Nicholas Mullineux
Head of Equipment Logistics
| Age | 29 |
| Role | Head of Equipment Logistics |
| Day Job | Surveyor |
| Match Team | Tenzing |
Nick has gone from high level competitive rower to round-the-world yachtsman and now mountaineer.
"For our honeymoon my wife Philippa and I climbed Kilimanjaro (5895m). A few months before we trekked up Mauna Kea in Hawaii (4,265m)".
"I tested my resilience continually as Watch Leader onboard Nova Scotia Clipper in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race, and built a good reputation for never getting rustled or letting emotions, catastrophe or boredom affect either myself or those around me".
"My role on this expedition as manager of the Central Equipment Logistics Team will be tough, with almost 500kg of equipment to go from London up to Gorak Shep at 5165m, the majority of it carried on foot. Nonetheless, I can't wait to get up there."
Updates
Day 6
I was woken at 6am today with the sound of screeching instruments and drums. We had been invited to the morning prayer taken by Buddist Monks at Tengboche Monastery. It was great to experience some culture as an alternative to the amazing views we had been treated to. Todays walk ended up being 8 hours, and by the time of our arrival in Dingboche everyone was exhausted, and a number were experiencing some form of AMS. The temperatures have noticably dropped, particularly out of the sun, and the terrain has changed to barren stone and gravel. Reports from a trekker decending is that Gorak Shep gets to below -20°C in the evenings. We had better now prepare ourselves for extremes. We all had a talk from the medics last night to reinforce the potential risks.
Day 5
Waking to a pristine view of Ama Dablem from our window we prepared for our trek across the valley to Tengboche. The trail was the most beautiful so far and at the end of the steep climb we were rewarded with the clearest views of Everest and Lhotse. The acclimitisation day yesterday has ensured we are all in good spirits and fit for the remaining days.
Day 3
With promise of an easier day today and a view of Everest in the offing, it was bound to be a good day. However, we left Namche Bazaar via a very steep incline and the difficulties of the day before took its toll. For some, a lack of appetite and dehydration forced some to turn back and have an extra day in Namche Bazaar - a stark reminder of the affects of altitue despite of the level of training that we've done. The views again were amazing and the extent of the settlements have really surprised me - especially as it's all had to be carried up.
Day 2
Breakfast portions were a little mean this morning, but I nonetheless managed to get through a pretty tough day without too many problems. The morning trail was beautifull and really enjoyable. In the afternoon it all changed, and we rose from 2750m up to 3450m in about 2hrs. A few people started to feel the strains of the altitude rise and steep incline. I'm keeping myself completely hydrated to remain in the best condition I can be. We inventoried all the equipment this evening with no 'wandering' items so all good on the equipment front.
Day 1
After some dozy 4am bus loading we left Kathmandu with all equipment 'checked in' and took the most scenic 30min flight I've ever been on. With us weaving between mountains at 12500ft, Everest came in to view in the distance, with a howling wind evident by the cloud on the lee side - a truly awe inspiring moment. The landing was just as impressive on a runway with a worrying gradient. By 7am we were in Lukla, but the remaining kit took 5 hours and about 6 planes before all was accounted for. The porters are doing an amazing job and certainly putting us to shame. Great day.
Live Tracking Last updated on 06 02 12 @ 10:23:03
Tracking technology provided by Nokia Sports Tracker