Thursday 29 May 2008

We all made it safe and sound

Yes Jodie Guy Barry and I made it down the mountain and we felt every hill as though it was torture.
But we are all well
We have had a hot shower and now having some food and a beer.
Photos and more details to come
but my phone has nevere worked
Barry's phone is locked and we need the PUC code from hazel
and Guys phone is in the wrong bag making it down the hill
Coverage for the last week has been non existant
We love you all and will see you soon
Love
stephen

Base Camp

I am using a Japanese machine and don at base camp
Barry wants puck number for his phone from 02
We arrived yesterday and run tomorrow.
communication is impossible up here.
we love you all
more messages and photos after the race tomorrow
Guy, Jodie, Barry and I send our love
Stephen

Base Camp

Friday 23 May 2008

Dinge Boche

Rest Day
a bit wet, windy and cold
but I was out of bed at 0500 and saw the sunrise
clear sky
beautiful mountains
Trying to do washing in the damp and charge things up( camera) at 350 rupees per minute
We reach base camp on the 27th all going well
No phone working and blackberry is still a waste of space
this may improve as we approach base camp there is allegedly a mobile Chinese transmitter.
I hope all is well with everyone
We are ready and up for the race but experiencing the normal cross section of challenges at this altitude 4,300+ m
deli belly
hypertension
periodic breathing from hyperventilation and low CO2
love to all
we will post further when we can
and ring or text if mobiles start to work
Stephen

Thursday 22 May 2008

Dingboche we're above the lower clouds!

Hi everyone!

We're Dingboche approx. 4400m, its been an easish day, gentle uphills. The terrain is all rock and no tree line anymore, just small shrubs. We've travelled along the river which is an azul blue, its so clean! All are well, internet connection is naff so this is going to be short!

Yesterday we had a hard days trekking up to Tengboche monastery. Barry was ill with a stomach bug, very fatigued. Guy also had a bout of illness but both are now on the mend and feeling bit more human! I had a hypo after lunch and had to be saved with coke and dextrose : )

Sat's/BP's and heart rates are all good.

Love to all
Jodie, Stephen, Guy, Barry

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Second time in one day!

So healthwise.
We are in good nick.
My spelling is no better as you can see.
Our pulse oximetry is good, as is our BP, pulse, breathing etc.
A few headaches and some anorexia but realy very well.
Around us are beautiful people who eat lots of potatoe but not much protein.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Nevertheless they smile as we pass by.
The porters and staff are great.
and our leader Damche
The tents become progeressivley more dirty as do us and the kit.
I'm still not shaving despite some presure!
Suzanne will love it when I retunr for a welcomeing kiss.
Climbing again tomorrow and more stunning views around each corner indeed
"around the river bend"
Money is coming in from all directsions and that's simply wonderfull.
Thank you to vereyone for otheir support.
I think we are over the 50K but more is needed to help us reach the 75 k target tell your friends.
How about a trip back with a health team!
Love
Stephen

Namche Bazaar.... I'm in the clouds!!!

Hi everyone!

Thanks for all your comments! Amy wants to do the New Zealand iron man.... hmmm you might have to do something before I allow that and I'm not talking gym. Halo thanks for updating me about my little Sputnik! Dylan your dads a true himalayan man : )

Sorry for the delay in posting, there's been hassle getting to connections and when I have its been down! Were in Namche Bazaar (3410m) it was one hell of a trek up, a never ending spiral staircase it seemed! Its hard to describe how hard it is just walking up these mountains... I'm like OAP! Good thing is I can run down hill or when there is a slow incline. May sats are little low on the evening 82-87 variable, but there +90 on a morning. Blood pressure is good, it was actually down this morning at 70 over 110, thats good folks. Everyone else's sats are also fine, all +90, the lads BP's are slightly higher but nothign to worry about, its expected at this altitude.

