Carol on Wednesday 7th October.

Hi all,  from Namche Bazaar! A village on the way to base camp that has internet access!

We are resting today after 2 days pretty hard climbing. Have encountered many yaks along the way but manage to get out of the way before they tried to push me off the mountain! 

I think we have crossed about 5 very high suspension bridges so far and have sang our way across them to make things easier. We had a lovely version of All that jazz yesterday and I am working on improving our repertoire!  We are currently at 3,440 metres (roughly 11,000 feet) and have one person ill from altitude sickness but so far, I have been okay, touch lots of wood. 

8 days to base camp now and I think we are stopping at this village on the way down so will try and update you then. 

Love to all and see you soon

C x
 

Well, I am just about to leave to trek to base camp of Everest - oh my god!

We fly to Kathmandu, then a short flight to Lukla where the trek begins, The first couple of days I think we are broken in gently with mention of pretty villages and monasteries  - it's the roaring rivers, suspension bridges and glaciers that scare me more! The mention of passing stone memorials to climbers who have failed isn't filling me with joy either! Must remember we are trekking and not climbing!

We reach base camp on day 11 which  is 14 Oct and I promise to belt out an acapella version of Day by Day from Godspell complete with 5 part harmony!    God help the yaks!!!

I have to remember this is for a really good cause - St Davids care in the community who look after mentally ill adults for as long as they live - which is a pretty amazing commitment!! If anyone would like to support the cause and sponsor my trek please click onto the following - http://www.justgiving.com/carol-naylor/  

I really look forward to catching up with you all soon after I return home on 21st to bore you with my stories.

Love, Carol x
 

Hi all,

Just in case you think I'm lounging about with a cheeky glass of red in hand and just hoping my trek to Everest goes well, I thought I would update you with progress on the countdown to the trip. No laughing please, you may spill your wine which we all know is a mortal sin.

Anyway, a 'normal' week in the life of me in the run up to Everest....

Monday normally starts with one of 3 (occasionally 4!) visits to the gym where I actually work out, both cardio and weights rather than a leisurely cycle whilst placing Heat magazine over the handlebars for a 'cultural' catch up on Pete and Katie My gym was recently refurbished but either the pool or gym were kept open during the work - except for one Monday morning when I was told NOTHING was open for use. Now, it won't come as a surprise to know my normal reaction would be to skip around Richmond Park shouting "I'm spared, I'm spared, it's a sign"! Shows my current mentality that I kicked up sufficient fuss that I was allowed to use the weight room whilst the workmen were stacking gym equipment in there. Yes, being the only person in there doing elegant(!) squats in my Sweaty Betty specials whilst burly workmen smirked was an experience I care not to repeat but hey, there's a big mountain out there and a girl needs to train!

Tuesday and one day at the weekend involves a 40 length swim or a 7-12 mile walk by the river or in the park. Yes I do feel a little silly walking around Richmond with my walking poles as kids are cartwheeling past me or playing tig with ice cream cones dripping in my path. (SURELY a health and safety hazard...). Feel the need to wear a sign saying - "I'm climbing Everest, I'm practising with my poles - stop smirking!"

One day a week I normally rest - come on, principle comes from the highest authority!

Last week, at last brought good news - the need to SHOP for my trip. Now I don't feel I'm being modest when I say shopping is something I excel at. However, balaclavas, pee bottles and wicking tops are not normally at the top of my list. (Am I the only person in the world who didn't know what wicking was? - the smirk on the shop assistant's face suggests yes!) Anyway, most things are now bought (merino wool stripey boxers, one of my favourite buys!) with final items (still including balaclava and pee bottle!) on list for final shop later today. I have borrowed a down jacket from my lovely nephew Steve which is slightly on the big side and I have been told makes me look like a transformer (harsh but fair). My thinking is if a yak approaches me, it will think twice about trying to push my bulk off the mountain and will probably turn and run. 

So, picture the scene, a tanned but balaclava'd transformer with luxury wool boxers walking up a mountain while swinging a pee bottle - why am I doing this again?! Oh yes, it's for charity!!! Thank you so much to everyone that has sponsored me - I am truly amazed and touched by your lovely comments and huge generosity - if you would still like to sponsor me - it's not too late!! http://www.justgiving.com/carol-naylor/
 

http://www.justgiving.com/carol-naylor/