JCG Expeditions – Island Peak Dossier

Posted on January 30, 2012

Your first Himalayan Peak? Check out all the info right here…

JCG Expeditions – Island Peak Expedition (PDF)

If you would like to discuss this expedition then please don’t hesitate to contact me at either jon@jcgexpeditions.co.uk or call me 07834 150940

Island Peak – Trek & Mountain article (Jan issue)

Posted on January 4, 2012

ISLAND PEAK – or Imja Tse as its know locally – is a fantastic peak. At 6,189m it’s over the magical 20,000ft threshhold and is a justifiably popular mountain. Soaring high into the sky, technically straightforward, a superb snowy summit ridge, outstanding 3600 views across the Himalaya and with easy accessibility, it is no surprise that Island Peak is the most popular mountain to climb in Nepal.

I have just returned from nearly 6 weeks in the Kumbu, of which some was spend guiding teams on Island Peak. So what makes Island Peak so great? What equipment do you need to make an accent? Just how technical is it? Are you ready to take on your first Himalayan giant? Read more

Ama Dablam – Trek & Mountain article (Feb issue)

Posted on January 3, 2012

Ama Dablam, to me, is quite simply the world’s most beautiful mountain. Every face and every ridge is steep, high and laced with beautiful ice sculptures and impenetrable rock bands.

Arriving into base camp fully acclimatized, having been in the Khumbu for nearly 30 days, I decided I needed a few days of rest to recover, refuel and prepare for the climb ahead. I had a plan and it was going to require a lot of energy. I’ll be honest with you, I was intimidated by the mountain, by the unknown that lay ahead and by the sheer beauty of its southwest ridge. The long sweeping line soars high into the sky like an eagle, from the edge of base camp to the summit of the mountain. I could feel its pull like a magnet drawing me closer. Read more

Down and dusty – back in Moshi Town (gosh the air is thick down here)

Posted on September 10, 2011

Hello to everyone has been following and supporting htis expeditions – and a MASSIVE thank you for all your comments – they have been so amazing and encouraging.

So – great news, all the team made it to the summit…and even better news – all the team have made it down and back to Moshi safely!! I believe as i write this that all the team, are enjoying their first shower in 7 days!! (I’ll be honest, i think a few of the team havent thought about anything else for most of the trip…!!) Read more

SUMMIT SUCCESS!!

Posted on September 9, 2011

ON THE SUMMIT OF KILIMANJARO -AT 07:50 WITH FULL JCG EXPEDITION TEAM ON THE TOP! 100% SUMMIT SUCCESS GREAT SUMMIT DAY!

Summit Eve

Posted on September 8, 2011

In just 4 hours time, we will be heading off to the summit. We are at High Camp, fed and watered and ready to go! We will be getting up at 11 pm and set off into the darkness. Next stop – the summit!! Look out for possible post from the top!

Team are ‘Phenom’

Posted on September 8, 2011

Day 4 (Wednesday) Baranco – Karanga

Bbbbbrrrr chilly night! We woke with a heavy frost on our tents and cold crisp feel to the morning. Plus…we got a lye in!!! (until 7)

First challenge of the day was the mighty Baranco wall – a 300m rock face! The team made a steady ascent weaving in & out of rocks, and after a few hours we landed on top of the wall! The views out across the African planes were obscured by a vast blanket of fluffy cloud, an incredible feeling knowing that your so high your above the clouds!

We arrived into camp around lunch time & after the usual brilliant meal the team rested before the pre diner activities….Tamara’s Quiz!

In two teams we answered 4 rounds of 8 questions covering topics such as: Titanic, films, all the news & Jon (leader). After a quick fire round the scores were totalled & incredibly it was a draw – a final tie breaker determined the winner & the prise of a Mars bar was rewarded!

At 3900m we enjoyed a dinner of Chicken & Chips!!! No surprise it went down a treat with the team!

During the evening we had another small tent disco with a few of our local team joining in for a dance & took lots of long exposure night photos of Kili!

Kili looked amazing this evening with a 3/4 full bright moon there was barely any need for a torch! Also the afternoon clouds sprinkled a little dusting of snow on the high slopes so it glowed under the stars.

So in just over 24 hours we will set out into the darkness (we leave midnight on Thurs eve). For the whole team this will be one of the toughest physical challenges they have ever done but the rewards are huge – a change to achieve the ultimate goal – to stand on the summit of Africa & the worlds highest free standing mountain!!

If you want to send the team a message of support then please do! Simply leave a comment on this blog!
Thank you.

Messages of support

Posted on September 7, 2011

THANK YOU! For the messages people have sent so far – All her been received and passed on. It’s amazing to hear your support all the way up here so keep them coming.

FYI: Summit attempt is Thurs midnight – Friday morning.

Lava Tower, 4660m & the ultimate game of Yaniff!

Posted on September 7, 2011

Day 3 – Shira camp (3800) – Lava Tower (4660) – Baranco camp (3900)

A big day today – but a brilliant one! The morning was a bit chilly with a light wind coming across the mountain but the path was easy going rising on a gentle gradient. The Terrain changed once again and soon there were no plants – just rocks…a very baron landscape feel.

At lunch the few clouds that had hidden kili from view parted and the team suddenly realised how far we had come – the top was getting closer!

At 4660 a few of the team were feeling the affects of the thin air, so a rest and some lunch was greatly received.

After lunch we dropped our bags & scrambled up the 60m lava tower. All the team made it and were feeling strong – a good early indication that we are acclimatising well.

The afternoon was fun as we descended into Baranco camp. This camp is set in a mini valley with Kili towering above us and the huge Baranco standing tall in front.

Today was long and tiring for all and everyone was elated when warm water was available to ‘wash’…faces, feet & hands were washed which brought smiles to the team

Tomorrow is a shorter day, we should be finished at lunch time.

Various Team Stats:

First chunder! – sshhh
New team member – Warrick T Beaver
Smiles because – Cleaning – foot bath
Bumps or bruises – Kate & Rachel

Shallow Tamara, Rosie’s beaver & Jon ‘Justin Bieber’ Gupta

Posted on September 6, 2011

What an amazing day! (Monday)

At 06:00 the team were woken to a lovely surprise – a hot drink (tea coffee hot choc) to sip in the tent!! We were then up and at it, packing away and eating breaky (porridge, omelette, sausages & toast) and headed off at 07:50.

The mornings trek was great…12ft skinny trees draped in heavy lichen cast long shadows across the winding path as the sun slowly rose higher in the sky. We made good time & enjoyed fantastic views across the African planes towards Shira & Mt Meru.

Everyone enjoyed a rest for a hot lunch, and a few little head aches in the team soon went away. We’re not sure how Aristide (our cook) does it but the food is amazing!! Hot soups & amazing pasta was the order of the day.

The afternoon flew by & we rolled into camp at 14:30. As normal we enjoyed popcorn and hot drinks and a chance to rest for a while.

The evening was the best: singing & dancing with the Ahsante team (local boys), incredible views, sunset & a disco in the dining tent!!

A lot was learnt today by everyone & the team are all in good spirits with moral sky high!

Team Stats

Total team pee count – 38
Frog of the day – Jon C
Average water drank – 4.5L
Sunburn – tiny bit
Blisters – couple little ones
Average layers worn – trousers & tshirt

Best out fit – Rosie leggings (pink stripe)
Winner of Yaniff (card game) – Rosie

Until tomorrow…

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