Yesterday we went for a trek over the hill... har har, we climbed to 3880m to the Everest View Hotel. We did get some shots of Everest in the background but the morning dew was lifting and clouds kept passing over. The pathway up was yet another ending staircase! Once we were up though it was fine, a nice steep/sheer drop to our right : ) We went to the Kunde Hospital in the village. All quite sprity and high in spirits. I was a little hyper.. active and did a few short runs and jumping from rock to rock! The trek back was the last section of the marathon race... its horrific, basically a downward rock/soft dust slide! We're going to have to walk this section as its treacherous.

I know I'm going backwards here but its easier to start with the freshest events in mind. The trek from Phakding 2610m (which was the first stop over from Lukla) was some of the most spectacular scenery we have all seen (except for Guy he says, "I've been to Wales!"). We travelled along the river and crossed many swing bridges. Barry being a clever sod decided to run across behind me (I was shitting it thinking he was going to jump on my back) but when I turned he'd only gone and decked it! Funny as hell and luckily for him it was out of sight of Stephens camcorder by Mike standing in the way!

The food is now getting boring, I don't want another curry for a month at least (so no Lynn you can get rid of any curry powders your saving for me). A lot of it is being fried too, which isn't agreeing with me, even taken creon, but now going to have to take some lax : ) Joy!

And from Guy....

Hi Dylan, hope your reading the blogs every day and looking at the pictures. On Stephens blog there is a picture of a Yeti's head ( Google Yeti ) which I saw, so you can go to school and tell everyone your Dad saw the Yeti. But I didnt kill it.
The air up here is quite thin now so its very difficult to run even 10 yeards, you get out of breath very quickly. Most of the food is curry but its not very hot so you would probably like it.
I will call again soon .

Lou you'll be glad to know I have loads of photos, some are attached, I've even got some close up of flowers, using the macro function, I've also worked out the white balance on the camera... I'm becoming a dab hand : )

And from Barry....

To my wonderfull girls; Missing you all masses!, having great time thought. We're on our day off today so have come to internet cafe to do some blogging... May do little run this afternoon, depends on wheather. We've just uploaded a video from my camera on Stephens blog, you must have a look. Just had best nights sleep so far, 9pm to 7am. We've learnt a new card game called 'spoons' and its wicked! You'll be shown on my return, it covers all nationalities as most of the group play after dinner. Hope your all keeping well and coping without the man about the house, I'm sure you are! We move on tomorrow to Teng Bouche so not sure when we may get internet access again, hopefully soon. Love you all, missing you. xxx

And from Stephen....

So Massive blog from Jodie and a sentance from me. I can"t even see my own but I gather from home that it is working well so take a look. We are having a great time and next steps are tomorrow. Trekking to Tengboche. another 400m. The food is lots of vedge and potatoes and rice but very edible. Our saturationetc are all fine and we are supporting the run docs with pulse oximeter and loan of books etc.
Back soon enough
Love to all

Back to moi...

People at work... bouchy bow : ) Homeretta I'm gonna ricohette a belch across the himalayas for you ; ) Watson your a muppet, Ruth I would murder for some of your rainbow cake right now one more curry I'm gonna be dying!

Love to all will hopefully be able to post at our next stop which is Tenboche (approx. 3900m), we've had a 3 day rest in namche, with trekking here and there to help acclimitise. Sorry this post is in no order, time is money and I have little of the time side!

Love and peace out... ogggy ogggy ooohhhhh mwahahaha by the way the YAKS are FAB!!!

Jodie/Pixe/Juds/Spesh!

Mar love you loads. Can some one get a message across to Dad and Dawn, Marie to check out my blog for updates as I can't call from here. Dad if your reading on the rigs, love ya, you'd love this xxx

PS to all freiends far and wide you can add my blog pass it on as you will. I will be in touch with everyone when I get back. x

Guy wants to show Dylan something


Hi Dylan, this is a picture of a Yeti's head.
Google Yeti and it should tell you all about it/him.
It was in a Monastery in the middle of nowhere and we had to take off our shoes to go inside. Inside were a lot of monks and people praying.
I will call soon - be good!

So we areback on line!



























