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padding-right: 5px; " valign="top" width="99%"> <h1>AMA - Messages To The Team</h1> <div id="underline">&nbsp;</div> <h1 align="right">Messages To The&nbsp;Team <hr /> </h1> <div align="center"><img alt="Messgaes" src="/imgANOpen/sports/mountaineering/contents/expeditions/sp07/messages_to_the_squa/messages.jpg" border="0" />&nbsp;</div> <div align="center">&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><strong>Please feel free to leave your messages of support and well wishing by clicking the link below, they will be published on this site and read by all the squad members on the mountain.</strong></div> <h3 align="center"><a href="mailto:sp07_ama50@hotmail.co.uk?subject=Messages to the Squad">Post a message&nbsp;here</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </h3> <p align="center"><strong>Alternatively, friends and family can personally email individual team members </strong><a href="/sports/mountaineering/contents/expeditions/sp07/contact_us.htm"><strong>here</strong></a></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"></font>&nbsp;</p> <h4>4/10/07<font color="#000066" size="3"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><cite><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><span style="color: #000066"> </h4> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Guys</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Just back from a few days away and caught up on your news.&nbsp; Desperately sorry you didn't get a better </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">chance to have a crack at the summit.&nbsp; The survival of the group at Camp 1 in the storm seems to have </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">been pretty epic, and it's obvious you made the right decision.&nbsp; None the less, you must&nbsp;feel gutted - I </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">know, I've been there.&nbsp; </span></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">For now it must feel rather disheartening, but as time passes and you are able to look at the whole thing </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">in a broader perspective, it will be easier to&nbsp;focus on&nbsp;what you've achieved.&nbsp; The years of effort and </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">planning that led up to the attempt have benefitted a wider group of people in terms of training, </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">experience, and above all inspiration.&nbsp; For all of you who have taken it through to a conclusion, you&nbsp;have </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">gained the knowledge of how to prepare for one of these ultimate ventures, the confidence that you can </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">endure and overcome&nbsp;the physical challenge of getting up to high altitude, and the experience of </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">decision making in the most challenging of circumstances.&nbsp; Apart from the final disappointment, it's been </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">obvious from the blog that everyone has enjoyed the trip, and the strength of the team has been superb.&nbsp; </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hang on to that and the knowledge of what you have succeeded in doing.</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well done all of you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Great effort and remember always there is no dishonour in retreat if conditions </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">don't permit success.</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Have a safe journey home</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Best wishes</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Meryon</span></strong></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hello Graeme and the rest of the team</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">It was great to hear your voice on Sunday.&nbsp; </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">My holiday in sunny Cyprus now seems a long time ago and as we, Glaswegians, say its back to 'auld claithes and </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">porridge'.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I'm so sorry you did not reach the top, but Mother Nature and 'him upstairs' decreed it was not to be.&nbsp; </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I can't tell you how proud I am of you and the rest of the team; you are all the bravest of men and gave of your best.&nbsp; </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All of your loved ones have been with you every step of the way and a great thank you must go to all the contributors </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">to the daily blog which has been a must every day.&nbsp; I don't think any of us realised what a mammoth journey you </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">were embarking on and I expect you have forged friendships which will last a lifetime.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">This will probably be my last message and I hope sometime in the future I may get the chance to meet some of you </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">at Graeme and Kit's in Ripon.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I wish all of you have a safe journey home and God bless.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">ps.&nbsp; Graeme,</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I've got the Champagne in the fridge, also chicken soup and&nbsp;french toast&nbsp;is waiting for you!&nbsp;</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Mum x</span></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Gav<br /> <br /> really sad to hear the weather turned against the teams bid for the<br /> summit, but no one has lost out everyone has gained in the experience, the<br /> achievement, the long lasting memeories you have all taken from this and<br /> the ever lasting spirit of adventure that lives within you all. Wishing<br /> you all the safest trip back to Kathmandu and back home to the UK.<br /> Looking forward to hearing all your tales of the adventure the next time<br /> were out on the hill!<br /> <br /> Ps - i have this image that there are some little tibetan kids running<br /> around singing their own version of the "freedom" song as im sure you have<br /> educated the team and the locals with your busking song!<br /> <br /> "Mountains are the means,the man is the end. The goal is not to reach the<br /> tops of mountains, but to improve the man" <br /> Walter Bonatti (Italian Climber)<br /> <br /> All the best dude<br /> <br /> Your good friend Penny</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To all in and with the Team</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> &nbsp;<br /> </span></strong><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">THINGS TURN OUT FOR THE BEST FOR THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE BEST</span></strong></em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span></strong><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">OF THE WAY THINGS TURN OUT!</span></strong></em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span></strong><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">(Art Linkletter)</span></strong></em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> &nbsp;<br /> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Glad to see that all are safe and the mountain is clear. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Mother nature certainly did decide your fate on this journey but i am sure that she supplied you with many an </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span>experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.&nbsp;We are all looking forward to your tales of great deeds and&nbsp;(more importantly) stupid things you've done on this amazing&nbsp;journey.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> I would like to thank you all for the privilege&nbsp;of following that journey&nbsp;from the comfort of our homes, and offices&nbsp;(with Tea and biccies of course). The ups and downs, in both senses of the words, and of course a competition online that requires more than one braincell to complete. I'm still not sure about beard 12, and beard 18 with the&nbsp;"Why the long face" look.<br /> As for the Caption Picture&nbsp;i'm afraid that all the offered captions from the boys in the lodge cannot be published because i know from the messages to the teams that your mums are reading.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Enjoy the journey home and bring us the worst&nbsp; postcard&nbsp;you can find.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> and remember,<br /> &nbsp;<br /> </span><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">IT'S NOT WHETHER YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN,</span></em></strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>IT'S WHETHER YOU GET UP AGAIN.</strong></span></em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>(Vincent Lombardi)</strong></span></em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> <strong>&nbsp;<br /> </strong></span><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Good luck and God's speed</span></em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><br /> </span><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Stevie Clifford and all at Hubertushaus</span></em></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Geordie and the Team,<br /> <br /> Sorry to hear about the impossible conditions on the Mountain. You have made the right decision. But take care now fella's, the expedition is not over until your are all safely back home. Hope you all enjoyed your experiences on Shisha Pangma, and possible hear your stories on one of the AMA meets! <br /> Best of Luck,<br /> <br /> Jase White</span></strong>&nbsp;</pre> <pre></pre> <pre><u></u> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica"><strong>3/10/7</strong></span></span></span> &nbsp;</p> </pre> <pre><u><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To the team</span></u></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">For those of us confined to a life in offices etc your blogs and videos have been a daily escape.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">For those of us with a son in the party they have led to some nervous moments.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">However whatever the result it has been a terrific achievement&nbsp; to do all that and leave the mountain safely.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well done to all the team for your efforts and inspiration over the last few weeks</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Have a safe trip back to the UK</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Regards</span></pre> <pre style="margin-left: -0.75pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Lyn and Alan Brant</span></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Andy,</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Anton and Moira here,&nbsp; </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope all is ok with you and your team, good luck and keep on climbing!!</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Take care</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The Johnsons</span></strong></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Graeme and the Team<br /> <br /> We have read, avidly, all reports on the blog since it began and have been <br /> enthralled at the committment of everyone concerned to get as far as you <br /> could. Given the conditions so close to the summit it must have been <br /> heartbreaking to have to make the choice to turn back. As many before, and <br /> far more eloquently, it is better to ensure a safe return of all, that risk <br /> one, simply for the sake of ego. Congratulations for what you have achieved <br /> and we wish you all a safe journey back.<br /> <br /> Best Wishes<br /> Jez and Helen<br /> <br /> ps. when will the book be published!!!!!</span></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Geordie and his team!</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">My name is Jan Hallstrom and I am the father of Nic/Niklas. I would like to express my full admiration to all of You for good leadership and a well done job so far. I will also thank You for good information via the blog. I have not been used to this earlier when following Nic on his former &#8220;solo snowboard expeditions&#8221;.</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">- Thank You and good luck!</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Jan Hallstrom</span></strong></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To the team yet to reach the Summit Hotel bar,</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">My respect goes to you for your continued positive and hard working approach. &nbsp;Graeme really did choose a stunning team. It must be strange, dismantling your &#8216;home&#8217; into barrels when I am sure you are now eager to be home and reunited with loved ones.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Rich- THANK YOU for the miraculous feat of setting up and maintaining the comms system. Pure genius. &nbsp;But I am still puzzled as to why the electric shavers didn&#8217;t work. Maybe next time.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Colin- the website and links have been my life-line. &nbsp;I will miss them even when Graeme gets home. &nbsp;THANK&nbsp; YOU.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Rimon-&nbsp; We are indebted to you for wanting to exit your tent for your call of nature. I appreciate the implications had that not happened. </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We all hope you have a good trip back and enjoy the comfort of Kathmandu when you return. </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Take care.</span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Kit and family.</span></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To all of the Shishapangma team</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Fantastic effort guys. You did yourselves, families and friends and the AMA proud and it will always be there for another day. I know exactly how you feel right now but you will soon look back and realise you have achieved more than you can imagine. </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I look forward to seeing you all safely back in UK but in the meantime have a well earned party in Kathmandu!</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Regards </span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Dave Bunting</span></strong></pre> <pre><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Expedition Leader Everest West Ridge 2006</span></strong></pre> <pre> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica"><strong>2/10/7</strong></span></span></span> &nbsp;</p> </pre> <pre>Bad luck Geordie, you must be very disappointed.&nbsp;From what I have read it is</span></pre> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">obvious that you have made exactly the right decision, which I fully support.&nbsp;In</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">the conditions you are facing even the retreat from the mountain will be risky, so</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">take it steady and stay safe.&nbsp;Despite not achieving your goal you will all have</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">learned a huge amount and be better and wiser mountaineers for it.&nbsp;So even in your</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">darkest moments you must remember that it has definitely not been time wasted.&nbsp;We</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">look forward to seeing you back at home safe and sound. </span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">Good luck from us all, and best wishes to the team.</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="color: #000066">Jon Watson</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066">AMA President</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <strong>Terry and the Team.</strong> </span> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You cannot but be disappointed.&nbsp; Disappointed that is, that the weather denied you your goal.&nbsp; But how </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">worthless a foot on the summit if the team had not all returned safely.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So, here's to a successful outcome, mission accomplished.&nbsp; You know you would have summitted had </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">the weather not intervened.&nbsp; What you have achieved is an amazing feat and testament to your skill,&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">bravery and endurance.&nbsp; Everyone avidly reading this daily blog is proud to know the men who have </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">achieved what many say they would like to do but few have the&nbsp;courage to try.&nbsp; What an experience!&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well done to all the team.&nbsp; Enjoy your celebrations in Katmandu and get home!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love from </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Maggie and David&nbsp;</span></strong> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Colin</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We have followed the progress of the team with great interest and hoped that the ultimate objective would be </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">reached but </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">the weather out there obviously played a huge part in the final decision we can't begin to imagine the </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">conditions. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well done to all of you for a tremendous effort which, no doubt, has given you memories to treasure </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">and has made you a lot of friends.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Looking forward to seeing you on your return.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Lots of love</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Mum, Gran &amp; John.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">P.S. Gran has photos of you all over the place - we think everyone at Seton Hall knows all about your exploits!!</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Graeme <br /> Read Rimon's blog on the final day at camp 1, had no idea the weather had <br /> become so fierce, your decision to abort the attempt shows true leadership <br /> and great courage in the face of such horrendous odds-I salute you.<br /> Have just seen todays blog &amp; by now you should be well on your way to <br /> Kathmandu to warmth &amp; cold beers.<br /> Have been engrossed in the attempt to scale the beast, will miss the daily <br /> blogs, suppose I will now have to find another interest to stave off the <br /> boredom of lif in the sun!!! should be so lucky-days have never been so <br /> full, am sure you will soon find another challenge to keep you out of <br /> mischief. Once again-well done to the whole team-may all your future <br /> experiences be successful<br /> Pat ( Cyprus ) xxxx</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Frodo</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Just another little&nbsp;ditty to cheer you and the team up:-</span></strong> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Ode To Frodo 3</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well blow me down with a feather</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">A female beat you all</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Mother Nature played the winning hand</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">It is She that stands up tall</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You tried, but She truly whipped you</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And rubbed your faces in the dirt</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So get packed up quick smart, get moving</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And get your arses back to work</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">As you know, behind a good man is a great woman</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And now you&#8217;ve proved it yet again</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So give in gracefully and stay at home</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And start acting like real men</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Slow down, take a deep breath, I&#8217;m only joking</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We&#8217;re all proud of what you&#8217;ve achieved</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So please come back safely to your loved ones</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So we can all breath a sigh of relief</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You should all take comfort in the fact you're all returning home safely, having made great friendships and achieved</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">an enormous amount.&nbsp; Stand tall (unless your Andy of course as that's an impossibility!), and be proud of what you</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">have done.&nbsp; Safe journey home all of you.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love and best wishes: Sally, Ro, Pam, Len John, Carl, Scottie, Guy and Col Mike</span></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Geordie and Team,</span></strong> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Just back and into the land of the&nbsp;Internet and communications&nbsp;- read your latest report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well done to all </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">on a tremendous effort - 8000 meters does not come easily and this proved no exception.&nbsp; Fortune </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">favours the competent not brave;&nbsp;Ernest Shackelton found it better to bring them all home than gamble </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">all and lose all -&nbsp;the mountain&nbsp;has not gone away and there is always another day.&nbsp; As Kipling once wrote </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">of those two imposters one the same - success and failure; reflect on the simple fact that you have </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">achieved a great many successes, new friendships, organizational hurdles that would have defeated the </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">best, went higher than you have ever been before learnt new skills and seen horizons&nbsp;others merely </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">dream of&nbsp;so&nbsp;failing to make the summit was just that nothing more the expedition may have failed in its </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">ultimate goal but succeed in every other.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lady Luck just as we know from the battlefield has to be with </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">you for luck, opportunity and unfairness are the bedfellows of a soldier she just went away on this </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">occasion when you needed the weather window which without left no chance of a summit.&nbsp; Unfair but </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">what an adventure - I look forward to seeing you all back here and drinking a yard of ale or two while you </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">recount tales from foreign places.&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Patron and proud of it</span></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Geordie and the Team, </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We have all been following your progress with much interest from this end and are disappointed for you all, but glad</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">to hear that you are all safe. We look forward to hearing the tales of your adventure. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">John &amp; The Leeds Met Team. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica"><strong>1/10/7</strong></span></span></span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Dear Graeme and the team</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The journey is everything, not the arrival, so don't be disheartened by a situation that was out of your </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">control.&nbsp; Be heartened by a job well done in very chellenging conditions, at high altitude, a safe return </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">and in the knowledge of a difficult, but correct decision to return.&nbsp; You've certainly enriched our lives by </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">our&nbsp;association with your efforts and introduced our children to the wonders of the mountain (and the </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">humour of the British Army). The web technology and your diligent posting of news, photos and video </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">clips made it really come alive for us. Thank you and your sponsors.&nbsp; Really looking forward to seeing you </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Graeme when you come and stay with Kitty, Grace and Alex.&nbsp; I'll put the tent up in the garden for you.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Lots of Love Rob (Kitty's bro), Heidi, Bella and Jamie.</span></strong> </p> <p><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Dear Roger,</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So sorry to hear about the horrendous weather conditions leading to the expedition not achieving all the goals. Look</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">after yourself and return home safely. Judy seems fine and enjoyed Turkey with Emma. We had a good painting </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">trip up to Scotland and saw John and Anne&nbsp; briefly en route.