Tags: Ecology, Physical Jerks, Science
Altitude Walker
March 20th, 2007, by Rich.
A long time ago in a hamlet far far away, I shared a house, worked and drank an occasional beer with somebody who was slightly taller, but lamentably (for him) far less handsome than myself. His name was Andy and he was a rather impetuous boy: a life ruled by impulse and extremes, as evidenced by the “flamingo” photographs.
Due to a seemingly random series of events, the wiser and more benevolent side of Andy’s internal self has acquiesced with the over inquisitive and but danger-to-itself “curious child” part of his brain and managed to sign the whole of Andy up for the Xtreme Everest expedition; a medical study aiming to see how the human body reacts at altitude.
Expedition
The expedition are hoping to help understand the effect of hypoxia (low blood oxygen) on supposedly healthy adults. This is relevant in the field of intensive care as patients almost universally suffer from hypoxia so understanding how to get more oxygen into people’s bloodstream is how you keep them alive. Or so the doctors on the project say anyway.
The upshot is 3 weeks trekking at altitude, interspersed with tests involving needles, physical jerks, general prodding, putting different shaped blocks in holes (apparently you get stupid at altitude) and whatever other weird things the doctors can dream up.
Carbon Gilt
For some reason, Andy decided that just a single act of (uncharacteristic) philanthropy wasn’t enough and figured that he might as well raise some money for a good cause while he was up there; and decided to offset the guilt of flying long haul to Nepal by choosing a charity dedicated to the environment - namely Friends of the Earth.
He then asked me to “use my colossal internet presence to spread the word and put forth the metaphorical cap of pleading for donations to this cause“. How could I refuse? Donate, donate, donate! Now, now now!
Turn the screw
If anyone thinks of any tests that might inspire the doctors to find inventive, painful or (preferably) embarrassing ways to prod Andy in the name of medical science, do speak up!
I’m wondering if hypoxia affects the time taken for a tongue to become stuck to a frozen metal pole.
The pictured shape toy was designed by Melissa and Doug
.
March 20th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Two things.
1. Thanks to Rich for putting this up and to anyone who feels the immense suffering I am going to go through in the name of furthering human understanding merits a charitable donation.
2. Anyone wishing to sponsor me based upon number of limbs lost to frostbite, yak trampling or generally on the basis of physical dismemberment / injury should be aware that there are but two Hopes. And Bob is dead.
Oh. And quite frankly this doing things for a good cause business is all a bit weird. It makes me feel “odd”.
March 20th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Some questions:
1) Can I sponsor the Flamingo?
2) Are you taking your decks - you could set the world record for the highest ever mix
3) Are you the Hoff’s climbing body double?
4) Do you want me to text you the Saint’s results?
5) Are you going to grow a beard?
March 21st, 2007 at 9:19 am
@Mavis
1) The flamingo is no more. He has ceased to be. He’s a stiff. Bereft of life he rests in peace. This might be due to the misuse he suffered during a particularly inventive game of “hide the flamingo” (and not that’s not a euphemism before Mr Mitchell gets all excited) which resulted in him winding up in the dry riser, gaffer taped to outside of the 7th floor of an office block and hung from the flag pole on the top of said office block. I’ll skip over the photo shoot with Ichiro Suzuki…
2) No decks. I have been using this opportunity to acquire a biblical amount of gadgetry though. At some point I’ll try and provide a list to Mr Bo-ack-ez. Possibly with some kind of image of it all laid out and me looking gormless in front of it.
3) The only kind of body double I am for the Hoff right now is a stomach double for his expanding belly.
4) No need. I’m going to be going through the emotional torment of acclimatising to altitude. I don’t need more suffering. Besides there will be no phones where I’m heading.
5) Oddly enough, I did start growing a beard a month and a half ago. It lasted about 4 weeks before it was sacrificed on the altar of my personal comfort.
March 27th, 2007 at 10:10 am
For extra bonus humiliation, BBC2’s Horizon program is going to be following the expedition so the chances are that there is going to be video footage of me breaking down.
More info at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6445181.stm and http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/everest/
I’m particularly not liking the sound of today’s entry. Somehow I suspect the nice folks from Stannah won’t be there to fit a stairlift before I arrive….
“Today’s route looked very short on the map. It involved a short hike down hill into a gorge and then up to Namche Bazaar, but this up-part is 700m vertically in less than a mile. For those like me who don’t know what that means I can now tell you a very very steep and long climb.”
March 27th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Have you considered sporting full Darth Maul face-paint for the televised days of the expedition?
March 28th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Maul schmaul. Many would say that the following video of the landing at Lukla was reason enough to dig deep.
March 28th, 2007 at 9:59 am
From the video:
Clench your chair. How delicately put is that?
March 28th, 2007 at 11:13 am
You wouldn’t believe what I can hold between my butt cheeks when I’m petrified with fear…
On a slightly unrelated note. How overprepared should I be here? Clothing wise I think I’m about covered. Three different coats. Sleeping bag rated down to -25. Full water proofs. 4 season boots (though I’m afraid they’ll break me in before I break them in).
But, do I go the full hog? There’s potential for all manner of superfluous gadgetry. From mosquito nets to titanium cutlery to stupidly complex Swiss Army Knife type doohickeys. I’ve already got a neat fold out solar panel thing for my camera / mp3 player / phone and some gizmo that is supposed to stop insect bites itching by applying a minute pizoelectric shock (which I’m dubious about but it’s tiny so why not).
So, all in all - suggestions are welcome with the caveat that anything I take I’m going to have to fit in my bags and probably carry. So, it’s fair to assume that I won’t be carrying a tuba or any other brass instrument just to satisfy your personal entertainment.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:19 am
I think I recall the insect clicker we had working quite well, but DEET working better.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:58 am
I’ve got DEET as well.
And, to aid in my preparation my 32kg kettlebell turned up today. Feeling slightly guilty because the poor delivery guy decided to be helpful and carry it up the stairs.