Barry, Guy, Jodie and Stephen are in a Cyber cafe
Mayhem ensues

Guy wants to check up on his welsh rugby discussion boards

Barry wants to compress video which may appear soon

Jodie has lots of friends to catch up with.
More photos to come but this is our last chance to blog that is gaurenteed.
Lots of suspension bridges which are quiet hairy.

The wind makes them even more fun!

Kids are beautifull

Possibly Temboche and then base camp will have conections

I'm chilling out today but I think the other are going to do a trek and run.

Love

Stephen

Monday 19 May 2008





















I can't fathom why but I can't see my previous posting but it appears to exist!
These are pictures of Namche Bazarr and our tents. The food is good but for me not my normal fair lots of veg!!
We arrived and the first night a fair number had some mild altitude symptoms. Guy had a headache but it was relieved by Brufen before he got some sleep.
But today we have had a days hike Teng boche and Kundi Hospital. We all did well.
Tomorrow is a rest day which is good news.
I can't Pick up my email so far and the blackberry is still duff but Guy and barry have working mobiles which is very usefull

I think Barry wants to read the blog so I shall sign off for now

May be more later

Love

Stephen

More from Namcvhe bazarr

Sunday 18 May 2008

Namche Bazzar







So we made it to 3,400 meters.
2 hours of solid climbing and then the rain came in!
It was cold wet dark and we thought we were in for a miserable evening, then the sun came out, real heat and Namche is beautiful.
Colourfull houses nestled in an ampitheater shape on the top of a mountain.
and this is only the start.
Our first taste of high altitude.
So far we are all in excellent form.
except that my blackberry still doesn't work!!
So Guy very kindly lent me his to ring Suzanne. I miss everyone but every corner is another picture and the challenge is exciting.
We will be back soon enough with stories to tell.
I even saw my first patient a 20, month old with a mouth plaques and temperature for 5 days.
I would be great to do a proper clinic here.
Sophie has been invited to do an elective here!
I went to sleep last night listening to Alex sing from the jazz night on the ipod and I can hear Ben whispering "dad"
anyway we can blog for the next 3 nights as we are staying put to acclimatise
Love to all
especially Ben Sophie Alex and Suzanne

Friday 16 May 2008

Lujlaq and the Himalayas

We're in the mountains!!! We arrived into Lukla this morning... the flight was brilliant! We've got some brill footage of the peaks as they appear through the clouds and the hairy moments as we descended upon Lukla airstrip! I didn't realize how steep the slope was or how very very short it really is!

We've been on a little trek this afternoon to a nearby village. Although the downhill terrain is harsh on your knees the uphill and the fight against shortness of breath is comparably difficult. Speaking of shortness of breath current results of O2 sat's = 94%, HR = approx 60, FVC 98%, FEV 99% at 2,843m. Not bad!!! Everyone else is good too, Barry is exceptional with around 130% for both FVC and FEV, O2 sat is 90 however.

Met a couple who have just returned from base camp there from Carlisle! Knew I recognized the accent : )

Tomorrow we begin our first ascent, about 5 mile hike not sure were... but its actually 100m descent overall.

Himalayas are breath taking... and were at the foot of them!

Love to all

Jodie, Stephen, Guy, Barry

We enjoyed and survived Lukla

Early morning rise
Assembled for photos and to get our bags into the bus. Short journey to civil side of airport
2 twin otter planes waiting to fly us away.
A bit boring waiting then on to the tarmac. They refueled in front of us which is not great health and safety.
Plane's at least 25 years old.
Easy take off clouds and mist all around
what would lukla be like?
A bit bump ride then bog mountains poking through the clouds all around.
We couldn't see where we were going through the cockpit
Thank fully the pilots could.
2,800 m therefore fats approach to keep enough air under the wings.
Steepish descent to the sudden 20% incline of the runway.
No trouble breaking and straight to parking bay!
They were only on the ground about 10 minutes by which time we were all out admiring the view and taking the first breaths of high altitude air.
We filmed next landing and take off. Guy was on the next plane.
Then tea hot chocolate and allocation of tents and an uncertain opening of bags filled with stuff we had not used before.

