Sept 15th 15:00

I don't know what the hell is the matter with me. I slept for an hour after lunch and set off for an acclimatise walk up a further 200 metres, i Couldn't catch my breath at 4400 metres I'm in a state all of a sudden I get 6 text messages a Magners courtesy of Abrahmson Foster ltd (for all your accountancy needs), a message from Katy and my dad which just send me over the edge not literally) I reach 4500 not sure quite how (might have been the magners) but the release value has gone I can't see where I'm walking on the way back to camp I just follow the voices.

16:30

I choose to divert to the left at camp where people have written there names in stones, I find a stone and start to have a word with myself giving myself 5 minutes to let it all out. But that's it no more emotional turmoil.

David comes to see if I'm ok, I am comforted by his words and actually yes I've climbed to 4500 metres with my beer belly in tow and yes I can climb more.

19:00

Spaghetti for tea. Not too bad, David suffering with eartha kitts and stomach cramps.
Tomorrow we ascend to base camp Kibo a 7 trek up to 4700 we eat lunch there and go to bed ready for setting off to summit....
19:30
Tucked up in bed quite cold I hope sleep calls for me soon.

Russell Kew
Burbage Airport Taxis
07803 963194
www.burbageairporttaxis.com