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All our love, Betsan and John.</span> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Richard and all the team - Was so sad to read you couldn't make it to <br /> the summit but what an absolutely fantastic achievement to get as far <br /> as you did! The blogs have been amazing to read - will certainly miss <br /> them! Carleen showed us your video message, Richard - nice beard- and <br /> nice to see you had enough puff left to play that mouth organ! haha! <br /> We hope you all have a safe journey home and look forward to hearing <br /> all about it when we next see you Richard! Lots of love and well done <br /> to you all, Carina, Martin &amp; Max xxx</span></strong></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt">Hi Graeme<o:p></o:p></span></p> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I've just read your blog...my commiserations to all your amazing team, on an effort exceptionally </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">well prepared for and carried out to the highest of standards led by a British mountain lion as indeed </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">equally are each of your team.<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I appreciate the delicate balancing act of being confronted by the horrendous weather conditions and </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">the safety of your self and team achieving the summit objective...you made the correct decision Live </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">and learn for another day.<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I've just watched a BBC 2... Horizon programme on Everest...while reading your blog, perhaps you </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">will get an opportunity to view it on your return.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Well Graeme, I'am delighted that you and all the team </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">are all safe and well considering the ordeal that you've all experienced...in time if not already...you'll </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">all overcome the disappointment of weather extremes getting in the way a summit well within your </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">reach...<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Your all hero's for attempting such an endeavour and of course there is always another challenge </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">awaiting an exceptional group of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Great Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>&#8217;s Finest mountain Lions in future years...CHEERS </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I </span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">salute you all...<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Very best regards to all of you<o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <pre><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Gordon...In...<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p></span></pre> <p><strong>To the team.</strong> </span></cite><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><br /> <br /> <strong><cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">I found this quote and thought it was quite apt for the journey, both physical and mental, that you have all experienced thanks to Shishapangma.</span></cite><br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">"Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live. Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom. Only a person who risks is free. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; and the realist adjusts the sails."</span></cite> (William Arthur Ward)<br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;I know you all must be so disappointed, but you shouldn't be, you have done your best, and we are all so proud of you. You did all you could, risking everything, except thankfully your lives. I'm sorry the mountain gods were not smiling on you this time, but whether you reached the top or not, your lives are richer for the experience.</span></cite><br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">I hope your journey back to Kathmandu and then back to the UK is safe and happy. </span></cite><br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">I'm not sure what I'm going to do without my daily distraction of looking at your blogs and videos, work will be much duller now!</span></cite><br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">Take care.</span></cite><br /> <br /> <cite><span style="font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">Love Janey x</span></cite></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Congratulations to all of you for what you have achieved with this expedition &#8211; how amazing it has been following the blog each day as you journeyed together under continually challenging circumstances &#8211; how brave you all are. &nbsp;A difficult decision to make as to whether to continue with the summit attempt but unfortunately the weather on the mountain had the final say. To return safely was what mattered most so take care as you do so. &nbsp;A big thankyou to all those who supported the teams in so many ways &#8211; the expedition is such a good example of teamwork at its very best.&nbsp; God bless you all, you are all heroes to us at home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Alicia &amp; Clive (Tim&#8217;s Mum and Dad)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hi to Terry and all the team</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Sorry you had to abort your efforts to get to the summit, so near and yet so far!&nbsp; But you all live to fight another day and maybe one day you will get another chance. We will all be glad to have you home with no casualties which is an amazing feat in itself, looking at the conditions you were all facing. </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Wishing you all a safe trip home and hoping you find some decent food and a warm dry bed on the way.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Love Mum and MichaelXXXX</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Very sorry to read that circumstances had conspired against you. &nbsp;Clearly, yours was a decision in the more difficult area but I sense that it was the right one. &nbsp;That said, I am sure that you will all have gained from the expedition and will have marvellous memories of the wilderness and each other. &nbsp;I hope we can get Rimon off skis now and back onto some rock!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">With very best wishes</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">AVM Nick Kurth</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">President RAFMA</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Dear TEAM,<br /> Shishapangma is obviously determined not to be climbed this year - but thank God she has spared you all for a safe return to ABC! Life is very precious - you have all experienced exceptionally heightened emotions through incredibly testing times - but at least you have experienced these AND you are ALL coming home! Thank you Graeme for making the correct but difficult decision to turn back - which only a truly wise and unselfish leader can. Please don't be disappointed - you all have so much for which to be thankful. You will all have wonderful memories of a fantastic, probably life changing, expedition and we look forward to hearing your accounts on return. The blog has made compulsive viewing: the communication to us back at home has been amazing and as others have said, it has made us all feel part of the great adventure - which is such a privilege. Thank you. I know there is still a lot of hard work going on for the return to Kathmandu and home. We hope you will have great celebrations in Kathmandu and we now pray for your safe arrival back HOME, where each of you will receive a hero's welcome!<br /> Keep safe!<br /> Judy Smith</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Congratulations everyone on the trip, seems you were as close as nature allowed.<br /> Now get your arses back to the UK safely for your loved ones<br /> we re really never going to hear the end of this!<br /> kirstie<br /> xx</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>To the whole team</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Geordie &#8211; After reading about your trip to camp 1 in awful and dangerous conditions you made the right decision, as expedition leader everyones safety is in your hands. Good call.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Sven &#8211; Everyone here is really proud of what you have achieved, and were all looking forward to your safe return and a game of Monopoly.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Rimon &#8211; Top marks for the poo at camp 1, in those conditions I would have held it in.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>All -&nbsp; WELL DONE, AND COME HOME SAFE.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Keep those hands warm Sven.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gordon</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi everyone, I have just read the latest report and it makes very stirring, edge of the seat reading.&nbsp;&nbsp; A grand adventure and outstanding effort, showing once again the importance of good quality decisions when life and death hang in the balance.&nbsp;&nbsp; The description of the conditions sounded as bad as you can get anywhere and reminded me of the stories that I have read from early&nbsp;polar exploration.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But the deed is done and can no longer be changed by any armchair instant TV replay.&nbsp;&nbsp; The decision was made based on the facts at the time that are available only to the people who are&nbsp;in amongst it, and you should all feel proud of yourselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You have many a good story to pass onto the grandchildren, or to the younger generations for years to come at the club meets, where no exaggeration is required as&nbsp;the truth is exciting enough.&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a safe trip home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Henry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Mr. Henry W Branigan MBE</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hi Philip &#8211;no clue which email address to use so sending one from main site so hope it gets to you.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Looks cold, white and beautiful&#8230;lucky you. I am always highly envious of your job&#8230;well cannot really call it that..you actually pursue your passion and have the great fortune to also get paid for it!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>It takes something special to do what you are doing and I am super proud of you.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Lots of Love</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Your BIG SIS Tania.</strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica"><strong>30/9/7</strong></span></span></p> </span> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To All the team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">So sad for you all that the top has eluded you.&nbsp; But what a journey and we have all got so much out of following you on the web.&nbsp; Many many thanks for all those who have contributed to the blogs and vids and photos and to Nic for the satellite.&nbsp; I am glad we did not know what your pulse rates and Oxygen sats were doing up there!&nbsp; I think Rimon&#8217;s description of the hardship of just carrying out simple things up there really brought it home to us what you have gone through and how much humour and effort it takes just to keep smiling and keep looking out for each other at times like that.&nbsp; Well done to you all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Safe home and watch that honey bucket and no tripping now, and make sure that driver takes the Friendship Highway slowly, now Russ is not there to make sure!!!!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">With huge admiration,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Catherine</span></p> <p><strong>Geordie and Team,</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I have been following your progress and the turns in the weather that have so frustratingly conspired against you.&nbsp; It is tough having to take and face the decision you have rightly reached, but&nbsp;that is the nature of the arena.&nbsp; You have all confronted the challenges presented throughout, and have achieved so much in so many ways - well done.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hold on to all these experiences.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I look forward to seeing you following your&nbsp;safe return.&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">With very best wishes,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Martin Bazire</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To you all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I have just read Rimon&#8217;s blog and wonder at the miracle that saw you all back safely to ABC. Our prayers were certainly not in vain. &nbsp;I can&#8217;t imagine how you must now be affected by the reality of turning your backs on the beautiful, yet illusive Shisha Pangma. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I know from all of us who have followed the progress of this expedition, that all of your hard work over the past 2 years has truly been put to the test: a test that you have all passed to an exceptional level of achievement. All the more so for having the courage to come away with the summit teasingly still just out of reach.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are all so proud of what you have done and inspired by what you have achieved. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Having lived with the concept and the journey for over 3 years, I can do nothing but celebrate. You return our heroes and I, for one, am a better person for having been so privileged to have been taken along for the ride. &nbsp;Each one of you, in your own way, has touched and affected us. I will never forget the image of Rich playing the harmonica at camp 1-just brilliant!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We wish you a safe and uneventful return to Nepal and will be so happy when you are all safely in Blightly. &nbsp;&#8220;It&#8217;s been emotional&#8221; as they say.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thank you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Kit and family.x</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">P.S. Graeme- I think it&#8217;s time to put your boots up for a while and take up bridge or ballroom dancing. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To everyone on the team<br /> <br /> I just want to echo what's already being said in many of the messages appearing on the board.&nbsp; You gave it your all, you looked for every possible opportunity, you couldn't have done more, and you have made a really brave decision not to push something that the weather just wasn't going to let you do.&nbsp; I know that all of us back here at home avidly following your progress are so so proud of you and everything you've achieved up on Shishapangma.&nbsp; It's been a privilege to follow your journey day by day.<br /> <br /> Wishing you a safe and speedy return home and lots of laughs along the way.&nbsp; And preferably a better driver for heading back along the Friendship Highway.&nbsp; After all your sensible decisions up the mountain we'd really rather none of you plunged to your doom because some driver mistook the accelerator for the brake pedal.<br /> <br /> God bless and come back to us soon!<br /> Sophie (Tim's sister)</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To all team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hello&nbsp;, this is nicolas , one of the 4 french who was with you 10 days ago on the mountain, I am in France back in val d&#8217;Isere friday and I follow your adventure through the net, so the weather is getting worse and I am sure you start to get tired. Comming back without making the summit is sad but it is good to be at home. I wish you good luck for the end and I see you may be Phill in Val d&#8217;Isere this winter if you want to enjoy some accessible mountains.Good Luck NICOLAS</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hallo Phil (maddog),<br /> in letzter Zeit hatte ich viel mit verr&#252;ckten Hunden zu tun, aber euer <br /> Team schl&#228;gt sie alle. Ich w&#252;nsche euch, dass ihr den erhofften Erfolg <br /> habt, aber noch mehr, dass ihr alle gesund zur&#252;ck kommt.<br /> Fritz (Treppenvater) und sein Team von der Diensthundf&#252;hrerstaffel der <br /> Polizei in Recklinghausen</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Graham,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Watched the blog of the 25th. Glad to see the gloves are holding out. You're so lucky having a mother like me!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;It would be nice to see you reach the summit, but not the end of the world if you don't. There's always another day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Full of admiration for you all. Mum and Bill.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">Incredibly impressed and filled with copious admiration for you all.&nbsp; POP,CLINK,TILT,SWALLOW!!!</span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">.........Hugs xxx</span></strong></em></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Lesley</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Geordie and the Team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I appreciate how hugely disappointed you all must be that the weather has prevented you summitting on Shisha Pangma and I share that disappointment.&nbsp; However, we are all mountaineers and we know that is life in the mountains.&nbsp; The priority now must be getting everyone off the mountain safely and I know you will all be&nbsp;working hard towards that.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Your hard work preparing for the expedition and sustained effort on the mountain have been a credit to yourselves, the AMA and the British Army.&nbsp; Well done to all and I look forward to seeing you all home safely.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Cath Davies</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Chair AMA&nbsp; </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Geordie, well done on a brilliantly run expedition. It really couldn't have been done any better, and I've learned a lot about leadership, team-building,&nbsp;brave ambition, raw nerve and wise restraint from your excellent direction. </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Although I'm sad for the team that you didn't get to summit this time, climbing to the top&nbsp;must always&nbsp;have been&nbsp;secondary to the many fantastic achievements in&nbsp;teamwork and&nbsp;professionalism&nbsp;that everyone displayed&nbsp;throughout the training and&nbsp;the final expedition.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">God bless. I think that the real achievement stands, summit or no.&nbsp;Through your&nbsp;unshakable faith and constant vision you built an elite, winning team that it was&nbsp;the privilege of&nbsp;my lifetime to be a member of,&nbsp;even if, as my own circumstances dictated, only&nbsp;for a short time.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Phil T</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gav and all the team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">"A good mountaineer knows when to turn back", its not the first time you have heard that bro! Just to have been there doing it is more than most on earth will ever achieve! I am extremely proud of you bro, get off the hill safe and theres a cold wet waiting for you back here with the team.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Be safe, peace</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Sip</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Sven and the whole team.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Having just read the daily blog. You all must be gutted at not making the summit attempts but you should be proud of what you have achieved.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Personal bests for a good many of you I am sure.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">As you have told me on many occasions bro that getting everyone back down safely is a good trip to the mountains, as I am sure this one will be.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We all look forward to hearing the tales and seeing our loved ones very soon.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gordon</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Geordie &amp; your brave team<br /> Was so disappointed to see the news, you must be gutted that the weather has finally defeated you. Do not be downhearted, your team have done a wonderful job and you can all be justifiably proud of your achievement. Don't suppose you managed to see any 'Yeti' when you were up there although seeing some of the photos of the boys am sure some of you would have qualified!!!!!<br /> Give yourselves a big pat on the back &amp; have a few beers when you get back.<br /> Love to you all<br /> Pat &amp; Bob (Cyprus)</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To all of you.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Our hearts are in our mouths and tears down our faces. What brave men you are. But the more brave for turning back, knowing that there will be no further attempt at the summit. &nbsp;The weather has proved to be cruel and fickle beast.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Our thoughts of gratitude and respect go out to the remainder of you yet to ascend and descend safely; and those of you at ABC, holding the fort and providing the essential support. </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Well, I can&#8217;t say that I am not a little relieved to know that &#8216;our&#8217; leader is coming down safely, ready to come home. </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Please pass on a special, huge THANK YOU to the sherpas and cooks who have helped keep you all safe and nourished, and worked so hard.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Graeme we love and respect you more then you know. Now, come home!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Take care from us all here in Ripon. Kit xxxx</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica">29/9/7</span></strong></p> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><strong></strong></span></h4> <p>To Geordie and all of the team,</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Unfortunately on this occassion fortune has not favoured the brave, for you are all brave and courageous and I am proud to have shared some great experiences with you and been a member of such an amazing expedition. Geordie I know that making the final decision not to summit must have been the most gut wrenching decision to make but it is undoubtedly the correct one. Have a safe and swift return journey and I'll enjoy catching up with you all back here in good old blighty!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">On a happier note; the English rugby team have made the quater finals and face Australia next Saturday. So you've got a week to find a pub with a TV!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Keep smiling,</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Ian</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Just want to say well done to every1 and good luck for the summit.&nbsp; Its been amazing watching u guys and keeping an eye on your progress... looks like you've all had a great time... loving the donkey and the dancing lots of love Angela, Sarah, Jo, Alex &amp; Nick xx&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Colin and all of the team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Congratulations to you all on a wonderfully outstanding effort, I am so sad for you all that mother nature has proved a stronger force than us mere mortals.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><br /> Your judgement about what's right and sensible is yet another to add to the catalogue of what you've already achieved. The memories you have of a shared experience that most of us will only ever dream about. You are all such a credit to the Army, to yourselves and everyone that knows you. The disappointment of the final ascent can never detract from everything you've done and, most importantly who you are.&nbsp; Sarah xxx</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>To a Geordie and all of the SP07 Team, I have been&nbsp;thinking of you, in the final throes of your summit attempts and am gutted to read that the weather has ended any summit attempts.&nbsp; You have done all you can and deserved success but remember that success is not just standing on top!&nbsp; You have definitely had a successful trip and will have undoubtedly all come back richer for the experience.&nbsp; The weather is one thing you can not control at the end of the day but I know how you will be feeling.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Wishing you all the best of luck for getting back down safely.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Dave Tait</strong></span></p> <span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span></p> <h4>28/9/07</span>&nbsp;</span></h4> </span></strong></span> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To the team, what a team! We are all so incredibly proud of what you have achieved. Our thoughts are with you over the next few days. Richard you looked very happy in the communications tent, wires, tape and gadgets everywhere! I'm glad the mess follows you around our house is very tidy at the moment, but we are looking forward to you coming home and trashing it again. Lots of love Cazza, Bram &amp; Erica</span></p> <p><strong>To Colin, Ian, Jonjo and the 'webteam';</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>As the anticipation rises and the nails become shorter with nerves, there is no better time to thank you all for keeping in touch with our loved ones on the mountain.