I am now at the first base camp about to tuck into some pasta and soup. It has been an exhilarating day and everyone is feeling surprisingly fine. Most notable problem experienced today was flatulence which, I have been reliably informed, is due to high altitude. I am therefore going to have to carefully ensure that I am not down wind from my Team Members over the next few days - especially considering the number of Kendal Mint Cakes that have been scoffed today alone!!!The next hurdle appears to be an abundance of elephants in the area. Whilst noone is too alarmed by this, the guides are keeping a watch tonight to ensure that none of them stray into camp. Despite this, I anticipate a good night's sleep ready for another day of climbing.

DAY TWO OF THE KILLI GREENKING CHALLENGE:

Well we have made to to camp. We are two thirds of the way there and we are currently at 4000 metres.Thanks to Berghaus Equipment which has been tested to the limit and more than proved its worth, we are in great shape. I have never paid so much attention to my wardrobe in that we have to wear two sets of "skins". One set is to be worn during the day whilst climbing. This ensures maximum oxygen supply to our bodies. The other set is to be worn at night to ensure that our sore and aching muscles achieve a quick recovery re: good blood supply.We have each consumed approximately 5.6 litres of water today supplemented by Gator Aid rehydration sachets. This, together with the Maxi Muscle Energy Bars have gone a long way towards the success of our 20km climb today.

Considering the distance we had to achieve today when we woke up this morning, everyone was in remarkably high spirits. At least two of us have been given nicknames on camp and no doubt more will be forthcoming in due course. I have been called "Alpha Male" because of my tendancy to lead the group from the front and setting the pace. Anthony from Greenking has been called "Altitude Ant" because of his super duper watch and his penchant for running ahead intermittently and announcing to everyone their current altitude. Speaking of altitude, the flatulence suffered yesterday has given way to upset tummies for some of the team members. Jason, in particular has been suffering but ever resourceful, he spied an American Tourist who had brought along a WC and proceeded to upset him by comandeering it and rendering it unfit for purpose due to fumes! Whilst elephants were in abundance yesterday, they have not been spotted today. However, we did encounter some Jackals and Columbus Monkeys. We are grateful for these distractions as, together with the surrounding beautiful scenery, it takes our minds off the sore feet and distance ahead. Now we have reached our camp, we are starting to notice the drop in temperature and we are beginning to feel quite cold.

Thoughts are now turning to journey ahead. Whilst we are resolute in our determination to succeed, the seventeen members of staff looking after us persistently remind us that reaching the summit is not a foregone conclusion. Code we believe for "Don't get complacent the worst is yet to come". We are grateful for the professionalism of the staff and their constant monitoring of our health as we reach higher altitudes. We are grateful for the support received back home. This, together with the determination to support our worthy causes spurs us on. We hope you will check in for the next blog. We personally can't wait until we are in the position of writing the words "We Did It"

Until next time. Thanks again.

David

To keep track of David Barnes's blog, please visit www.justgiving.com/dbarnes. To make donations to Tamara Johnson's Fund please contact the Community Foundation at Bath Rugby.