Update from the Himalayas: Onwards and upwards (and a bit downwards as well…)

March 27, 2024

The latest news live from Lincolnshire Freemason Jez Hyland and his climbing companions heading for Everest Base Camp has come this afternoon in series of stunning pictures and a report direct from the Himalayas.

In the main picture (above) taken on their acclimatisation day, Jez, from Horncastle, is the one in the cap, and Franklin Lodge Master Rob Wight from Boston is on the extreme right.

The assault on Everest is being made to raise money for the Lincolnshire Freemasons’ 2025 fundraising festival target of £2.25m in support of its charity the MCF.

Jez writes: “Tuesday was our acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar, which sits at 11,400 feet above sea level. The day consisted of a 1,500-foot climb to the Everest Hotel, and then walk back down to where we’d started. It was a four-hour steep stroll, and would have offered our first view of Everest, if it hadn’t been hidden by cloud…

“Wednesday was a hike to Tenbouche at 12,700 feet. However, we had to descend to a river crossing, which meant 2,880 feet of climbing on the day. It was a tough trek with terrain consisting mainly of steep switchback boulders. On the upside, the weather was perfect and we saw Everest without cover for the first time. The scenery was stunning and these photos probably don’t do justice to what we could see with the naked eye.

“We have just hit £4,000 of donations and have £970 of gift aid to claim – so we’re only £30 off the £5,000 target Rob and I set for ourselves.”

Sponsor Jez at this link