&nbsp; Our ability to share in their experiences and watch their progress has not only been entertaining, but a lifeline for those who miss the team and eagerly await their safe return,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Thank you so much for all of your hard work, we truly appreciate it!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Kirsty Lockwood and everyone else reading the website daily.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Lieber Philip (little),</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">mit voller Wucht ist deine Lebenskugel mit dir ins Tal gedonnert, nicht gut; denkts Du.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Doch der Aufw&#228;rtsschwung katapultiert dich &#8222; n&#228;mlich Stangerlgrad&#8220;, auf &nbsp;den Gipfel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Zeig doch allen, dass es funktioniert.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Es gr&#252;&#223;t dich deine Riesenwurstverschlingende </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Tante Trixi</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>To Sven and team</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>All he best for the summit bids.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>The achievements you have made so far just go to prove what a great team and bond you have together.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Keep the teams together all the way up and all the way down again.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>And Sven remember what a chubby Welshman said to you in Spain &#8220;everything above your head is a foothold&#8221;.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Bro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span></p> <h4>27/9/07</span>&nbsp;</span></h4> <p>To Andy (as deputy) and the rest of the team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thank you so much for your continued hard work and staunch support for Graeme and those who have left for another summit attempt. It was fate indeed that played her card during the last few days. I know that Graeme and the others will be stronger of mind and spirit knowing that the team has and continues to work in a way that makes us all extremely proud and humbled. We wish you all the best of luck for what is to come and hope that you will all be safely re-united in a few days time (corks popped in the meantime).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Typical Graeme to opt for climbing an 8000 metre peak rather then do the clearing up! But don&#8217;t worry, the list of jobs for him to do upon his return is ever growing: especially as he will have nothing else to do now in his spare time!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Grace&#8217;s thoughts of her Daddy tonight were very profound:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220; Does Daddy poo in his sleeping bag when it&#8217;s snowy and cold?&#8221; &nbsp;and then: &#8220;Shall we send him a carrot for the snowman?&#8221;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Sven- I tried to steer the conversation at the table tonight with &#8220; I wonder what daddy is having for his tea?&#8221;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I received the bored response of &#8220;Curry again&#8221; . </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Maybe I should just read them your blogs!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Our thoughts are with you all. &nbsp;We are looking forward to your safe and swift return. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thoughts and prayers, as ever.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Kit and family.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><strong>To Geordie &amp; the squad<br /> The best of luck in the final push to the summit, am watching the progress &amp; <br /> keeping my fingers crossed the weather now holds good for you. Watch that <br /> horrible wind slab-don't want to see you trying a James Bond type ski down <br /> the mountain!!! Champagne is still on ice just waiting for you standing on <br /> the top of that little hill.<br /> Pat &amp; Bob(Cyprus)</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Nik and his british friends!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi Niklas!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thore and I are following your tour up along the Mt Shishapangma. We hope you are doing well and wish you all the best both up and down. We are also looking forward to see you around christmas time and then hear about your adventure. Good luck and we also hope that you are having a lot of fun in between all the&nbsp;tough struggling&nbsp; that you are going through right now!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Lots of love "aunt" Kicki &amp; "uncle" Thore </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To the SP07 Squad</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Here is to you, the very best, in these finnal stages. I need not tell you, you have all made a long journey to reach this point, now it is but to mother nature to decide if and when she will turn her back and permit, your valient efforts to succed. Win or lose, summit or not it is of no measure. It is mearly the uniting of you all and the journey to this point that makes us do what we do. Friends or foes, family or stranger, it is in these great enviroments we are truly alive, truly one with ourselves and our friends. In the words of a great mountaineer "no mountain is worth a didget (Sven!) and no mountain is worth a life)". </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Remember you are nothing alone, for there is no substitute for team work.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I wish you my very best and Gods speed.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Live the Dream</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Ollie Noakes and the "Idwal Climbing" Team</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Maddog,<br /> <br /> Keep smiling mate, you are nearly there..! I read the blogs everyday and<br /> wish you well on your travels.<br /> <br /> The Church Mouse</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You guys are truly amazing already for what you have achieved. Good luck for those making summit bids tomorrow, will be thinking of you all, just do your best and stay safe.&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">For those remaining at ABC remember&nbsp;the way will have been paved by the efforts of the whole team by the sweat, toil, tears and laughter of you all in trying to get&nbsp;as many of you to the summit. I've got everything crossed for you and ready to toast your success!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">In the meantime please keep the blog and vids coming, sheer genius especially the breakdancing, nice moves :)&nbsp;Sarah xxx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To all the Team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thoughts are with you all, if anyone can you guys can.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Keep&nbsp;fighting, but also keep safe.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Jimmy H </span></em></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Looks like the balloon has gone up. Summit bids are go. Best of luck to all the team members. <br /> <br /> Everyone take care and we will all be watching the web for updates. <br /> <br /> Aaron, Tina, Nim, Mum, Gran, Mr Tubbs and Sweatpea.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><span></p> <h4>26/9/07</span></h4> <p>For Geordie &#8211; sat on Sunday at that hotel, the MacDonald in </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Sheffield</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">, where we met in May last year for a coffee. You have achieved a great deal in the 16 months since then. We here at home sit comfortably and read your news with great interest &#8211; and we are both proud of you and jealous at the same time. Take care on loose snow &#8211; give it time to consolidate &#8211; I speak with experience. I will go to bed tonight with a quick prayer to the snow God, and hope that the weather improves for you during the rest of the week. Good wishes to all your team &#8211; and special regards to Roger at base camp.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Alun</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gav and the boys,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Good luck on the final push, be safe........carbs &amp; fluids dude!&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">All the team wish you well, stick at it!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Just to warn you all off, once your celerbration drinks start, no one sleep near Gav 'swampy' Thomas!!!!!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">c u soon</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Sip&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p>I love the videos, lads, feeling quite intimidated by the high standard actually!!! The spirits are obviously still supremely high and I wish you the best of weather for the coming days. Just to say: if the opportunity to&nbsp;summit presented itself, I know that you would; if it doesn't present itself, you are no less a team for not getting there.&nbsp;Knowing&nbsp;they can completely trust your decision making&nbsp;in this matter must give&nbsp;relatives enormous&nbsp;comfort... as&nbsp;would not be the case with&nbsp;some other teams. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Here's hoping for you. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">God bless.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Phil</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>To Geordie and all the team</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hold tightly onto the belief that the weather will come good for you.&nbsp; You have done all that you can to prepare for your summit bid and you strongly positioned to snatch your goal.&nbsp; What ever the outcome you should all be hugely proud of what you accomplished.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.&nbsp; We are keeping a constant vigil.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Be safe</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Kevin Edwards and the JSMTC crew</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">terry,<br /> your tent bound tent was rather amusing, episode 1 wont play for some reason.<br /> you are hereby banned from complan. as much as i am looking forward to you getting back i am not looking forward to your wind!! poor tim. <br /> tim you are clearly rubbish at cribbage, terry shouldnt be allowed to beat anyone 6.1. you beard is also rubbish!!<br /> terry - me and caz think your german comb over hair do is very cute but i dont like the beard. i was going to enter the beard guessing competition but the sight of all those beards was horrible, made me feel sick. <br /> played rugby the other day, we won 50 nil ( i got two points for a conversion) <br /> internet as sandhurst not working, your dad and shelly are sending messages with developments. <br /> <br /> hoping for the snow to stop, you all deserve to get to the top. But even if the weather means you cant, you have achieved something amazing. the girls are all in awe, as am I. <br /> <br /> I love you<br /> monster <br /> xx<br /> <br /> your breakdancing video inspired me and bailey to do 'burka break dancing' in our broadsword hotdog outfits. very good but not as good as yours. we did burka spinning too but you need a really slidey floor for that, which you dont have.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hi Terry and the team</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>We've been watching the video and sharing in your disappointment at not making it up the mountain on this attempt. So we have everything crossed for a change in the weather. We're looking forward to seeing some&nbsp;video of your smiling faces&nbsp;when you actually get to the summit. Although Terry seems to have forgotten any other expression than smiling, is mountain air a form of laughing gas?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Everyone looks well apart from some dubious hair styles and the beards. I hope they let you lot on the plane home!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Terry the Lasagne is&nbsp;waiting in the freezer&nbsp;and I think champagne will be the order of the day, with a side order of 'Fosters' of course!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Best of luck everyone, hoping you get to your goal.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Love Mum and Michael XXXX</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I'm hoping, praying and crossing my fingers for you all that the weather clears up asap and you can get back to those summit attempts.&nbsp; Meanwhile your time has been well spent on those video blogs - great to get a glimpse of your lives up there not to mention how funny the blogs are.&nbsp; I'm most jealous of your Cadbury's chocolate supply though, could you send some back down the mountain by yak please? I'm sure someone at the bottom would be happy to forward it to me in Italy.&nbsp; Tim, I have been unable to show my boss your latest video footage because you are worryingly unclothed in a lot of it and I don't think it's suitable for office entertainment!!&nbsp; love Sophie</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>to Tell &amp; team .</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>We've all got our fingers crossed for you boys.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Great video's, funny for us,frustrating for you chaps, but also heart warming,especially Lukes ashes.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>gods speed,good luck.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Most of all come back safe.</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>The Dentons(far too many to list)</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hawthorn and the Boys</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Snow ?&nbsp; You don&#8217;t know what snow is. Why when me and your mother were little we had winters with real snow! &nbsp;I can remember your Grandad digging out late into the night. He would cut a ledge out to stand his tillylamp in and chop off great wedges with which he would build walls at the side of the road. When he finally made it to the main road he&#8217;d turn round and dig his way back!! One year I remember some soldiers coming to dig us out. I hope you are getting plenty of fresh food down you. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. No bad thing after seeing what he did to that nice boy with a swab!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Love Aunty Lizzie</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">XXXXX</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Dear all,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Sorry that you are all stuck at ABC, our Champagne celebrations will just have to wait a few more days.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>The video blogs are excellent, so wonderfull to share your laughter and see that it is not all bad.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>We are all praying for a window in the weather for you and a safe trip to the summit,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>All our love,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Kirsty, Cameron and Mr Poppy Chops</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Phil, Andy and the rest of the team.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Well done for returning back to base safely. It must have been a hard descent, in more ways than one. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are glad you are back (temporarily) Colin so you can get snapping again. You have certainly impressed the teen generation-Rob has put the break dance video on his Bebo. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You must all be tearing your beards out; waiting for the front to move, the sun to come out and have the view of the summit within your grasp. I am sure all your well-wishers back home are blowing together in the general direction of Tibet to influence the weather system. We can but try.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Sven- we wouldn&#8217;t mind a lesson from you in &#8216;The Art of Conversation&#8217; at our dinner table. Any tips on the following/:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Grace, sit properly and eat your tea&#8221;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Mummy, I need a wee&#8221;. Returns to table</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Mummy I need a poo&#8221;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Alex throws plate and food on the floor or at me.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Grace, back to the table please&#8221;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Mummy, I need a cuddle&#8221;&nbsp; etc. etc&#8230;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Something to mull over as you wait for the cloud to lift.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are watching the satellite and praying for the good weather to return-soon! Take care, keep focused and get the job done if you can. Then come home to all of us who love and miss you or just want to give a big pat on the back. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are all so proud.<br /> Kit and family xxx</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hi Terry (and the team)</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Third attempt at sending you a message, hopefully I've finally got it right and it reaches you before you reach home!&nbsp; (some problem to do with the incompatability of fossils and modern technology, so I'm told )</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Anyway we have been watching&nbsp;your daily progress via the amazing blog, and getting very excited as you inch your way ever higher. &nbsp;All seemed to be going&nbsp; well and we were confident the team would get to the summit.&nbsp; We so hope the weather breaks and at least allows you the chance, you certainly all deserve at least that after all the effort to get so close, but nature doesn't listen to reason.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Our&nbsp;thoughts and hopes are with you, but most importantly, take care and come home safely from such a fantastic experience. ( 'little soldier needs you!' )</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Good Luck</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>Love Maggie and David&nbsp;</strong></p> <h4>25/9/07</span></h4> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Just do it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">The best of luck to all of you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Leif&nbsp;Koppari<br /> Sweden</span></span></span></p> <p><strong><u><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">SHISHAPANGMA</span></u></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Why would you climb a mountain</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">some say because its there</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">for others it&#8217;s something to tell their children</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">that daddy took on the challenge and stood there.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">In awe of Shishapangma and the difficult terrain</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">and yet there&#8217;s something that drives you on</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">working through all the aches and the pain.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">It says something about the human spirit</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">that you set yourselves these goals</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">in doing for the first time what no others have achieved</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">you can reach your spiritual home.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Each one of you supporting one another in your bid to reach the top,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">battling against the elements on this dangerous journey you&#8217;ve begun.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All missing your wives and children </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">sending messages on the blog.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">If it was only the power of love that was</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">needed then you&#8217;d surely reach the top.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To all of the British Expedition</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We are so proud of you</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To ski down the side of a mountain</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Is a challenge that not many men would do.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We need people like you to inspire us</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">to show us what can be achieved.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">When we believe in ourselves and say I can do this,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">but to do it for your country, well that&#8217;s something else indeed.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We at home who have watched and prayed for you</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;and at times had our hearts in our mouths</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">hope that all of you will be successful</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">and return to us all safe and sound.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Kath xxx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Will</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope the weather improves and that you get safely to the top.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I'm enjoying the Blog etc and went into Truro this morning to buy speakers for my PC (at long last).&nbsp; Now I can <u>hear</u> (as well as see) the Video Clips!!!&nbsp; It makes all the difference!!&nbsp; Excellent and I&nbsp;especially liked Geordie's guided tour of the camp in his message to Grace.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Good Luck to you all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love,&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Aunty Barbs&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Sven</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope your all well.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I don&#8217;t suppose you can get hold of a Shishipangma thimble for aunty Mary? Bet she&#8217;s not got one of those.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Has anyone smashed the guitar yet?</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I have just watched the video of the four break dancing red smurfs. To the people responsible I only wish you will keep your identities a secret as your family and friends would not be able to live with the shame (ha ha).</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Only joking, glad that spirits are still high.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Goodluck.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Gordon</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">hey big bro {im afraid that is you tel}</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;just a quick update of all the fun thats going in the exciting town that is deeping, um well......... that would be it really!! Going to see jon this weekend to pretend im a student again for a couple of days and try not to disgrace jon to much!!! Ella's walking, and a laundry finatic she takes everything out all the time. Michaels a little git, he got tiddled on saturday night, need i say anymore! i wasnt a happy bunny!!! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">hope your o.k seen all your videos a hundred times, dad keeps showing me them everyday,, have to say the break dancing one is pretty amusing. although you seem a little confused in yours!! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">well good luck, hgave fun and of course be carefull!!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Ill</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"> look forward to my pressie. ha ha </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">love you lots</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">shelly xxxxx</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To the Team,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Our thoughts and prayers are with you.&nbsp; We know you will give it your best and make wise decisions.&nbsp; The mountain has the last word!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Catherine</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Will</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Almost there now.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We just hope you can make it &#8211; whatever happens, come back safely.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You&#8217;ve all done more than any of you have done before.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Videos are great &#8211; best wishes to all the team.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: -0.75pt"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Mum and Dad</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I am looking on with a mixture of awe and envy, well done to all of you!&nbsp; I&#8217;ve got my fingers crossed that the weather clears and you get the attempt at the summit I know you&#8217;ve worked so hard for.