Barry and I are off walking in Lukla village,
We will blog when we can

Tell our beloved families we are all well

Love
Jodie, Guy, Barry and Stephen

Thursday 15 May 2008

Day before our Lukla flight...

Hello there!

Today has been a day of events talk, tourism and swimming/lazing around. An interesting day and also a sad one. The people are really poor, in fact the poorest in the world and they suffer when tourism is jeopardised something we are privy to at present, with Olympics, guerrilla warfare etc.

Our chat this morning included the preparations for the trek/marathon. We actually do a practice run on our rest day (28th May) at base camp! Now that wasn't written anywhere in the contract! Tomorrow morning we leave the Hotel Shanker at 6am for our flight to Lukla... our first hurdle some may argue!

We may not yet be able to post on our trek due to difficulty finding a network we can link to. If this is so there will be lots to tell when we get back!

From all, we are well, keen and off to bed!
Stephen, Guy, Barry and Jodie

Kathmandu!

Hi all!

We're here in Kathmandu. Having a guided tour of the city, photos attached are from ritual open air cremations, in the background lies the monastery. Another is of Buddha and the circle which I will explain more of later! Will write more when a better source of internet access has been located!

We're all well and raring to head off tomorrow to Lukla to begin our terkking to base camp!

Love from all
Jodie, Stephen, Guy and Barry

PS please view Stephens blog as he is also writing things as I type : )

apaediaticiansblog.blogspot.com

City tour, very hot

Guy is having fun chasing monkeys across the rocks.
Facinated by the smell of burning flesh, see Jodie's photos is trying to upload on the PC by my side but it is a very slow connection.
The bous sit behind and correct my spelling.
We are suposed to be seeing a relgious site!
Any way we are well and experienceing the best of Kathmandu
Barry is contempating changing his religion toBudism in the search for enlightenment
Love
Barry Guy Jodie and Stephen

Kathmandu

So we are here safe and sound.
A man at the airport with Everest Marthon sign which was excellent to see.
Amazing small van carried us from the airport to a different hotel than expected.
The Shanker good name eh!
We had a wander through old Thamal last night and found bear (picture should be attached)and some food
All the sights and sounds expected and then we slept better than we hoped.
We have a meeting this morning with the rest of the runners and the Trek leader. 40 to 50 foreigners
My Blackberyy isn't working!!!! and if anyone at the hospital can ask T-mobile why not I would be bvery greatful.
Though it may be a releaf to others!

will post again when ever I find a pc with internet.
Love
Stephen

Wednesday 14 May 2008

RE: Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon Challenge ..... lift off!

Fascinating stuff..looking forward to seeing the story unfold and will be reading your blogs intently Stephen.

 

Thought you might like to know that ‘Cfest@Shearer’s Bar’ is happening again on October 2nd…not forgetting ‘Cfest@theJournalTyneTheatre’ with Bon Giovi and the Bryan Adams Experience on July 19th.

 

Hope to see you…and many others..there!!

 

Cheers,

 

Chris.

www.myspace.com/cfest2008

 

 

 

 

 

 


From: Cronin Stephen [mailto:Stephen.Cronin@stft.nhs.uk]
Sent: 13 May 2008 17:32
To: Tardis58.blog@blogger.com; picturedesk@nne.co.uk; flemingjones@hotmail.com; PKilpatrick@cftrust.org.uk; Suzanne@cronin.org.uk; alex@cronin.org.uk; sexysoph2110@hotmail.com; sfmc@st-andrews.ac.uk; flemingjones@hotmail.com; lynnp83@myway.com; pat.bevis@edward-thompson.com; phil@tombola.com; paddy.cronin@edward-thompson.com
Cc: caitlin@lbl-pl.freeserve.co.uk; Morrow Barbara; oli@olilewington.co.uk; bigbadbrycey@hotmail.com; Chris Bryce; ajmorris@deloitte.co.uk
Subject: Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon Challenge ..... lift off!

