Using good judgement…. failure to make summit

October 28, 2012   

Up at midnight breakfast and then departed at 1am. The ascent was up large boulder/scree slope about 900m with the snow fall and bright full moon I didn’t even use my head torch. I started struggling with breathing and forced myself to crampon point to watch the sun rise and wish everyone well on the glacier and fixed lines. I was jealous of them moving out onto the glacier and the summit was looking so close. A quick cry, vomit, coughing fit and then watching the most amazing sunrise. I turned around and headed down with Hermanta one of our sherpa climbing guides.


The view from Island Peak of Ama Dablam which the head guide Jon will be climbing a few weeks later.

I turned around at 6000m and Claire at 6100m the rest of the team made it the last 200m to summit. I failed to reach as I was vomiting and coughing up from another chest infection like Aconcaqua. It was the right decision to turn around but I hate failure it is an emotion I rarely experience. The journey to the mountain has been amazing and this country is stunningly beautiful so two more days to Lukla and I will write more.

 

11 Responses to “Using good judgement…. failure to make summit”

  1. Jo October 29th, 2012 at 3:32 am

    Hi Ash,

    Hope you are starting to feel better.

    The journey among the high peaks looks beautiful. It must also have been interesting to learn more about the Himalayan Range.

    Glad you took a sensible route when compromised at serious altitude.

    All the best, Jo

  2. Harry October 29th, 2012 at 3:43 am

    You are an amazing women, and we are all very proud of you. Your trek to Island Peak sounded breath taking, and making it to the summit ridge was an awsome accomplishment. Suzanne and I admire your courage and look forward to seeeing you when you return to Marin. Travel safe.

  3. mum and dad October 29th, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Mousie,
    We are so glad you are safe, please take care of yourself, your body
    doesn’t like heights, love mum and dad

  4. Sharman October 29th, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Hope you are feeling better Ash, you made the right decision. Know it must have been frustrating for you. So proud of you, you’re still a super hero in my book. xoxo Sharman

  5. Bill and Alice October 29th, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Glad you’re safe, Ashley. Great pictures of a phenomenal trip. We’re envious.

  6. Paige October 30th, 2012 at 5:46 pm

    To endeavor to climb a mountain, to climb a mountain, and have the strength to make what must be one of the toughest decisions in a battle of life against nature, is a powerful and strong attribute. It is not failure, it is, instead, sublime. Congratulations Ashley.

  7. James October 31st, 2012 at 5:56 am

    Stunning pics Ash. Sorry to hear you didn’t make the summit, but it sounds like a success in every other measure. Just finished reading Worsley’s story, and you have their same spirit too!

  8. Peter November 5th, 2012 at 2:55 am

    I agree with Paige. If you do your best, you can do no more. We weren’t designed for altitude.

    Anton Wolfhardt was mentioning you last night in the Narrows Bar, Stanley. There was a prizegiving there for the Stanley Triathlon. He was second. I was lower down the order…..

  9. admin November 5th, 2012 at 11:47 am

    Please tell Anton well done and also of course to you – no way I am running a marathon 1/2 is enough for me! My trip south has unfortunately been cancelled so it will have to be a year from now that I get you that drink in Stanley.

  10. Peter November 7th, 2012 at 9:19 am

    It will taste all the better for it…

    It wasn’t a marathon – a triathlon: a mere 1500m swim; then 20km bike ride; finished with a 10km run round Stanley. I did the cycling bit for my team, but Anton did the lot in 2 hours 7 minutes.

    Reading your latest post about altitude – makes a lot of sense.

  11. admin November 7th, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Well done. Triathalon is more my style but slower than Anton!