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">On a lighter note I hope that Terry celebrated International &#8216;Talk Like a Pirate&#8217; Day on Friday!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Stay safe,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Phil Carrotte</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Frodo &amp; The Boys</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Ode To Frodo 2</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Have you reached the top yet?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Are you nearly there?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So close you can almost touch it</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The suspense we can not bear</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We know the weathers bad up there</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And has delayed the final push</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">But better safe than sorry</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">There is no need to rush</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The anticipation is so exciting</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">So get ready for your cue</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We&#8217;ve got butterflies in our tummies</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">As we&#8217;re sure, so have, all of you</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">When you&#8217;re finally stood on the very top</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And a little closer to &#8216;The Boss&#8217;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Can you ask Him for me to win the Lottery</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">As I could really do with the dosh!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We're still checking on your progress everyday, hang in there, not long now.&nbsp; About time too, you do have an office you know, with work to do.&nbsp; Work, meaning - employment, job, labour, occupation, vocation - just in case you were wondering what it actually meant!!!&nbsp; No seriously, (for a change), please take care all of you, we've all enjoyed coming along for the ride, if not literally, but via blogs, pictures and video's.&nbsp; Stay safe, and make sure you scream your lungs out on the ski down, they whole world will be listening.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love &amp; Best Wishes: Sally, Ro, Pam, Len, John, Carl, Scottie, Guy and Col Mike (now he's safely back with us)</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Geordie and All</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Just a quick line to say our thoughts are with you all and keeping fingers crossed that you get the break in weather you have earned and deserve. Remember, &#8220;It&#8217;s not just getting the goal that matters, but the quality of life you experience along the way&#8221;. You have certainly given us all following your adventures &#8220;quality&#8221; and the break dancing quartet have fans for life in Molly and Lucy.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Best wishes and the very best of luck,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">John, Sue, Molly and Lucy.</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Sven - Only the amazing blogs from the mountain could keep me awake and rivetted at 5.30 am&nbsp; !!-&nbsp;On 28th -. we shall be sailing from Oban around the islands; if &nbsp; the boat has computer link.&nbsp;we&nbsp; shall &nbsp;follow the four &nbsp;Team's progresses&nbsp; GOOD LUCK to you all - hope the weather holds.&nbsp; Summit Snowballs for yr future neices and nephews' maybe ??!&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Gaven Thomas<br /> <br /> Hi Gav, Ive been following the mountain blog and I'm incredibly proud of<br /> the teams achievements and even a little jealous! reading the blog I'm<br /> trying to imagine the amazing experience you guys are living but even my<br /> imagination cant possibly stretch that far and only standing in your shoes<br /> would i be able to take in the dream that is your very day!<br /> Thing's have quietened down a fair bit out here in Iraq - thankfully. roll<br /> on the end of tour and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your<br /> experience..........<br /> Wishing all you guys the very best - live the dream!<br /> your good friend wee Penny<br /> .........."difficulties mastered are opportunities won"......(Napoleon<br /> Bonaparte)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>24/9/07</h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p></font></span></strong></font></span> <h4></h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Colin</span> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Here's my tale of a guy,name of Col</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Took a stroll up a hill near Nepal</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where strong and brave men dare go</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The heavenly "Abode of Snow"</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A feat to be envied by all.</span></p> <p><span>Thoughts'n'Hugs Lelly xxx&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Summit or no summit you&nbsp;have all surpassed&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial">yourselves and achieved a well earned success,but for your sakes i dearly hope u get to bask in that&nbsp;ultimate glory,lord knows you deserve it.&nbsp; Buona fortuna tutto, stammi bene! Xxx</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hello David,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hope you are still having fun &amp; feeling better now?? Have just watched your video! Can't say that I like the beard too much &amp; as you know, I'm quite used to a beard!! Nan never liked them though!!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Enjoy the rest of the trip,take care,</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Sue &amp; Paul.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To the Team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">It has been fantastic&nbsp;sat at home reading your blogs and watching the video clips.&nbsp; It is absolutley amazing.&nbsp; I would like to wish you all the very best on your last push upto the summit.&nbsp; I hope that the weather and the snow conditions are in your favour.&nbsp; Enjoy.&nbsp; Andy, I look forward to the stories of a few beers and a game of spoof.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Russ Reid</span></p> <p><strong>Maddog (Uncle) Phil,<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Just had the Boocock gang surfing the site and all where really impressed by what you guys are achieving over there.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> All the kids&nbsp;like the beard.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Be safe, will catch up soon after your back home.<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Dave Boocock</strong></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Boys, I'll keep the words short in case Russ is on reading duty today.Just wanted to say hello to Geordie, Hawth, Chips, Roger, Sven, Russ and the rest of the team.&nbsp; I've got my fingers crossed for the weather for you.&nbsp; Awesome video footage by the way - hard to believe Andy was skiing at 6800m !!&nbsp; Good effort !&nbsp; Anyway, I'm out in Chamonix at the moment, but my thoughts are with you all.&nbsp; Give it all you've got and no-one could ask for anything more than that.&nbsp; Cheers lads, Stu Macdonald in Cham.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">PS - Good effort Russ on getting your MLT !</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Good luck and God's Speed.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Our thoughts are with you.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>From Saab Training Systems (UK).</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Geordie,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope the weather settles for the summit bids. &nbsp;Best wishes to all the team for safe and successful ascents.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Colin Scott</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>To Hawthorn and fellow soldiers.&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>I have been following your adventures with some disquiet. Increasingly concerned about the lyrical nature of your writings I can only assume that this is due entirely to the lack of oxygen in that region. Why on earth you can&#8217;t potter up Scafell to fathom the meaning of life, as I myself have done in the past, I will never know. There&#8217;s plenty of oxygen there, I recall. In fact so much of the stuff that I was almost blown off my feet and had to cling onto the dog for safety. I don&#8217;t suppose any of you remembered to take a dog with you. You would have found them of great value, as they pull you up difficult bits, hold you back when going down hill and keep you warm at night stuffed inside your sleeping bag. (A bit difficult I know, with my Great Dane but something a bit fluffier would have been ideal.) </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>I suggest that you all set aside this silly idea of climbing up very high just to ski down again and come home to your Mums. I don&#8217;t know what has become of the younger generation. Why when I was your age I was old!</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>I am sending your Mother out to collect you Hawthorn and &#8216;woe betide&#8217; if you are not at the bottom waiting for her when she arrives. The thick woolie socks and the red flannel vest were you Great Great Uncle&#8217;s on the Somme and may come in handy. The striped scarf I knitted myself so could you wear it for a photo on top of the mountain to show to the neighbours? Perhaps it would look better if you could nip to the bathroom and have a shave before posing in front of the camera. You all look the same now!</strong></span></p> <p><span><strong>It&#8217;s your little boy&#8217;s birthday tomorrow Hawthorn. Don&#8217;t forget to send him a kiss, there&#8217;s a good lad.I have enjoyed the video clips but as with most modern films I watch, I can&#8217;t quite understand the plot. Perhaps you will explain.Much Love to you all. I am thinking of you. I spoke to Granny this morning and she sends her love too.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Aunty Lizzie.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>XXXXXXXXX</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Russ, Phil and the rest of the team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Glad to hear you are all still full of good spirits and wish you all a safe and successful final push for the summit. &nbsp;Come back safe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Scotty</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>I have been following your trip with much interest and hope that the often unforgiving weather doesn't deter your summit attempts.&nbsp; Good luck to you all from both me and all the team at the Leadership and Initiative Training Wing, in Sennybridge, and I hope you overcome the most precarious aspect of mountaineering.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Steve Higgins</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>OC L&amp;IT Wing</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>ITG</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Geordie and all the team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The final push,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dig deep for your inner strength, and do not dismay if it at first it is difficult to find.&nbsp; Never be in any doubt, that it is there, and that you will find it when you need it most,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">The world is watching and waiting for your good news, and that is not necessarily that you have made the summit, but that you have tried your best and returned safely.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Good luck and best wishes for your final surge to the summit, from all APTC members.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">SMAA </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>This is it guy's. The time is now, the time you have been waiting for, your time, the time when all the hard work and training pays back.&nbsp;&nbsp; Just get up there and do it.&nbsp;&nbsp; On the way down, do not forget to keep your tips up and concentrate on your technique.&nbsp;&nbsp; And back at the hotel - do they do red wine out there?&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy it and be safe.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Henry&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Mr. Henry W Branigan MBE</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Dad (Chip),</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">good to see all is still going well on the exped. Just watched a nice vid of you, will says woof woof back (didn't know you spoke doggish?!?). I have been mountain biking in wales for a week on the Coed Y Brenin trails so my fitness is good you will be pleased to know. Looking forward to seeing the pics from the summit some time soon. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Stay safe and good luck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Alex</span></p> </font> <h4>23/9/07</h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p><strong>Dear Hawthorn (Maj Lockwood),<br /> <br /> Didn't recognise you with the beard. Looks like that you are enjoying what you like the most; being an outdoor person. On Ex at the moment, Myself and LCpl Cavidi misses your jokes every now and then during the last Ex just to keep the morale up.<br /> Oh! we haven't been doin our little circuit when anyone comes in to use the photocopier in the hub, i dont think the new boss likes the idea. I think we are just to keen during Ex Red Tricorn having yourself and the Det Comd joinin in.<br /> Hope we'll see you before you go away to your new posting. I hope that you have some kind of idea for your presentation, I am still waitin for the reply....hah! hah! hah!<br /> Enjoy the rest of the Expedition!!!!<br /> <br /> Lini (LCpl Savu)</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hello Colin</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I've enjoyed watching you and the others on the video clips - looks like good fun (bet it's hard work really!)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope you are changing your socks regularly and keeping well.&nbsp; Gran has a photo of you on your way to camp one by her chair all the time.&nbsp; I think everybody at Seton Hall knows all about your progress by now!!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Looking forwar4d to seeing you when you get back</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Mum</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>To Tel &amp; team.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>good luck to all of you &amp; keep safe.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>Tel jimbob wants a picture of a aborable snowman,so keep your eyes peeled.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; dad,corks &amp; all the rest.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Keep smiling everyone, we are all with you and keeping our fingers crossed for some good luck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Be safe, be safe, for honour's sake be safe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Warm regards for the Sheppard family.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hallo, Philip,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">ich bin ein Freund von Doris und Beatrice und habe von deinem tollen Abenteuer geh&#246;rt. Ich wuensche dir viel Glueck und Erfolg bei deinem Berggang.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Viele Gruesse und Bergheil aus Stuttgart von Gerd</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Graeme and team,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">We went to Ripon Cathedral yesterday and lit a prayer candle for you all. We are so excited and nervous of the days ahead. Thinking of you constantly and willing from our hearts that all will be well. You have already succeeded; the summit would just be the icing on the cake.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I saw this:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&#8220;Yesterday is already a dream,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And tomorrow is only a vision,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">But today well-lived makes every yesterday</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">A dream of happiness,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">And every tomorrow a vision of hope.&#8221;&nbsp; Unknown .&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All our love to you Graeme. We love and miss you and can&#8217;t wait for that family cuddle in the kitchen. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Kit xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Chips,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Amazing to hear you on the phone! i'm reading the blog every day and enjoying the video clips. I've got Joe and Claire home this weekend. It's joes birthday on the 26th&nbsp;(missed another one, Doh). Looking forward to the party when you get home. Sunday dinner tomorrow, i guess Will can have yours! hopefully we won't have a culinary disaster like yourself! How do you burn a boil in the bag!? i thought they were squaddie proof!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">lots of love and good luck,&nbsp;Angela </span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hey Terence,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I just took a look at a couple of your vids I'm pleased to see spirits are high despite you being a beardy wierdy! Thought you might like to know that ella took her first tentative steps today. She's a genius child i'm telling you! All is fine here, except the weather but i don't suppose you wanna hear about that!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking forward to seeing you soon, love Katie, Lee and the sprogs!</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Chips, </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">How do dad? We are all back home for the weekend, i'm&nbsp;just going to go out for a long run now with will...&nbsp;he's being soft, probably missing his weekly MLT&nbsp;or Caving epic. I've only managed to see you on one vid burning food... looks like everything is normal with you then!?</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">good luck for the next few days and just remember one thing, </span><em><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">pain is temporary, quitting is forever.....</span></em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial"><strong>love Joe</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Dear Tim, teammates Andy, Russ and Terry, and all of you on this amazing expedition.&nbsp; I'm thinking of you, rooting for you and praying for you as you start off towards the summit.&nbsp; May the Lord be with you, keep you strong and healthy, continue to protect you and keep you safe, keep you making wise decisions, and give you that dreamed-of view from the summit and a truly awesome ski down!<br /> <br /> 'From the ends of the earth I call to you<br /> I call as my heart grows faint<br /> lead me to the rock that is higher than I.<br /> For you have been my refuge<br /> a strong tower against the foe...<br /> He alone is my rock and my salvation<br /> he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.<br /> (Psalm 61:1-3 and Psalm 62:2)<br /> <br /> Go for it!!<br /> love Sophie </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Gaven..and all the team.&nbsp; </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Greetings from Wales!!!! Good luck to you all.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">from Clive and Liz and family (neighbours of Gavs mum and dad!)</span></strong></p> </font> <h4>22/9/07</h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p>That looks like Life Colin....but not as we know it.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">We may be quiet over here, but we are watching you - so wonderful to see you<br /> (and the Teletubbies) in the video clips even if there is something<br /> distinctly Nowak about your chin!<br /> Now we know that you must be doing it properly because we can see that you<br /> are having fun - and that's how it should be. When you get near the top, and<br /> the whiteouts clear, look down on the Earth and know that it is now Your<br /> oyster 'cos it'll look about that big. Look after it and yourself.<br /> Our Best Wishes for your final push (up) AND DON'T FORGET TO WAVE FROM THE<br /> TOP!</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">John, Margaret and Andrew</font></p> <h4>21/9/7</h4> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To my team mates,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I&#8217;m missing being with you lads, more and more so on reading your excellent blog, Sven, and thinking of what adventures I might have shared with you all. Found a good quote in that book you gave me, Geordie:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&#8220;He did not say:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You shall not be tempest-tossed,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You shall not be weary,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You shall not be discomforted.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">But He said,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You shall not be overcome.&#8221; Julian Of Norwich 14<sup>th</sup> century</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Take care of yourselves and each other, I&#8217;m looking forward to the party when you get back!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Phil</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Sven</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Loving the blogs Bro. Although I don&#8217;t remember big words in the beano.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hope all the team are well after the trek to ABC </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hiya Graham,AKA Sven, would you like another chocolate monopoly game? seeing that you enjoyed the other one soooo much. Been following your adventures, very good blog etc, was not aware that you were that&nbsp; intelligent, only joking, good luck with the rest of the trek, luv Aunty &nbsp;M.and co. xx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Philip and Colin</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Just wanted to wish you both the very best for the ascent - Go get it boys! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Have enjoyed watching the video clips especially the dancing, where are the snow angels and one big mother of a snowman??</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Your son is so gorgeous by the way, his nappies not!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Many Tashi Deleks to you all</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Mel x x </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Everyone, I've been reading your blogs, messages and looking at all your pictures whilst sitting here at my boring old office job and it's been really thrilling! Best of luck to you all and stay safe!! Graeme.. you're doing fab, can't wait to hear all your stories when you get back. Lots of Love, Helen Ward xxxxx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi Graham, </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Its Darren's other big cousin here, Stuart, met you at Darren and Emma's wedding in July.&nbsp; Hope things are going well for you and the team.&nbsp;Enjoyed reading through the BLOG, 10cm's of snow per hour, made me appreciate the soggy and wet Glasgow morning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Stay safe, all the best from my team to yours, </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Stuarty....</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Top gun Garry! Was great speaking to you on the phone Tim. I was quite relieved to discover that strange number wasn't some dodgy adult phone line as I'd initially expected! Had a look at some of your videos last night and they look fantastic! Bit concerned that our ski tip this year might not be challenging enough for you so we'll have to find some form of handicap to make it more interesting. How's about we dress you up in a Chewbacca outfit this time round? Dave and I were wondering if there was any way we could get that sumo suit back out to you, ready for the ski decent? Surely it just wont feel the same without it and it's bound to put a smile on people's faces once again! I always try and finish my emails to you with a mature and poignant comment so..in the words of Jerry Springer "take care of yourself, and each other"&#8230;...</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Will :-)</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Geordie and Team, <br /> Now back in office, quite a contrast to being at 5600m less than 10 days ago!!&nbsp; I want to thank you and your outstanding team for hosting Col Paul and me so well during our short but very enjoyable stay with you in Tibet.&nbsp; Despite the obvious I really enjoyed my brief foray into thin air.&nbsp; Please pass on a special thank you to Raj, who I hope made it back to the mountain in good time.&nbsp; His care for me ensured a trouble free journey back to Nepal for which I am most grateful.&nbsp; Also a huge thanks to Remon who sorted me out in double quick time.&nbsp; I owe both them a huge debt of gratitude.&nbsp; To Gav and Brains many thanks too for their help on the 10th and company on the way down.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I have had a great time reading the Bloggs and watching the videos and I wish you all the very best in your endeavours. I am probably not the best bloke to offer advice, having clearly demonstrated an inability to stay upright, but I will any way.&nbsp; What ever drives you onwards and upwards always remember the words of a great adventurer, Sir Ernest Shacleton, "better a live donkey that a dead lion".