 

So as you can see from the previous posting we have set off from Durham station..
The girls and friends made a maginificent effort to set us on our way, what with Lucinda's "band" and Pat's flags and banners.
Dave Wood came from the Northern Echo and took some great photos.
If he gets a chance we would love to have copies sent to stephen.cronin@stft.nhs.uk
Jodie is on BBC North East at 18:30 this evening.
The train is surprisingly small for such a journey and no coffee!!
Next stop Manchester Airport.
We'll keep blogging as long as the technology holds out.
Love
Stephen
http://apaediaticiansblog.blogspot.com/
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

So we reach Abu Dhabi 0650 local time unfortnatly it doesn't open tilll 0700 so we had to cicle for while!
3 hours before Kathmandu Flight
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Tuesday 13 May 2008

We fly from Manchester at 21:00hrs
Barrys best efforts at blagging was unsucessful in getting an upgrade but we didn't get our bags weighed which is great.
Terminal 1 at Manchester is under construction!
And we had acouple of pints
See you in abu dhabi
Stephen
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon Challenge ..... lift off!

So as you can see from the previous posting we have set off from Durham station..
The girls and friends made a maginificent effort to set us on our way, what with Lucinda's "band" and Pat's flags and banners.
Dave Wood came from the Northern Echo and took some great photos.
If he gets a chance we would love to have copies sent to stephen.cronin@stft.nhs.uk
Jodie is on BBC North East at 18:30 this evening.
The train is surprisingly small for such a journey and no coffee!!
Next stop Manchester Airport.
We'll keep blogging as long as the technology holds out.
Love
Stephen
http://apaediaticiansblog.blogspot.com/
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Setting off


--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Sunday 11 May 2008

DSC_5620xx.jpg

This shoud be us May 29th as long as our acclimatisation goes ok.
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

So Friday Night was the in the heart or the beast but with antibitics and immunisations we survived.
And I met 2 Sir Bobbys again. Great Men both
Then yesterday a wonderfull warm, relaxed, family wedding and the weather was generously perfect.
Nice tidy up this morning and now watching a good display of football Sunderland vers Arsenal. They are just so clinicaly deadley when they break through.
Work tomorrow then packing and a train to Manchester flights to Abudabe and Kathmandu before the adventure starts.
Blog
Later love
Stephen
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Friday 9 May 2008

IMG00058.jpg

Alex Cronin

Lift of in 4 day

So its friday.
Bobby Robson do tonight in aid of a cancer centre in Newcastle.
Suzanne Cousin's wedding at our house tomorrow Recovery Sunday, Work monday the departure Tuesday.
Barry may or may not have the kit he needs
Jodie needs nothing, she apparently packd very lights.
We have had a trial pack and it looks good.
I' like to know if I can email pictures but we will hav to wait to find out.
Love
Stephen
--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

Thursday 8 May 2008

I don't know can I post to your blog....

Bejesus the excitement! Actually I don't get excited until I'm on the flight! But I know Stephen is beside himself!

Not looking forward to packing and have conscripted the help of my mum tomorrow to aid the cause : )

Jodie

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Clever aren't I.
This is us Guy Me Jodie and Barry
Pretending to run up something
Its actually a hillock in our garden!
And yes the top is to small for me 
Or I'm to big for the top.
I am trying to loose weight.

Everest Marathon Sponsorship Target

By the way we are currently at £37000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust which is a bloody marvellous effort on everyone's behalf thank you.
So this is where we are going. A little walk up a hill then a gamble down it. Altitude at Lukla is 3,500m at Base camp it's 5,700m with 50% Oxygen.
Its going to take us 11 days to walk up with some climbs off to the side and 9 hours to run down.
Mad eh

So it hasn't died and neither have I or at least not yet.

I'm off to Everest with the gang on Tuesday.
We are ready and up for it and I can't wait.
I can't say there is no apprehension but we have all bases covered and we will be careful.
Last weekend we had an excellent day with a family in the lakes learning about pacer poles more about this later.
I also need to find out how to blog from the trek and lakes

Love
stephen