If my morale can be measured like a thermometer, it will hover around where it all began; the mercury bulb…
I had missed out on the final acclimitisation cycle to Camp 2, and that happened because I had vomitted my breakfast before moving out for the climb…
Strangely enough, I had been feeling strong the night before and was feeling good before the mixture of 2 cups of milo, 2 slices of cheese and one packet of oreo biscuits decided to come out on its own.
Cause of vomitting was unknown (on hindsight: I have decided to forsake cheese as part of my high altitude food) and it was decided that it would be better for me to descend than to carry on with the ardous long climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 that day…
That evening, Kim Boon came back with the shocking news that one of the chinese expedition’s climbing schedule consisted of only acclimitising up to Camp 1 and then they will go for the summit bid…Joanne also shared later that she had read that some expeditions only acclimitise up to Camp 1. The rationale was to conserve the physcial strength as much as possible, coz anything above 6200m, the body will no longer acclimitise but instead will deteriorate…and our Camp 1 is already 6400m.
So, I am now classified to be under the special chinese acclimitisation schedule which is Camp 1 and then summit bid…
Even so, I cannot help but feel worried that this change of acclimitisation plan will upset my chances of a successful summit….
Nevertheless, I am trying very hard to keep my spirits up. Eating and resting as much as I can while I am in Nyalam..
Focusing on each section of the climb, keeping my fingers crossed that I will stay strong and make it to the summit.
Having served as an Army officer with the Singapore Armed Forces for 16 years, Peh Gee has displayed exceptional tenacity and courage in a traditionally male-dominated occupation, and has accumulated a string of accolades to her name. Read more about Peh Gee.