&nbsp; From what I saw you are all lions, so bag your mountain but don't be afraid of coming back a donkey, you will still have an amazing tale to tell.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Good luck to you all and I hope to say thanks in person, perhaps over a beer, when you return. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All the very best. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Mike Gouldstone</span></em></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">To Graeme and all the team</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Been off line for a couple of weeks since my last message and just caught up on the news from your Blog. &nbsp;The team sound strong in heart and spirits are high.&nbsp; Patience and resolve, keep grinding away, the summit is just the last step in the many steps that the team will have taken to achieve your goal.&nbsp; Have fun carving out the turns.&nbsp; We are all proud of you and will have a cold beer for you during the AMA AGM weekend.&nbsp; Be safe and sucks hard on the O&#8217;s.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Best wishes</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Kevin Edwards and the JSMTC Crew </span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hi all,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I am howling with laughter at the video clips, you all look like you are having a great time.&nbsp; At the same time I am teary seeing all the messages to loved ones (and not hearing from Hawth yet!).&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">You all have so many people sharing your adventure back home, so proud, wishing you all the best of luck.&nbsp; Never mind 'Big Brother' and other addictive TV programmes, everyone I know is logging on to your website every single day.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Missing you all so much, especially my darling Hawth, I can't waitto see you in a couple of weeks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Love Kirsty </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hola Svenners</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hows the walk going?</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">In my last message I said things were mundane and boring.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">I have just sent you an email with a funny non mundane and non boring story to cheer you up.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Were all still waiting for the pictures of the nappy hats from Geordie.&nbsp;Keep your spirits high and your thinking positive.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Good luck and best wishes to all the team.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Gordon</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">All, well done so far, seems everything is going to plan. Videos are brilliant. Keep pushing on, just step after step,&nbsp;and take care with all that snow. Enjoy the view from the top!<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Jonjo.</span></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Graham,&nbsp; It may have been a mundane week for Gordon, but not for me. It started off with driving "The Sponge Blob", yes, blob, not a mistake. Gordon doesn't know what he's missing. Then I had to trudge round the shops spending money. But I did enjoy it, especially when I decided to buy a fridge to match the freezer. So perhaps he should have called here, then his week wouldn't have been so bad.&nbsp;And yes team, we have this banter between us all the time. Glad to see you're all doing well and not getting into too much trouble. Mum. </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp; Geordie, I just love Grace's hat idea. I haven't laughed so much for ages. It reminds me of some of the things mine said.</span></strong></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">Hey Col</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just wanna wish you and all the other crazies that make up the team all the very best for the summit attempts ahead, I even have a beverage of the alcoholic variety&nbsp;on ice ready&nbsp;to toast your achievement (shock,horror) lol.&nbsp; Loving the video clips, it's such a privilege to be able to share, in some small way,&nbsp;this momentous journey you are all undertaking through watching them , and is a huge bonus to see that everyone is in such high spirits.&nbsp;Take&nbsp;care'n'Stay safe,&nbsp;always in my thoughts.</span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-style: normal; font-family: Arial">Lotsa Luv'n'Stuff Lelly xxx</span></em><em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p><em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">GDT and the Team&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Looks like you are all having too much fun up there.&nbsp; Just been watching the video clips and reading the blogs, couple of points:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Geordie - now that you have had a bath (even if it was a cold one), get a shave.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I would like to think that this was the highest game of Monopoly ever - but you ate all the evidence!!! D'oh</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Did Dave have to walk back up after skiing all the way down, just for a video clip - bet that wasn't as much fun.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Anyway boys, keep it going.</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">"How much the appeal of mountaineering lies in its simplification of interpersonal relationships, its reduction of friendship to smooth interaction (like war), its substitution of an Other (the mountain, the challenge) for the relationship its self?"</span></strong></em></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">David Roberts,&nbsp;'Patey Agonistes' <em><span style="font-family: Arial">Moments of doubt</span></em></span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Hello Daddy,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Nice to see you and your pond. I have some paper here and I am drawing a letter to you. I like your beard. I am going for a bath now. Bye.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: #000066; font-family: Arial">Grace x</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #990000; font-family: Helvetica">20/9/7</span></strong></p> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hello Daddy,</span></strong></h4> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Nice to see you and your pond. I have some paper here and I am drawing a letter to you. I like your beard. I am going for a bath now. Bye.</span></strong></h4> <p style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Grace x</span></strong></p> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hello boys!<br /> Just want to wish you all the bestest of luck for your summit attempts. <br /> Enjoy this amazing opportunity. Remember we are all so proud of you, no <br /> matter if you are successful or not. Your daily blogs, the photos and <br /> the videos are brilliant and have have brightened up my dull days at <br /> work! Everyone that knows any of you, and even those people who don't, <br /> are in awe of what you are trying to do (and pretty envious too!). Take <br /> care and bring each other back safely. I'll keep all my fingers and toes <br /> crossed for a safe and successful climb. Love and positive thoughts, Janey x<br /> PS: Will, don't forget my rocks! Smelly boys!!</em></span></h4> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Best of British luck to the teams during the summit bids over the next week. <br /> Your hard work will pay off, you have done us all proud with what you have achieved so far. &nbsp;Now time to claim your prize, the summit awaits. We are all willing every team member on. <br /> Stay safe and take care. <br /> <br /> Aaron, Tina, Mr Toby and Sweatpea.</span></h4> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: medium none"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">To all you mountain crusty's</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><br /> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Helvetica">So the stage is set and the summit awaits, as do the thousands of family and friends watching you (not trying to make u nervous honestly). We have enjoyed the videos immensely, and watching the skiing just makes us jealous. One major plus point up there, there's no chance of anyone else having skied your line before you get there (LOL). Lets pray that the weather holds and the snow&nbsp;holds firm for the up and the ski down. I do hope that the summit teams will be wearing the SAAB kit for that perfect google earth screen shot. But we do understand the reasons if not.</span></strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Helvetica">Be safe my friends and remember,</span></strong><br /> <strong>&nbsp;</strong><br /> <strong>&nbsp;</strong><em><span style="font-family: Helvetica">Go climb your mountain safe and steadfast,</span></em><br /> <em><span style="font-family: Helvetica">Let not others sway you from your venture,</span></em><br /> <em><span style="font-family: Helvetica">but listen to mother nature, for she, and she only can decide your fate.</span></em><br /> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Helvetica">(Quoted by some bloke with a beard)</span></strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Helvetica">Good Luck and Gods Speed,</span></strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Helvetica">Stevie Clifford and all at Hubertushaus</span></strong></span></h4> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3 1pt solid; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 4pt; border-bottom: medium none"> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Morning Sven</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>I hope all your spirits are high after your brandy and banter.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Everything back home is still the same old mundane stuff, your not missing much.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hope the weather holds out for phase two.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hey Geordie your wifes idea of ski-ing hats is great, maybe a job lot could be sent out for the team.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Pass on my best wishes to the rest of the team.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Gordon</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hi Sven,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Well, sitting at my computer enjoying a beer after a hard day&#8217;s work in the hospital on Skye&#8230;.I could have been right there with you all at the ABC party!&nbsp; Each blog just gets better, Graham. &nbsp;The world is your oyster, if you dare to grasp it, and I am honoured to be coming for the ride!!!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Loads of love,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Catherine</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: maroon; font-family: Helvetica">19/9/7</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Graeme/Daddy,</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Sounds like you might well have needed that nappy after your &#8216;swim&#8217;. Angus will be thrilled to see that you have taken the sea swimming antics of New Year to a higher level! Well done!</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Just read the latest blog. Great that you are all back safely to base. Excellent achievement and great to see the videos. I know I am ignorant of the reality of your chances and situation but GO FOR IT! Keep safe though please.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Oh, I forget to mention my success during your time away. It has only taken me 27 days to produce the perfect dippy egg for your daughter. Even Grace said that you would be proud. </em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Kit xxx</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">To Geordie &amp; the team<br /> Life always gets harder towards the summit<br /> The cold increases, responsibility increases<br /> Friedrich Nietzsche<br /> <br /> Hope it continues to go well, loved the last message from Wul-had to print <br /> the joke. Not much longer to go, check the blogs every day for progress-will <br /> crack the last bottle of champers on Sunday when you reach the summit<br /> Pat &amp; Bob in Cyprus</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hi Sven,</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>I hope you are enjoying a rest day and not too bored of Tibetan bread yet.&nbsp; Had a great weekend at Chez Svenners with my mother as obergardener, once we had managed to break in to the house, that is!!!&nbsp;&nbsp; Must be some highly secret reason for not replacing exceedingly dodgy locks.&nbsp; I can only say that it was a good thing that El Bandito decided not to accompany us this time!&nbsp; He would not have been impressed with his future son-in-law!!&nbsp; &nbsp;Glorious sunshine and loads of licorice ice cream and great rum cocktails, oh and a bit of gardening!!!&nbsp; While the cats are away&#8230;.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Have a good rest!&nbsp; Thinking of you always.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Catherine</em></span></p> </h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">hey terry,</span></h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">how you doing just watched your videos with dad, ive got two words for you nice nice beard!! Jons gone off to uni now having an excellent time, but who wouldnt on freshers week, bet you lot wouldnt mind a nice cold beer. So im back at dads now but looking at renting a room in a very nice house in the centre which will be good, nice and close to the pubs, oops i mean work! Im just arranging a wedding at the moe, my friend sara won a competition on the radio and won a wedding so we've got that to plan for may, well im concentrating on the hen do!! Hope all is o.k and your enjoying yourself. every one send thier love.</span></h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">see you soon</span></h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">lots of love </span></h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">shelly</span></h4> <h4><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">xxx</span></h4> <h4 style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3 1pt solid; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 4pt; border-bottom: medium none"> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hey Tim</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>My dear game-playing brother, great to hear you&#8217;re in good spirits despite time in the &#8216;hurt locker&#8217; &#8211; is that a place or a state of mind? &nbsp;</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hmm, pulling a sickie to get out of dull duties eh?&nbsp; Sounds suspiciously similar to the &#8216;disappearing to the toilet during the washing up&#8217; trick back home.&nbsp; Although I acknowledge that&#8217;s been replaced more recently with &#8216;I&#8217;ll just go upstairs to get a CD to put on&#8217;.&nbsp; As for your tentmate&#8217;s wind, you could just get revenge with your socks surely?</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Very very cool to see you in the video clips &#8211; I felt incredibly proud and can&#8217;t wait to show friends at work what you&#8217;re up to when I&#8217;m on my computer tomorrow.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Back to the subject of games I am casting down the gauntlet NOW for a battle of the titans over Boggle at Christmas.&nbsp; I WILL regain my crown after last year&#8217;s shameful defeat so you&#8217;d better start training as soon as you&#8217;ve finished climbing this little mountain of yours.</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>All best wishes to the whole team, every time I log on I think I can&#8217;t get any more impressed and then I am again</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Love Sophie x</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">HI Team and Graeme,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Great video clips. Thank you. The skiing looks amazing. So good to see you all happy and and in such fine spirits. &nbsp;You are all getting along so well, it&#8217;s a pity there aren&#8217;t any trees for you all to hug together. You are doing us all proud.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Graeme, I know you are camera shy but GET ON CAMERA!!!! The children need to see you ! Yes I know resorting to emotional blackmail is a bit low but WE MISS YOU and want to see the beard. &nbsp;&nbsp;You are making history after all. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">We are sending you a family cuddle from the kitchen across the miles. (the team can have one too if they like)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Love as always. Kit , Rob,Grace and Alex.&nbsp; xxxxxxxxx </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hi Sven and Geordie</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Hope all is going well out there and your living it to the full, best wishes for all the Team, and can you put together a presentation on the Exped for the Winter Meet, see you all soon</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Regards</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica"><em>Johnny B</em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUSS!!! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">LOVE FROM KIT, GRACE, ALEX AND ROB.</span></p> </h4> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4>18/9/7</h4> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hello Graeme/Daddy/ Geordie.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">I had a conversation with Grace this morning at 6 which I thought might interest you (no doubt as you were climbing and breathing as if you&#8217;ve smoked 60 un-tipped a day all your life). I was still asleep as she climbed into bed, insisting on going on &#8220;Daddy&#8217;s side&#8221;. It went something like this:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">&#8220;Mummy, I want to take my nappy off&#8221;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">As I groaned to myself and obliged, Grace sat bolt upright;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">&#8220;I&#8217;ve got a very good idea, Daddy could put it on his head to keep warm when he skis down!!!&#8221;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">What a thoughtful little girl we have. </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hope all is well. Thinking of you constantly. We love you. Kitx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">T,<br /> Nearly there, next stop the summit!! Sounds like its going brilliantly and it must be an advantage to be ahead of schedule. hoping some more photos will go up soon, I can t get the videos to work<br /> I love you farts and all<br /> Kirstie<br /> xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Dear Frodo </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Saw your video message is that bum fluff on your chin or have you been licking a Yak!&nbsp; You looked very serious &#8211; give us a cheesy grin on the next one!&nbsp; The whole of the HQ is avidly following your progress, your achievements so far are outstanding &#8211; keep up the good work.&nbsp; We hope this ditty makes you smile:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">&nbsp;<u>An Ode to Frodo!</u></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">There is a little hobbit</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Andy is his name</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Chocolate is his major vice</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">And Adventurous Training is his game</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">He is a true believer</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">In Empathy and all that stuff</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">A team player of the up most class</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Of excitement, he can&#8217;t get enough</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">One day he agreed to a mission</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">A huge mountain to try and climb</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">A challenge he just could not resist</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Something you do, once in a lifetime</span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">God bless him and all of his colleagues</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">On their trek to achieve all their goals</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">God speed to the top of Shishapangma</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">And don&#8217;t trip over your poles</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">&nbsp;Take care &#8211; much love Sal, Ro, Pam, Len, John, Scottie, Sheff, Carl, Guy and Sophie</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hi Hawthorn,</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Great to see you and the team are doing so well &#8211; what an achievement and the challenge of a life time.</span><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Sending you our very best wishes - Cameron was telling us all about the trip yesterday!&nbsp; He&#8217;s so lovely &#8211; Jessie and Barney had a great time playing with him and Poppy!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Lots of love &#8211; Lucie, Chris, Jess and Barnaby xx</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Best wishes to you all as you make towards the summit.</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Really enjoying all the videos and blogs.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Keep up the good work&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Lyn and Alan Brant</span></strong></p> <h4>17/9/7</h4> <p>Hi Tim</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Have been away on hols in Ireland sampling Guinness last week, so have been catching up on your progress. It is great to read the&nbsp;daily blog and read the messages. I managed to find the house on google earth easily &#8211; does this mean I can join you on your next expedition !!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Good luck to you all with the rest of your incredible journey.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Take Care</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Uncle Phil</span></p> <p><strong><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">dear tel.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">here with your old nan &amp; g'dad.just thought you'd pleased to know were having nans steak pie tonight,you know the one,with the thick gravey &amp; short crust pastry. enjoy what ever you &amp; the lads are having.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="border-right: windowtext 1pt; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: windowtext 1pt; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: windowtext 1pt; color: #000066; padding-top: 0cm; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt; font-family: Helvetica">your old dad.</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Sven</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Nowt wrong with the dinky car, but the surgeon didn't know that the shakes I had when he examined my foot weren't from the experience of having the cast removed, but from the sixteen mile journey I had with your mother driving my beloved car(sponge bob) to those who know it.(Its yellow and square) and then the thought that she had to get me home in one piece again. Anyway here is your thought for the day."the final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on" Walter Lippman</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Any way boys adieu and crack on</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hi Sven -CMJ and I had a great time taming bits of your garden, and a sightseeing tour of&nbsp; your City'. Cottage is a DREAM and so TIDY !!!&nbsp; Porage &amp; blackberries&nbsp;&nbsp; great combo, and we discovered new cocktail: dark rum (thank you !) and red apple juice.&nbsp; Try it.&nbsp; I'm up for jobbing gardening job anytime at no 15.&nbsp; Hope the climb goes well. Take care&nbsp;- your blogs are&nbsp;&nbsp;just great. We are all thinking of you and the team&nbsp; Best of luck "onward and upward"&nbsp; !!&nbsp;&nbsp; S &amp; D</span></strong></p> <div style="border-right: medium none; padding-right: 0cm; border-top: #dbdce3 1pt solid; padding-left: 0cm; background: white; padding-bottom: 0cm; border-left: medium none; padding-top: 4pt; border-bottom: medium none"> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hello Rimon and team</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">We are constantly following your progress and nice to read your writings in the blog.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Best wishes to all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Mum and Dad ( Keimar in Swansea)</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Morning Sven&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hope you and the team are well and enjoying the trip. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Enjoying the blogs, keep them coming. Ever thought of writing a book? (I will be your agent for a modest fee) </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Lucy and the boys say hello. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Ali has started running two mornings a week and is dragging me with him, Have a word when you get back and tell him his dad is too old for that sort of stuff.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">TTFN </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Gordon</span></strong></p> </div> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hallo Philip,<br /> Endlich habe ich raus gefunden wie ich dir eine Nachricht schicken kann (naja Frauen und Technik). Seid ihr schon bald oben auf dem Berg? Was ich kann kannst du auch. Ich w&#252;nsche dir auf jeden Fall viel <br /> Spa&#223; und Vergn&#252;gen. Bleib gesund und munter.Bussi Bussi, hab dich lieb.<br /> <br /> Bis bald Deine Mami und Frity</span></p> <h4>16/9/7</h4> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hello Graeme</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Another day in sunny Cyrpus.&nbsp; Can you believe your mother is not in bed yet and its after midnight!&nbsp; Kath has dragged me kicking and&nbsp;screamng to the Karoake&nbsp;bars in Pathos (she's singing and not me you will be glad to hear!).&nbsp; Never thought I would be sitting in an internet cafe at nearly 1.00am - but hey your climbing a mountain and I need to read Sven's (and all the others)&nbsp;daily blog which is great.&nbsp; It is comforting to know from the blog what a fantastic team you all are, supporting one another and what an adventure to tell your children and loved ones when you come home.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">As always take care, God speed.&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">I love you very much and am so proud of you and the rest of the team.&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Mum xxx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Have been following your ascent (and Geordie's temporary descent &#8211; hope you are well now) with interest and much admiration.&nbsp; Photos and blogs are wonderful and we really like the video clips &#8211; keep them coming.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Graeme - best of luck with it all and incredibly proud of you and all the team.</span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Incredible experience for you personally and to bring back to Blighty to share &#8211; made all the more real and personal&nbsp;for us armchair mountaineers through the amazing technology you've taken with you.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Best of luck with the next stage.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Love</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Rob, Heidi, Bella and James</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">XXXX</span></p> <p style="tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hi Team!<br /> It has become such an essential part of each day to log on to your mountain blog (many times) and eagerly await the next instalment. (A bumper 2 additions this afternoon!) I guess things are really becoming tough now -pushing upwards, battling with colds/ headaches etc. and a change in the weather - but what shines through is the amazing commitment you have for the task and to EACH OTHER. Keep smiling and keep safe! We are with you in spirit all the way! To <br /> reach the top would be "the icing on the cake" but the most important part is the mixing and cooking the cake.<br /> What a TEAM! Good luck for the final phase!<br /> Judy Smith</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Your friends at Cotswold outdoor are following your&nbsp;progress with interest. Pleased to see everything go so well. Best wishes from this end.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Chris Burns, Angela and Amy</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Safe journey up, lads!&nbsp;&nbsp;Will be glued to the blog.&nbsp; The garden is a bit neater now, Sven, after 2 carloads to the tip!!&nbsp; Mum came to help and was amazing.&nbsp; She is so thrilled with your house and her only worry is how I, and my stuff, are going to fit into it!!!&nbsp; Love conquers all, eh.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Catherine</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Hello again Graeme and team.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">I found this in a fortune cookie packet from a Chinese takeaway in Skipton last night and somehow the words struck a chord. &#8216;Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.&#8217;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">All the best as always. Kitty T.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">The team,<br /> Was thinking about you today in my enforced church service. If my thinking is correct you&#8217;re all dotted around the mountain loading camp 2. Am hoarding all my 'good lucks' for myself as I have Regimental Selection Boards tomorrow. <br /> &nbsp;<br /> Terry (Now would be a really useful time to have you around !!), breakfast with the Commandant was really cool, and yes, I cut the rind of my bacon myself.&nbsp;<br /> You are a bit of a celebrity within 11 platoon! They re not quite sure what your doing but they all wish you luck and are asking for updates. <br /> &nbsp;Hello 'Girls Eyes' sorry about that!<br /> &nbsp;Kirstie 'panic stricken' Thompson</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">GDT,</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Just for you pal, you'll enjoy this one.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">A young Geordie lad moved to London and went to Harrods looking for a job.<br /> The manager asked "Do you have any sales experience?"<br /> The young man answered "Whey Eye Man, I was a canny salesman back in Newcastle."<br /> The manager liked the Geordie so he gave him the job. His first day on the job was challenging and busy, but he got through it. After the store was locked up, the manager came down and asked "OK, so how many sales did you make today?"<br /> The Geordie said "Just the one, Marra."<br /> The manager groaned and continued "Just one? Our sales people average 20 - 30 or more sales a day.<br /> How much was the sale for?<br /> "&#163;124,237.64" replied the Geordie.<br /> The manager choked and exclaimed,"&#163;124,237.64, what the hell did you sell him"<br /> "Well, first I sold him a small fish hook, then a medium fish&nbsp;hook, and then I sold him a new fishing rod. Then I asked him where he was gannin'fishing and he said doon at the coast. So I telt him he would need a boat, so we went doon tiv the boat department and I selt him&nbsp;that twin-engined Power Cat. Then he said he didn't think his Honda Civic would pull it, so I took him doon tiv the car sales and I selt him the 4 x 4&nbsp;Suzuki".<br /> The manager, incredulous, said "You mean to tell me....a guy came in here to buy a fish hook and you sold him a boat and 4x4?" </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">"Ner, nah......he came in here to buy a box of tampons for his ladyfriend and I said.........<br /> Well, since ya weekend's screwed, you might as well gan fishing."</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">Sorry, if anyone else that reads this is offended&nbsp; :(</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">To the rest, hope you have a good giggle&nbsp; :)</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Helvetica">&nbsp;Wul</span></p> <h4>15/9/7</h4> <p><strong>Captain Tim<br /> Hope things are going well, looks like you are making steady progress from what I can read!!<br /> Just to rub things in, just got back from Morocco after week away!!! Back to work on Monday tho, so not all good!!<br /> No major news from this end really.... apart from getting very good on the Nintendo Wii!!! Look forward to a sweaty re match on your return.<br /> Good luck and spk soon<br /> Ols</strong></p> <p>"Russ the Rhino" <br /> Alrite rhino haha hope that the trip up to camp 2 to was successful and hope you have got over the sickness.l Well mate i am thinking of you and the team <br /> I have also been e-mailing you to the address you told me so i hope your getting them alrite. Well mate good luck and keep in stuck in and SAFE!!&nbsp; <br /> love Tom xxxxxx&nbsp; ps Cheers Sven for the giving my dad those card thanks buddy </p> <h4>14/9/7<br /> </h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hello Team</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Fantastic video clips and great to feel even closer to you. It was such a lovely surprise after a long day with the kids!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>You are working so well and hard. Thank you for all that you have done whilst Graeme (Goerdie) has been under the weather. It&#8217;s a great comfort to us here that he is in such capable and caring hands with a team that just got on with the job. Brilliant! But we wouldn&#8217;t have expected anything less.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>A special thanks to Andy and Raj ( and everyone else) for keeping our loved one safe and helping so carefully with his recovery. I owe you.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>THANKYOU from our hearts.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Keep the clips coming if you can. </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Colin-try and get a shot of Graeme if you can . I know he&#8217;s camera shy (ha ha) but he takes a cracking shot, even with a beard.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Take care, as always.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Kitty T. and gang</strong>.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Dave<br /> Hope you are getting on ok, I'm keeping a good eye on all your antics from the blog. looking forward to hearing all the stories!! take care and good luck to all the team!! your cousin, Michelle, xx</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi All,<br /> Hope you are all getting on OK. My name is Elaine and I am Scottish but my French boyfriend is out there with 3 other French guys also tackling the Shishapagma. I thought I d say Hi and also if you do bump into Lionel Gibert (with Jackson, Nico and Cedric) then please please say hello from me his darling and Carla his wee daughter. I have enclosed a picture of Carla just incase by some luck that someone bumps into him! <br /> Good Luck to all of you and thankyou if you can possibly pass this message on<br /> Elaine</strong></font></p> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p><br /> Andy All the best mate thinking of you be lucky and skilful would love to hear the stories on your return. Am sitting in the Western AustralianKimberlys' and it is getting very hot. Will keep an eye out for you hopethe body holds out Regards Mike Austin</p> <p><strong>Hi Sven<br /> Another weekend and another Saturday shift, Oh well more time to sit and email my bro as the staff work.<br /> Was you who said Chuck Norris was your hero? Please say it was&#8217;nt because when I print the blog off for work on Monday I will have to face the shame of it.<br /> Hope your all doing well (and Geordie is back to 100%)<br /> Keep the phots coming.<br /> TTFN<br /> Gordon</strong></p> <p>Graham, Kim may have knackered her ankle but it hasn't stopped her from talking. I took her to the hospital yesterday in her car. It was just like driving a dinky car, and it had kangaroo petrol, but that only lasted for a mile.&nbsp; So we filled up with "tiger" petrol and it went like a bomb. It was quite an experience, but I'm fully recovered now.&nbsp; Mum</p> <p></font><strong><span class="EC_961103207-14092007"><font face="Arial" size="2">Dear&nbsp;Frodo &amp; Team</font></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span class="EC_961103207-14092007"><font face="Arial" size="2">With the HQ ATG(G) office now all back from their holidays, we were wondering how yours was going, sounds just top from the blogs we've been reading!&nbsp; Obviously those huge feet are keeping you well and truly planted on the mountain!&nbsp; I've just received in the itemised mobile bills for Aug, yours is still waaaaayyyyyy over the top, make sure you haven't taken a mobile mast up that mole hill as I expect <u><strong>NO</strong></u> spend for Sept!!!!&nbsp; On a more serious note (if we must), your P45 is sitting on your desk, no really,&nbsp;the HQ&nbsp;are&nbsp;thinking of all of you and your fantastic achievement so far.&nbsp; We wish you every success in the next phase and beyond, take care and God bless.&nbsp; All our love Sally, Ro, Pam, Len, John, Carl, Scottie, Sheff and new boy Guy.</font></span>&nbsp;Sally Tomlimson</strong><strong><font color="navy"><span style="color: navy">&nbsp;</span></font></strong><font face="Arial" color="navy"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;</span></font><font color="navy"><span style="color: navy"> </span></font></p> <p>13/9/7</p> <font id="EC_role_document" face="Arial" color="#000000" size="2"><font id="EC_role_document" face="Arial" color="#000000" size="2"> <p>GDT and the team. </p> <p>But there are men for whom the unattainable has a special attraction.&nbsp; Usually they are not experts: their ambitions and fantasies ar estrong enough to brush aside the doubts which more cautious men might have.&nbsp; Determination and faith are their strongest weapons.&nbsp; At best such men are regarded as eccentric; at worst, mad....</p> <p>Walt Unsworth, Everest</p> <p>Glad to hear you are back with the team instead of skiving off!!!! Good luck with the weather and I hope the&nbsp;work for stocking the camps goes to plan and the summit dates pan out.&nbsp; Will continue following the progress, checking the video clips (looks like you are having far too much fun) and reading the blogs.Mens sana in corpore sano. Wul</font><br /> <br /> <strong>TO Tel, </strong><strong>just your old dad clocking in again,suppose iv'e got another long weekend watching rugby &amp; football,shame you boys chose the best month of sport to go off really. </strong><strong>Waterton arms is packed for the matches your far better off.&nbsp;</strong><strong>love your dear old dad</strong></font><br /> <font face="Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif" color="#0033cc" size="3"><br /> To the team ~ the video clips are superb. Great to hear Philip laughing, obviously at someone elses expense as usual!!!! Jacqui M</font><strong><em><font face="Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif" color="#0000cc" size="3"><br /> Philip ~ GOOD LUCK, I LOVE YOU, WAIT TIL I GET YOU HOME!&nbsp; : D</font></em></strong><br /> <font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><br /> <strong>I seem to have written many messages but few have been chosen!!!!&nbsp; So here goes!&nbsp; I hope you have all had a good day today and that the weather continues to hold.&nbsp; Lucky for you the weather over the NW of Scotland will take quite some time to arrive with you!!!! &nbsp;But it doesn&#8217;t seem to stop the patients coming in.&nbsp; So glad to hear that you are all having a good experience.&nbsp; Find a way to bottle the peace and bring some back for us!&nbsp; Keep laughing.&nbsp; Sven can sell you some of his Echinacea tablets, for a price, for those colds. </strong></span></font><strong><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Cheers, Catherine</span></font></strong><br /> <br /> To Col and&nbsp;all of the team, just wanted to let you know what a great experience it was to spend some time with all of you, you are all an exceptional group of people. You&nbsp;are a huge inspiration to us all as an example of what can be achieved.&nbsp; Wishing you all the best Karma on your way to the summit and hopefully catch up with you at the unpacking weekend.&nbsp; Sarah xxx<br /> <br /> <strong>Good to see all is well and your pushing on up the Mountain.&nbsp;<br /> We all enjoyed the videos and look forward to many more. We pray the weather holds for the next 2 weeks and the skiing is good. <br /> Best wishes from all at Hubertushaus</strong></p> <div><font face="Arial" size="2"><br /> Dear Russ,</font>&nbsp;<font face="Arial" size="2">We hope you are back on form and bouncing back up the hill.&nbsp; Fabulous effort&nbsp;by you and the team&nbsp;and we look forward to hearing all about your adventure on your&nbsp;safe return.&nbsp;</font><font face="Arial" size="2">All the guys and girls from work at Sennybridge</font></div> <p><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Hey Phil, </font></strong><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">Big hugs of power coming at you from me to you.&nbsp; Stay strong and safe hun and don't forget to look around at the beauty of it all. </font></strong><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">LOL&nbsp; Jude x</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="2"></font></strong><br /> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">H and the rest of the team</font> <br /> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Glad to hear that all is progressing well. The blog, photos and videos are great, let's have plenty more. Just wish we could be up there with you.</font> <br /> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Take care and stay safe but most of all enjoy yourselves.</font> <br /> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Aaron and Tina</font> <br /> <font face="sans-serif" size="2">Tubbs and Sweatpea also wish they could be up there with you, doing what little helpers do best!</font> <br /> <br /> <strong><font size="+0"><font id="EC_role_document" face="Arial" color="#000000" size="2">hi dad how are you... the computer is working at last!!!! bet you've missed us!! kel says hello.. Mum is missing u&nbsp;loads and is getting bored so we are trying to keep her occupied.. me and kel have have just got back from florida we saw jude law on the flight and he invited us all to a party in daytona beach.. just read the teams update on the website hope u are well looking 4ward to u coming home... sarah xx (and kel)</font></font></strong> </p> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Morning bro<br /> Just read Daves blog about the yak on the way to the mess tent. Reminds me of the trip to get school dinners except everyone was running in the opposite direction. Camp 1 already, time flies when you&#8217;re having fun and from the photos it looks like everyone is having fun.</span></font>I took great offence to Kims post on the 11<sup>th</sup> calling me a hard working slob. I&#8217;ve never worked hard.<br /> <font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Stay safe and warm.<br /> Gordon</span></font></p> <font face="Times New Roman" size="3"></font><br /> <div class="EC_Section1"> <p class="EC_MsoNormal"><strong><font face="Arial" size="2"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Hi Guys<br /> Loved the pictures of the puja.&nbsp; It is so addictive reading the blog and looking at them. &nbsp;Better than daytime TV!!!!&nbsp; Sounds like you are all beginning to acclimatise now.&nbsp; Take it easy, tune into the rhythm of the mountain and let her be your guide.<br /> And He said to me; &#8220;My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.&#8221;.<br /> 2 Corinthians.<br /> Get some turns!!!<br /> Catherine</span></font></strong></p> </div> <h4>12/9/7</h4> Hi Timmy boy<br /> <br /> Great blog, almost as exciting as the journal I'm being made to keep for my training course at school.&nbsp; You guys climb mountains in extreme conditions, I get to watch trainee teachers and make notes on their progress - so similarly exciting things to write about at the end of the day eh?<br /> <br /> I finally got an internet connection in my flat and downloaded Google Earth to see where you all are - it's amazing terrain.&nbsp; Of course then I went off to find Beaconsfield but could I find our house?&nbsp; I tried to follow the road from the Old Town but then got totally lost - is this route-finding problem a family trait haha!&nbsp; Glad you found depot camp eventually.&nbsp; Meanwhile I've narrowed down the parental home to one of&nbsp; the few without a swimming pool and am looking for signs of dad's tractor...<br /> <br /> Seriously though, the blog continues to be really interesting and entertaining, compliments to all the writers who really bring it alive. <br /> Take care of yourselves up there!<br /> Sophie x<br /> <strong><br /> For the Team<br /> First of all many congratulations on what you have all achieved so far.&nbsp; Awesome achievement.<br /> For Sven, Dave and others who have kept everyone up to date with the blog.&nbsp; Absolutely fabulous;&nbsp; keep up the good work, its so good to have daily news, even though at times it becomes quite emotional for the folks back home.<br /> You are in my thoughts and prayers.&nbsp; Keep safe and well, and as always God speed.<br /> Mae Taylor<br /> </strong><br /> Morning Sven<br /> Hope your keeping your hands warm. Everyone sends there love and best wishes.<br /> I hope your telling the team of the time I had to help you up Dow Crag or that E2 slab at the Roaches that your little bro did that you fell on.<br /> Keep having fun and taking the pictures.<br /> TTFN<br /> Gordon<br /> <br /> <strong>To the team,<br /> Please be aware that Cameron is about to partake in his first 'show and tell' at school on Friday, he is going to talk all about daddy and his friends on 'Sish pagma' mountain!&nbsp; So there is a lot at stake for you all to be looking big and brave on the website so as not to show him up in front of his class please.<br /> I am so pleased to read that all is going well, all of us at home are so proud of the whole team and are daily wishing you the best of luck.&nbsp; Take care all and enjoy the ride.<br /> Kirsty and Cameron<br /> P.S Poppy was very upset about the slight on Daschunds on the blog - he is now sulking!</strong><br /> <br /> Geordie, have just read Monday's blog. I thought Graham said you'd fixed the sat nav. You'd better have another go quick or we shall be sending out search parties. And I won't be coming up the mountain, it's too cold for me.<br /> Graham,<br /> Hope you've recovered from your lethargy. Mum.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hi to the Corps Guys,<br /> Sounds as if you are progressing really well, thanks to your excellent mountain blog!&nbsp; How is the old mountain Hobbit (Andy) getting on, has he started to bore the pants of the team yet with any of&nbsp; his really interesting anecdotes on group dynamics or team bonding?&nbsp; I do hope all the APTC members are doing their bit, sounds as if Phil is going well up at Camp 1,&nbsp; but, have not heard much of Russ or Geordie.&nbsp;&nbsp; All is well back at HQ APTC and everyone is following your progress closely, so keep up the good work and we have our fingers crossed for good weather.&nbsp; Any sign of the two visiting Cols yet, I hope they have made it through the Monsoon in the low lands!<br /> Best Wishes and good progress,<br /> SMAA<br /> Nick Challinor</strong><br /> <br /> <h4>11/9/7</h4> Just thought i'd jot down a few quotes for you all :)<br /> Aim for the top. There is plenty of room there. There are so few at the top it is almost lonely there.<br /> Nothing is too high for a man to reach, but he must climb with care and confidence.<br /> When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.<br /> Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has and always will fuel the spirit of the successful.<br /> The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.<br /> You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.<br /> Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of.<br /> Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.<br /> Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.<br /> It is one of the strange ironies of this strange life that those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest men. When you see a team of men enduring the physical and emotional trials of an Army mountaneering expedition on Shishapangma, don't pity them, don't feel sorry for them. Better envy them instead.<br /> Love,Thoughts'n'Envy Lelly xxx<br /> <br /> <strong>GDT,<br /> Keep smiling mate and stay strong mate. <br /> Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe. --Mark Victor Hansen<br /> Reading the progress, checking out the pictures and wishing you and the team well.<br /> Wul</strong><br /> <br /> Sven April hasn't only got one teacher as you jolly well know, its just that Gordon is a hard working slob and I have knackered my ankle.<br /> Love Kim<br /> <br /> <strong>Hey terry,<br /> I just back from a long week lazying in the sun, in spain with jon, so for once ive got the kick arse tan!! Works going really well getting a very official uniform now so everyone can see who's the boss, and a pay rise{ not like they dont know anyway}. so if your lucky when you get back i might get the tequilas in!! {dont faint}<br /> Jons going uni this week so im moving back to dad's and can stop living out of a bag!! but it does mean i have to put up with the little git at the weekends now!!<br /> How you doing?? enjoying your nice lazy climb??? ha ha<br /> hope your o.k<br /> love you lots<br /> the prettiest of the siblings<br /> shelly<br /> xxxxxxxx<br /> Thinking bout you golden boy xxxx</strong><br /> <br /> To H and Dave.<br /> Thanks for the great updates. No doubt Sven is suffering from writers&#8217; block- it must be the altitude There is definitely a book publishing deal awaiting you all or at least a weekly column in the Telegraph. So good to hear that you have been on skis and negotiated the terrain so well. Well done!<br /> The news of your exploits is spreading far and wide. You have so much support back here and when times are hard just know that we are all thinking of you and willing you on. (and envious of the downhill skiing and views!) Take care.<br /> All the best from Kitty T and family.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sven,<br /> I must admit i was completely un-aware of you literary skills, i'm in shock! Myself and Jim keep our eye on the blog to see where you're at. Hope the cam kit we lent is making the grade so you can bring back some awesome footage.<br /> You'll be pleased to hear that this week Jim is learning how to float and row (there might also be a bit of astro navigation thrown in for good measure!!) for his impending pedelo trip across the oggin to the States.<br /> Fair play to you and the rest of the team. I'm sure you've had your fair share of tight spots but as we both know when you're surrounded by the right people that are focused on the same goal then anything is possible.....it certainly sounds like the team is made up of these people.<br /> "Sun down Seven up"<br /> Mark and all the guys at Seven</strong><br /> <h4>10/9/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Colin<br /> Thanks for the phone call &amp; for your good wishes - it calmed Mum down a bit!!!<br /> We have bought a wee mobility for Gran - she loves it - a bit hairy at times when she takes off at full speed (usually with me galloping after her!&nbsp; I will attempt to send some pics of 'supergran' in action.<br /> Best wishes to all of us for the remainder of the expedition, hope everything goes to plan for all of you.<br /> John</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">tel,i really dont need to come out there &amp; help you out again,your big &amp; ugly enough to do it yourself this time pls stop asking,your friends there might think it odd.x your old dad</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Graeme, how are you all?<br /> just been watching a programme on the mountain range you guys are climbing! apparently the mountain is still growing! Yes growing ... 55 million years ago India split continent ,headed north and collided with Asia! thus creating the mountain range you are all now climbing! now this is not an excuse to stay out there longer , it does not grow that quick!!!<br /> Look forward to getting you home wee man, we all miss you and are so proud of you.<br /> Darren &amp; Emma say Hi , and could be doing with some of that cool air!<br /> Speak to you soon<br /> God speed<br /> Auntie Anne &amp; Uncle Johnxx</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Rimon, well i'm up to 10 mile runs in my training now. Always feel quite pleased with myself until i come back and read your blog when it somehow seems slightly less of an achievement! When you are shivering in the chilly air of shishapagma think of a months time when you will be basking in the spanish sun! looking forward to catching up with you too Colin, keep the photos coming; they really are great, Clairex</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Dear Captain Denton. </strong></font><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>To wish you and the crack team of desperados best of luck on the wild slopes of Mount Shishapangma. We re looking after your girl, she s looking pretty smashing in her combats with shock on blonde wafro sticking out from under her beret. Glad she s here or I'd kill myself. We re thinking of sacking it off and opening a beach bar in Manilla, we ll be very proffessional bar tenders / space cowboys. We re off on broadsword hotdog soon, rock n roll. Seem to be going off topic somehwat, my mind is befuddled from a whole day of lectures.Please come back soon, your silly bint keeps going on about you. If you don't, 11 platoon massive will come and extract you. With our field skills thats a deadly prospect. Sharmone,Officer Cadet Bailey. P.S Dont fall off a precipise, men dont bounce.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">FAO: Nicklas Hallstrom. <br /> All the best of luck Nicklas. <br /> H&#228;lsningar/Regards <br /> Ronny Lembke <br /> Saab Training Systems AB <br /> </font></p> <h4>9/9/7</h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"></font> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Graham, <br /> Don't believe everything Gordon tells you, he does tell lies you know.&nbsp; But it is hard work learning to be a computer buff especially when you only have one teacher, because one is half way up a mountain. Oh and he said bread's gone up but milk's still the same.&nbsp; <br /> I've found the camera. Mum.</strong></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Dad it's Tom here, <br /> I am e-mailing you from Dukes so I hope this one works !!! Mum told me that you got ill and had to come down the mountain, well I hope that you get better very soon.Things here are ok but i'm just getting over the worst of the chest infection I had.Mum told me about the e-mails you sent here and i'm glad to here that you got and enjoyed opening your cards that took me along time to find , me and mum. The food here is ok and the bed is rock hard but i'm sure that I will get over it.Well it has been nice to write this to you.<br /> Tom Sinclair</font></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Phil just logged after our holiday. Lovely words for Luke. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the team, also with Jacqui and Zak. Colin look after Phil he&#8217;s getting on in years now.<br /> Peter &amp; Dee Maddox</strong></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><font color="#000066" size="3">Loving the blog and photography,its awe-inspiring....stay safe,enjoy every breath of it,i have no doubt your efforts will be rewarded with success.....i look forward to that moment for you all<br /> Thoughts and best wishes Lelly xxx</font></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Will<br /> Auntie Barbs is a friend of mine and she sent me here. I am so impressed at what you are all doing, keep going and don't let adversity beat you. Just keep thinking of a pasty and a pint when you get back! The blog really is interesting, much more interesting than the Camborne-Redruth Packet too! Special good wishes to Phil and family, his words were very touching.&nbsp; Best wishes to you all, even though I'm a complete stranger to you.<br /> Nikki</strong></font></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">For All in the Team, </font><font color="#000066" size="3">We watched and prayed for Uisdean and the Makalu Team, w</font><font color="#000066" size="3">e watched and prayed for Dave, Chids, John D. Pete, Ian and all for the West Ridge, a</font><font color="#000066" size="3">nd now we watch and pray for YOU on Shishapangma.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">You are in our minds throughout today and for everyday to come. </font><font color="#000066" size="3">As is our custom all who pass through here will be able to keep up to date with your progress to and from the summit through the Info board and the Shishapangma info. So keep that info coming, it&#8217;s great. And of course we can&#8217;t wait to see little blue moustached Google earth men on the Summit. (What a great Screen shot capture that will be!) </font><font color="#000066" size="3">A couple of messages,</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Geordie &#8211; Get your hair cut (Manu), </font><font color="#000066" size="3">Andy &#8211; Keep your weight forward (guess)</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">And</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Phil &#8211; Wonderful words Phil, our thoughts go with you and your family on your journey. Come home safe. (Steve) </font><font color="#000066" size="3">And for you all,</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Be safe, and let the journey be your greatest achievement, and the summit a part of that journey!</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Stevie Clifford, </font><font color="#000066" size="3">and all at Hubertushaus</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Phil &amp; the rest of the team,</strong> </font><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Phil and team have a good safe journey, watching your progress daily and reading the blog.&nbsp; Phil when you return get in touch.<br /> Regards,Dave Salter<br /> </strong></font></p> <h4>8/7/9</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To everyone involved: What a great informative website. Colin~love the photos. Its a great comfort to me (and everyone left at home, no doubt) to view the blog, photos and satalite link up. Jacqui Maddox</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>How do Leggett im stuck in Aberdeen gutted about going offshore for a week and your on a challenge with allot more to worry about than me how i wish i could be where you are now you lucky suds.&nbsp; I hope everything you are doing is going to plan and that everyone is safe and well, and phill my thoughts are with you and i look forward to you reaching the summit, your a strong man to have done what you have. Oh and il send you some gortex trousere to replace the ones i ripped if you need them :) To all of you good luck and have a safe passage to your summit and on your return.<br /> David Emery</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Dad (Graeme), </font><font color="#000066" size="3">Just a little note to say hello and how&#8217;s u; I hope everything is going well and hope you are getting better from little set back. J Missing you loads dad very different without you here but its going well, schools good just played ruby yesterday it was so great&nbsp; lol haven&#8217;t played it in school for like a year so was good to get bashed around a bit.&nbsp; School Works going good, i am in front of everyone in English and should be able to take the media exam to get that GCSE but sadly very behind in science which isn&#8217;t good hehe I will catch up in the end. So what&#8217;s going on with you lot I saw the pictures of will getting patched up I bet that hurt, say hello for me to everyone I know. I wish you all good luck and I have even got some people at school to look at the website haha. </font><font color="#000066" size="3">Love you loads Dad speak soon, </font><font color="#000066" size="3">Rob xxxx&nbsp; </font></p> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p><br /> <strong>Hello TeamJust perusing your site (address passed on by Kitty) and we're gobsmacked at all the preparation and effort, AND at what you are all about to undertake. Well done, well done!Good luck and we are sure that when you summit every step will have been worth the effort.Take care of yourselves and each other.Rule Britannia! (we just watched The Last Night of The Proms!)Rach and Jim Smith (pals of Kitty, Geordie and their bairns)x </strong></p> </font> <h4>7/9/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Sven. </font><font color="#000066" size="3">In your blog you said you were heaving for breath and suffering under heavy exertion, so was I when I went for a run this morning, keeping fit is hard work.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Keep your spirits high, really jealous.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Don&#8217;t believe Mum its hard graft watching the kids picking up apples.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Your good looking bro.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Terry,<br /> Thanks for the postcard - it arrived today - I didn't think you would remember to send one but it is appreciated.<br /> &nbsp;I will now follow your route - enjoy yourself and take care. I'm sure the team will have a fabulous experience - fly the REME flag!<br /> &nbsp;Best wishes from Marlene and Ken, and everyone from RHQ REME.&nbsp; We will be thinking about you. Talk to you when you return.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi everyone and especially Roger!Hope all is progressing well and that you have all acclimatised so far. Sven's messages are most impressive - we will expect a book to be written!We are in sunny Plymouth this weekend - we are enjoying an "Indian summer" at present!Love and best wishes from Judy, Betsan and John</font></p> <font color="#000066" size="3"></font> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><br /> <strong>Geordie, Phil, Chips, Gav &amp; the team, All the best guys, I will be keeping a close eye on progress and hope all goes well, looking forward to beer and exagerations when you get back.Dick Gale </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Maddog Philip from the &#8220;Outlaws&#8221;. You know you can do it, we are willing you on. Shall I send a Catheter then you can take the Diamox AND Sleep.Your Y chromosome will not let you down! From J &amp; D.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><br /> <strong>Hey,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I hope that the trip is going well!!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> I received a press release from you guys before the trip and have made it a small article on our website which will be updated as I follow your progress.<br /> All I can say is good luck &amp; i hope that the trip is successfull!&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Jayney Colquhoun. Base Camp Group</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Captain Rogers (aka &#8216;Timmeh 2 Pints&#8217;, &#8216;The long lost Green Brother&#8217; or &#8216;Garry&#8217;!) Hello old boy &#8211; thought I&#8217;d finally get round to sending you a personal message. Been having a browse through the website and it looks fan-bloody-tastic! A little disappointed you didn&#8217;t mention the Les Deux Alpes Expedition though. Surely eating a whole raclette and then still managing to pull out the &#8216;lawnmower&#8217; at the Yeti bar is a highlight of&nbsp; your extreme alpine experiences?! Reading the blog it sounds quite familiar&#8230;crippling headaches, dodgy guts, lack of sleep and general sickness. Only difference is that we&#8217;ve normally been out on the town the night before! Anyway &#8211; just wanted to wish you and the lads all the best for the rest of the expedition. There&#8217;s nothing better than sitting in my dull Westminster office on a Monday morning reading about your latest adventure so keep up the good work and be sure to get an amusing summit picture for your facebook account!Cheers&#8230;Will </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Graeme and team,</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Thank you for the latest instalments and the photos are marvellous-award winning stuff and obviously and budding partnership in the offing of photographer(s) and travel writer(s). Being able to picture where you are and read of your adventures is a great inspiration and comfort to us who miss our loved ones and feel for all the rest. So a big thank you.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Phil- the beard is amazing! Grace said &#8216;who&#8217;s that monkey man?, &#8217;</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Keep safe and look after each other as I know you will. You are a wonderful team.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Leaving you with this:</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>&#8216;I&nbsp; will lift mine eyes unto the hills: from whence cometh my strength, </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>My help cometh even from the Lord who hath made heaven and earth.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:and he that keepeth thee shall not sleep.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Behold, he shall neither slumber nor sleep.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>The Lord himself is the keeper :the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand;</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>So that the sun shall not burn the by day: neither the moon by night.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in&#8230;..&#8217;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Psalm 121)</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Kitty T x</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi David<br /> Best of luck and keep safe from all in Ballinamore&nbsp;<br /> Pj, Mary, Michelle &amp; Lisa <br /> &nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong>Hi Davey<br /> &nbsp;<br /> Good luck from your auld Gran!! xx</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Gaven, </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">How you doing not seen you for years its your cousin David Thomas now living in Scotland. My Dad showed me the web site&#8230;.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Take Care&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dave </font></p> <h4>6/9/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Roger, Judy suggested that I send you a 'rude message'. I will refrain - other than to offer my sympathies to anyone who's trying to sleep within snoring range! Just a brief note to say how much Alison and I are looking forward to seeing you, healthy and well we hope, at your 121 in November. Best wishes.Rob Winwood.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Sven - Msg from Catherine - she can't get thru to you on the e mails, for reason unknown - has been trying hard to !&nbsp; (Message from&nbsp;Webmaster - Sven, I'll contact and sort this, Jonjo)&nbsp; Allwell this end. She is sitting an exam on Advanced Trauma tomorrow&nbsp; (not from personal experience I fee sure !)&nbsp; Hope all is going well and that your extremeties are as warm as is possible.&nbsp; We are all thinking of you and the team - good luck&nbsp; and God Bless&nbsp; Sue</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>GDT<br /> Aye Aye Matey,<br /> Reading all the blogs and enjoying the photos, see your camera shy - there is a first.&nbsp; This is what the training is all about, absorb it all while you can - you are doing something remarkable that other will only read books about and dream about.&nbsp; Keep it real.&nbsp; Until later, take care<br /> Wul</strong></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To my team mates,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">I&#8217;m missing being with you lads, more and more so on reading your excellent blog, Sven, and thinking of what adventures I might have shared with you all. Found a good quote in that book you gave me, Geordie:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">&#8220;He did not say:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You shall not be tempest-tossed,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You shall not be weary,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You shall not be discomforted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">But He said,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">You shall not be overcome.&#8221; Julian Of Norwich 14<sup>th</sup> century</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Take care of yourselves and each other, I&#8217;m looking forward to the party when you get back!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Phil</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Sven. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Loving the blogs Bro. Although I don&#8217;t remember big words in the beano.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hope all the team are well after the trek to ABC and Raj wont have much to do.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Your drive in sounds like a trip to the Roaches with Rob driving. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Take it easy. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Can&#8217;t wait for the photos of you lot on the Mountain. </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gordon</span></strong></p> <h4>5/9/7</h4> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hello Team,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Great to hear from you and know that you are all safe and well. &nbsp;As always, take care and enjoy every minute. Life here is a world away. Same old politics, bad news but good weather. You are missing nothing but your loved one&#8217;s (and even they are worth it) </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Russ</strong>- thanks for getting a grip of the driver as only you could. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Sven</strong> and others- the blogs are fantastic. Thank you. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Shisha Pangma is waiting to welcome you. Treat her as you would a woman and you will return better men. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">All the best. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Kitty T</span></p> <h4><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">Best wishes from all staff and pupils at Mount Airey School. Bramwell has settled&nbsp;in&nbsp;at school&nbsp;'full time' school.</span></h4> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: navy">Re: Blog Sept 5:<br /> Heaving for breath, Heavy exertion, lack of sleep - did you say you had to be male to cope with this? Sounds like labour to me.</span></h4> <h4><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">H and the rest of the team<br /> Glad to hear all is well. We hope you are all well and have settled into the job at hand. The hard work and planning you have all put in is now paying dividends. <br /> The blog is great and the photos allow us a glimpse of what you are all enjoying, keep them coming. Great stuff.<br /> Take care <br /> Aaron and Tina</span></h4> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hiya Sven</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Your Grooms speech had better be as good as your blog, but you will be limited to only five minutes, like the Oscars. We have a cunning plan to extract your fav aunt(with hat) to rendez vous at the location of your choice, time and date to be arranged. This will be done with minimum fuss and no pressure on A &amp; B as they have their mission to complete. Will promise that any protests from said Aunt will be censored and that there is no room for manoeuvre. However Eileen wishes us to send her regards for a pleasant day out. Stephen is home r&amp;r next week so will show him the incredible and informative website. Keep up the blog, will recommend you all to the Nobel Prize for Literature team, and where can I buy the book.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Stay safe all of you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Love and best wishes Kim,Andrew and team.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hola Sven</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hope your all well this morning.Mum is giving me daily updates on your progress despite me also having web access. Downloaded Google Earth for her to watch you in pictures.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Pat and Len send there best too.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Ali started high school today, Makes me feel old (insert own punchline). </span></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">TTFN</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">The bald twin</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi Andy, I have been thinking of you all and&nbsp;have a poem for the climbers!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Mountaineers learn what primitive man knows instinctively,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">That the mountains are the abode of the dead,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">And to travel in the high country,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Is not not merely to risk death,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">But to risk understanding it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">(Unknown poet)</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Warm regards and be safe.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Glyn Sheppard</span></p> <h4>4/9/7</h4> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi everyone, we hope that you are settled and are as comfortable as can be. We love the blog and the photos are amazing. Poor Will at least he will have a good story to tell the grandchildren! To Richard it was lovely to hear your voice and Nik laughing in the<br /> background. Bram had a great first day as a fulltimer at school and says that he loves you and can he be a mountaineer too. Erica looks out the window for you<br /> coming home. We hope you aren't torturing everyone with your harmonica, maybe your Ozzy personation might be more entertaining. Its not long now, we are counting the days to the summit atempt. Love Carleen,<br /> Bramwell and Erica xxx</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hello Will</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Greetings from sunny Cornwall - yes, summer has arrived at long last!!&nbsp; Am&nbsp;enjoying&nbsp;the blog - much more interesting than the West Briton!</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Good luck to you all - am very proud of you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Lots of love,&nbsp; Aunty Barbs</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Geordie &amp; the squad<br /> Glad the initial training has gone well-hope the rest of the 'stroll' goes just as well, sdon't believe Wullie about the Troodos - even I beat him to the top &amp; I'm 60+-only joking of course. Heads &amp; hearts up-the top is almost in sight.<br /> Pat &amp; Bob</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Geordie, Andy, Phil, Russ &amp; Chips its good to read on the Blogs that things are going well.&nbsp; I wish you all the best of luck for the expedition, enjoy every moment.&nbsp; PS, Advise all the&nbsp;members of your team not to&nbsp;place any bets with Chips about skiing!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Best Wishes to You All</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Russ Reid</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Niklas.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hey Niklas soy juanra el vasco loco de Bilbao? Que tal va todo? He estado en el Broad Peak, en la cima el 20 de Julio. Mike estuvo en el Gasherbrum 1 y tambi&#233;n ha hecho cima. Kinga no s&#233;.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Mucha suerte en el Shisha y saca buenas fotos. Lo m&#225;s seguro es que el a&#241;o que viene vayamos ha esa monta&#241;a.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Saludos.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Juanra</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">To Uncle Sven</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are back at school tomorrow so we will be bragging about are uncle climbing a mountain. Remember to keep warm and don&#8217;t eat any yellow snow. Alex and Patrick</span></strong></p> <h4>3/9/7</h4> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Graham</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Gordon had the easy bit picking the fruit. The hard work started when he left it on my doorstep. Had an interesting Saturday evening with Sandra and Derek!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I said I was going to have a look at the map this afternoon and Bill had a wallet attack, but he'll get over it. Are you keeping them all on their toes, or is it the other way round.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mum</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi Philip</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">The Outlaws say Hi and hope all is well with you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Lots of love to you, Jacqui X</span></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Roger,</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We hope that you &amp; the team are having a great time &amp; that conditions are fine for you. Diane &amp; I are thrilled to receive invitation from you &amp; Judy for "The "121" Party on Friday, 9th November.&nbsp; It sounds great - Ceilidh Band &amp; all!!!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Stay fit to take lead part in every dance.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Best wishes from Trevor &amp; Diane</span></strong></p> <h4><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: navy">GDT<br /> Things are going smoothly it seems - good that the camp is almost in place and I know the work really started a few years ago but it is this moment that you have been working towards - get the camps and the next step is the summit. Good luck doesn't <br /> just cut it anymore. But I wish you and the team the very best of British.<br /> More quotes and jokes to keep moral up soon.</span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: #444444"><br /> <br /> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 11pt; color: navy">Wul</span></h4> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Richard, after chatting to 2 chaps last week while I was out on a henite, it turned out that they were based in Colerne around the time that you were there. Both have been ski instructors and one of which was also involved in a mountain climb &#8211; can&#8217;t remember which as had too many glasses of wine! &#8211; small world, eh? But he asked me to ask you about &#8216;The Quiet&#8217; and what it&#8217;s like! I hope it&#8217;s all going well and we&#8217;ve been looking at the blog every other day and it&#8217;s brilliant! Also, the pic of you praying is fab! Take care, Byeee, Carina.</span></strong></p> <h4>2/9/7</h4> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hi everyone,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">having a great giggle reading about all your exploits, apart from the leeches and the altitude, I am actually quite jealous.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Hawth,&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">We are all missing you lots, Cameron tells everyone who will listen (and a lot who won't) that daddy is in kathmandu climbing&nbsp;rocks on skis up a mountain and when he falls over his friends will pull him out (think he is confused with you falling over Russ?).&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Poppy is sulking and just to really make you feel better, you have escaped his ruptured crutiate and a &#163;700 vets bill - poppy doesn't mind,&nbsp;I seem to have forgotten his diet while he is poorly.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Missing you loads, and can't wait to see you for our anniversary in Kathmandu.</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">Kiz</span></p> <h4><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy">Hi Rimon,<br /> I have a big apology. I have been sending emails and reading the blog but only found this message board after Sven mentioned it on the blog, sorry! I hadn't forgotten about you, far from it in fact (sorry, had to make you get <br /> bashful and blush if all the others have had their turn ;-) Definitely need to be slightly less incompetent on a computer! Really glad to hear everything is going well. I'm so envious of your trek and the time in Kathmandu; it <br /> sounds and looks amazing. I wish i could have been there too although would definitely have to leave the next few weeks to you guys! Hope you are having a great time, <br /> Claire x</span></h4> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Geordie T, Andy, Russ, Phil, Team etc....</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Just bumped into your website----- fantastic, I will check in daily for the next daily&nbsp;update.&nbsp; All the very best on the hill.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial">Mat Larsson-Clifford</span></p> <h4>1/9/7</h4> <font color="#000066" size="3"> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Hello&nbsp;Graham-&nbsp;We are v. impressed with your description of the trek and previous blogs -and&nbsp; VMT for D's bday card and message inside - a lovely quote.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>We both wish you and the Team the very best of weather,&nbsp; and "underfoot "conditions,&nbsp; and hope&nbsp; you have counted the right number of choccy bars !! We shall be seeing your house and garden, and will gather the harvest , in between, hopefully ,making progress with Future Plans w/end of 13/14 Sept with Catherine&nbsp;&nbsp;We are thinking of you all and wish you all Godspeed "up the hill"&nbsp; S and D</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">HELLO DADDY (Goerdie to everyone else but Mum and Grandma)</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">I have just seen your photo in the gallery. You look funny but I thought you would have a beard. I liked the pictures of the children. I want to play with them. Can you bring me back a monkey? You might spill curry on your sleeping bag. Alex is doing a lot of climbing too! Here&#8217;s Mummy:</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">Thinking of you all this morning with a skip in my heart. Here goes! GOOD LUCK to all of you special people. Take care and please keep the pictures coming if you can. They are wonderful. So proud and a little envious. </span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">&nbsp;Love and thoughts</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">Kitty T.</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">P.S for ANDY. Try &nbsp;the marmalade on the leeches. </span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>To Sven</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Morning Bro, its Sunday morning and I am working, well I am at work but letting the staff do&nbsp;the graft (its tuff being the boss).&nbsp;I have been wearing the hat you gave me. Better make yourself free for some climbing when you get back as my head torch has not seen any action lately, and I want to hear all about your walk. I mowed the lawns and collected the fruit, your so lucky to have a good brother like me, and me you.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Stay safe and enjoy every day. Good luck to the rest of the team to.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Gordon</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">To the team,<br /> Glad to hear you are all getting on well and having a laugh. I hope everything continues to run smoothly. Well done Will with the head bashing, it was always going to happen, someone had to do it first! You will obviously have to twist the story into something slightly more heroic on your return!</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial">Terry, Am off to the lakes today, with a small (!!) detour to Cambridge to do some relative bashing. I don&#8217;t think Ex Winde Cadet is going to be particularly arduous or dangerous. I am taking 700ml of fine polish vodka and a cricket bat after all.<br /> Looking forward to seeing some great pictures of the views and your silly umbrella.<br /> All my love,<br /> kirstie (monster) thompson</span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Looks like you are all having a fantastic time, some of you more than others seem to be discovering more of the medical services available to you at short notice...?&nbsp; Keep safe guys and keep the blogs up to date as they are making great reading.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial"><strong>Monkey</strong></span></p> </font> <h4>31/8/7</h4> <p>Hi guys, we are following progress.&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a good trip, push the limits and be safe.&nbsp;&nbsp; I watched some Austrian extreme skiers in Alaska on the TV doing some steep slopes and thought of you.&nbsp;&nbsp; All the best.<br /> Henry<br /> Mr. Henry W Branigan MBE<br /> <br /> <strong>To the team<br /> Thanks for rescuing Will and bringing him back safely.<br /> We always expect him to use his head, but not for rock-breaking.<br /> We are glad that he is fit to continue.<br /> Still following your progress every day.<br /> We hoped you would leave the rain in England.<br /> Mum and Dad (Brant)</strong><br /> <br /> Lovely chap (ie Terry, though I am sure you are all lovely)<br /> Message from Lulu, she says good luck with the climb (Ill explain the fact <br /> your skiing later) she has been calling the mountain shittypanga. May be she <br /> needs to stop having tea parties with mental patients.<br /> I asked matt if he had any messages and he said 'hurry up' he doesnt want to <br /> be the substitute for hugs anymore!<br /> I have seen some photos, view amazing, and yes your umbrella is very big and <br /> very gay.<br /> Am glad that monopoly is such a success, especially seeing as you stole it <br /> from me. was a present from Mad claire (she went to Uganda last night with <br /> Doug).<br /> krusty, lulu and matt<br /> <br /> <strong>Tim and the Team,<br /> The blog is brilliant &#8211; entertaining and informative! Tim, you always were a fiend at Monopoly!<br /> Best of luck to all as you now enter Tibet and see Shisha Pangma. May your collective skills, judgement and determination get you all safely up and down again! Thanks to the amazing satellite link we&#8217;ll be following you!<br /> God bless you all in this endeavour,<br /> Dad</strong><br /> <br /> GDT<br /> Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life -- facing new challenges, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources a gainst the unknown and in the process, discovering our own unique potential.<br /> John Amatt organizer and participant in Canada's first successful expedition to the summit of Mt Everest.<br /> Wul<br /> </p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>GDT,<br /> Again no jokes - bet you are glad.<br /> Tell you what though I don't know what all the fuss is about, I climbed to the top of troodos the other day (a massive 1850m - I'll have you know).&nbsp; And that was with my still dodgey ankle from Spain.&nbsp; But believe me I had a wee bead of sweat on.&nbsp; I reckon if I was to do that 5 times, then I will be on a par with you - what do you think?&nbsp; Fair play I started my walk at about 1500m though. (wasn't going to mention that).<br /> Just been reading up on your weeks work - glad things are going to plan, look after Brains the Corps don't like damaged goods!!!&nbsp; I'm sure the leeches are staying away from you, blood from stone comes to mind ya tight git.&nbsp; Chances of them feeding from you - they know they they'll be lucky to get a meal out off you. lol<br /> Noticed the moon state the other day, gave you a thought when I was tucking into my 3 Keo.<br /> Remain safe and keep strong,<br /> Wul</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Chips, Russ and Colin, </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">All the best boys, will be watching from sunny Wagga Wagga Australia. Been great to have worked with you whilst in the UK. Looking forward to more adventures with you guys soon. Take care.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">CPL Chris Ruskin </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Graeme and all.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Wonderful and humbling to read of your experiences. We are following every step with anticipation of what is to come. The bubbly is already in the fridge but I cannot promise it won&#8217;t be popped before the summit bid. I may try an &#8216;acclimatisation to champagne&#8217; night before hand.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Andy- try the marmalade&nbsp; on the leeches !!!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Sven- I am trying to find you a suitable literary agent. Keep up the prose!</strong></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000066" size="3">G- sending all our love and thoughts. Grace is very worried about curry spilling on your sleeping bag. Alex has started to walk and climb with a vengeance. He certainly has covered a few thousand feet of ascent since you left. No injuries so far.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Kitty T.xxxxxx</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Eyup Chaps<br /> Sounds like your acclimatisation is going well - not sure about the 'tombstoning' into Rivers tricks though.<br /> Geordie - I'm getting through the choc biccies!!<br /> Take the bad days with the good and enjoy.<br /> Best of luck<br /> Martin (Mountain Equipment)<br /> Martin Dixon </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hello Niklas!</strong></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000066" size="3">Now when you soon are comming to the real mountains it&#180;s time for you to show the Englishmen how we are skiing in Sweden.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Good luck to all of You!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Father</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><br /> To Andy and all on the team,<br /> All the very best wishes, looking forward to seeing the summit pictures!!<br /> Andy, now you've left the shire, I hope you didn't forget the ring!!!&nbsp; Life here is good;&nbsp; Alex came first in the Junior Ostwestfalen Golf championships at Sennelager and is 2 points off his handicap.&nbsp; BVB Dortmund finally got 3 points in the Bundesliga and my daughter loves her new job so all is looking good!!!&nbsp; John H has taken your place in the morning cycling club and is getting his MTB dirty!!<br /> All the best Len, Yvonne, Stephanie and Alex</font></p> <h4>30/8/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Fellas,&nbsp; now don&#8217;t go giving Sven any more excuses to get the needles out!!&nbsp; Though I am sure your beauty is still intact, Brainless, oops, Will.&nbsp; And remember, nobody ever fell on the crux move&#8230;well&#8230;ok, loads more fall over the honey bucket at the back of the tent. Keep your wits about you and the honey in the appointed place!!!&nbsp;&nbsp; Catherine xxx</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Geordie&#8230;. </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">The phrase "id climb a mountain for a canny bag of tudor" the little paper boy in the advert when the lift is broken at the flats, in the adverts from home sprung to mind as I read the many well wishes and testimonials that have been left for you and your team.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Seems you&#8217;re the man with the right team, am sat in the office in Brunei and my PTI's from 1 RGR are describing in detail just what your going through, seems an amazing acheivement from the planning to actually doing it for real</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Only know you and Phil from the team so all the best and I will check the blog daily to see how your doing. </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Take Care and God speed </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Success, Safety and Glory to you all </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">John </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">WO2 (QMSI) JP COSTELLO APTC </font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000066" size="3">T&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Good luck to you and the rest of the team.everyone is thinking about you every step of the way and willing you onlooking forward to photos, cant even imagine how awesome the views must bei love you and i miss you terribly, come back safely&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your monsterxxxx</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Terry,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Enjoy the trip you jammy git! Just a quick message to say good luck really and let you all know that life for everyone back in working Bn&#8217;s is a daily fight to remain positive whilst climbing over our own mountain of paperwork! Staff work rules and you all know it! (I hope this brings you some solace whilst you are away)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">I&#8217;ve just got some photo&#8217;s of our surf trip at Newgale and basically you look a little stupid prancing around on the beach with a cricket bat! No change there really.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">I hope you spanked loads of cash in Kathmandu and that none of you get the s**ts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Dave Toland</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">P.S. &#8211; Is that the same Will Brant that was at SEAE a couple of years back?&nbsp; Twice round his beautiful body&nbsp; - GO!!! Good luck regardless and nice to see you finally got away on a big trip.</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Colin<br /> We're enjoying the daily blog (getting through a rain forest printing it out for Mum &amp; Gran).&nbsp; Good job the leech didn't bite - poor wee beggar could have got blood poisoning!!)<br /> Bit of exciting news for you - I popped the question a couple of nights ago - she said yes.&nbsp; Looking at late June/early July '08 for the wedding - hope you approve.<br /> John</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>To Geordie and all the team<br /> An outstanding achievement getting the team to the start line on this fantastic adventure.&nbsp; Hope everyone has survived contact with the Zangmu - Nylam experience and avoided attacks from the dog packs, ski sticks and a few well aimed bricks were useful weapons.&nbsp; The Nylam bathhouse is a pleasure not to be missed if you can ignore the mass of yak hair in the plug hole, the luxury of a hot soak should not be bypassed.&nbsp; I wish you all the very best during your initial acclimatisation phase and trek into base camp.&nbsp; I will be keeping a vigil on your progress.<br /> Stay safe and healthy.<br /> Kevin Edwards JSMTC</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Will a.k.a "HeadBanger", Please do not earn any more nick names the hard way!!&nbsp; Are you going to post a picture of your stitches? <br /> Be careful.&nbsp; We are following your progress every day from CT, USA. <br /> Good luck and enjoy. <br /> Love, Aunty Jean </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Rimon<br /> Hope you have a good day today and well acclimatized. Best wishes and best of luck to the team.<br /> mum, dad and kei</strong></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000066" size="3">Timmy boy!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">It&#8217;s making me tired just reading the blog, I think you&#8217;re all amazing.&nbsp; Much easier to sit around in Milano drinking espresso in the sunshine - which is what I shall be doing come the weekend (29 degrees there, oh yes!).&nbsp; Will also go out for a few cheeky aperitivi and toast your health.&nbsp; Take care of yourself little brother, stay safe and enjoy every step of the way.&nbsp; You and the team are in my prayers daily. God bless, love Sophie xx</font></strong></p> <h4>29/8/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Best wishes and good luck to all the team.&nbsp; In particular my regards to Rimon, Sven and Geordie.&nbsp; </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Rimon &#8211; I&#8217;ve finally got some time off to pursue some more modest objectives in the Alps next week and then I&#8217;ll be waiting for the first Scottish snow so you can show me some mixed classiques in the northern corries when you get back! Oh, and I&#8217;m going to learn to ski properly this winter so you can show me some extreme tricks. This summer&#8217;s monsoon has hampered my rock climbing objectives.</font><font color="#000066" size="3">&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Ta</font><font color="#000066" size="3">ke care&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><font color="#000066" size="3">Alex Tomczynski</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Ay oop bruv (aka Will)</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Glad the trek went ok and you are back safely. </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>The blog and photos are great. Kathmandu looks absolutely amazing. I hope you guys are going to keep it up whilst on the mountain!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Just want to wish you and all the team the greatest of luck for the ski/climb up Shishapangma and back down again. I&#8217;m so jealous. Just look after yourselves and come back uninjured. Enjoy the view from the top.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Love you loads, Janey x</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>PS: Nathan sends his best wishes, and all my new colleagues send good luck for you, I&#8217;ve got them all asking for updates on your progress every day!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Buena suerte!</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">hi g/ wee man<br /> &nbsp;<br /> hope everything is okay tell all team hi<br /> &nbsp;<br /> glasgow sunny today darren emma say `allo doon the blower fae dubai&nbsp; big stewart has joined the 21st century and is now online so i`ll get him to share some of his sick sense of homour with you .....be very afraid ha ha ha<br /> all the guys at the garage say hi de hi and wish that they were there with you anythings better than working with j.t the slavedriver <br /> P.S&nbsp; i`ve sent links to Canada<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; bye uncle john (dltracing.co.uk)</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Will Good luck - take plenty of photos. Regards Tony &amp; Chris</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Dear Geordie,<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just a short message to wish you all the very best, it was good to meet up again at the launch.&nbsp; If I were being led by you on this exped I would have a very good feeling. You have always been a great leader and a Mentor to me so I have no doubt your team will be very successfull.&nbsp; "Keep safe and bring the memories home" (by the way the mackems lost in the carling cup to Luton 3-0)<br /> Jamie.<br /> </font></p> <h4>28/8/7</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hi Graham<br /> Popped down to Tesco's today, sausages on a special deal, 6 for the price of 8.&nbsp; Am a bit tired now so thinking of having a cup of cocoa and an early night.&nbsp; Don't want to overdo it after all.<br /> Cheers<br /> Ed (friend of Catherine's.....she's fine by the way, but a bit tired....)</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Graham<br /> Heard you had a copy of Bride's magazine with you on your gentle walk in the mountains.&nbsp; What kind of a man are you?!<br /> Ed</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>To Sven and the rest of the team.</strong></font><font color="#000066" size="3"><br /> <strong>Good to hear you reached Katmandu safely. </strong><strong>Can anyone shed any light on who is masquerading for Sven as the blogs are quite interesting, ha ha ha.</strong><strong>Good luck for the next stage of the trip bro.</strong><strong>That surrogate brother you left me is rubbish.<br /> Ali &amp; Patrick send there love<br /> Stay safe brother.<br /> Gordon</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi GDT,<br /> sorry we missed your call prior to your departure. good luck on the climb and a safe trip back down. We will be thinking of you and your family whilst supping a beer or two at vanfest 07<br /> best wishes <br /> jez and helen</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Hallo lieber Schwiegersohn !<br /> Ich bin etwas traurig, dass ich dir nicht Aufwiedersehen und gute Wuensche fuer dein Vorhaben persoenlich mit auf den Weg geben konnte.<br /> Ich bitte dich herzlich, achte auf deine Gesundheit, den du hast eine fantastische Frau und einen ganz tollen Sohn! Komme bitte heile wieder zurueck.<br /> Alles Gute, Papa</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">Hi Colin<br /> Hope all is well with you and that the expedition is going to plan.&nbsp; Take care &amp; all the best - have a great time.<br /> Mum, Gran &amp; John.<br /> PS.&nbsp; Gran has been having expeditions of her own on the borrowed mobility scooter - actually got her into town - bit 'hairy' at times but she loved it.&nbsp; We are looking round for one to buy her for an early Xmas pressie. </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>To Colin (SB) lol&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> Told ya i'd be thinkin of ya the whole time n i always keep to my word ;). Hope all is goin well n i'm lookin forward to the next blog entry. Be good'n'take care,lotsa luv'n'stuff Lelly xxx<br /> </strong></font></p> <h4>27/8/07</h4> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Graham Hassall ,Best wishes and good luck to you for a fantastic expedition. From Leanne, Robert, Karan and David Porter and Dennis and Alma Bloor. xx (relatives)<br /> </font><font color="#000066" size="3"><br /> <strong>To Andy ( no description needed )&nbsp;<br /> Just got results back from school for R.S. I got an 'A' !!&nbsp;<br /> if you have missed it there is a message from Rhonda farther below!<br /> Ben </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Andy ( the podgy one with hobbit feet)<br /> Hey Papa! Tried out the golf shoes which are great, and have nearly got my handicap probably in the next few days.Amsterdam was amazing !! I could imagine you trying to live in one of those house boats ha!P.S. Mama has brought half of Amsterdam back with her, its probably the car we can thank for that!See you after.Ben (your son(who is 15)) </font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>To Graham Hassall ,Best wishes and good luck to you for a fantastic expedition. From Leanne, Robert, Karan and David Porter and Dennis and Alma Bloor. xx (relatives)</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3">To Colin<br /> Have a wicked time up on the hill, will be thinking of you. Just make sure you come home safe so I can be your belay bunny again :) Sarah xxx</font></p> <p><font color="#000066" size="3"><strong>Phil,<br /> Exactly what part of "PUT YOUR BOOTS ON AND GET UP THAT HILL YOU SCREAMER!!" don't you understand!&nbsp; Jack has progressed from the boulder room to the wall now, so alls good in sausage land.&nbsp; Please see photo. Have a good one!Mik,Lyz&amp;Jak.</strong></font></p> <h4>26/8/07</h4>