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Well, after an eventful journey across the planet, the Olympic torch was carried onto the summit of Everest on Thursday morning (8 May). A summit team of 5 managed to take the flame to the highest point on Earth despite relentless weather and several delays.

Once the team had summitted, the Southern side of Everest was opened for teams to begin their summit bids. This delay in timings will surely affect the weeks that follow, being later in the season to attempt Chomolungma - Mother Goddess of the Earth.

In South Africa, Discovery Channel (250) is flighting Series II of Everest: Beyond the Limits, 21h00 Mondays.

It documents an Everest Expedition to the North Ridge of Everest and the daily lives of those attempting the climb to the 8850m summit. The expedition is led by Russel Brice from Himex, Himalayan Experience. Russell is multi-summit veteran with 18 years on the hill.

I will be climbing with Russel and HIMEX in 2009 and with a bit of luck, maybe Discovery will film Series III with some familiar faces featuring

In addition to the riveting TV series, Discovery have an awesome online game where you can register as climber and play various games, navigate through the Khumbu ice fall, read up on the gear,the guides and everything that makes an Everest Expedition. http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/everestbeyond/game/gameplay/index.html

The wonderful people at Dischem Pharmacies were generous enough to sponsor the expedition with R5000 to buy toiletries, supplements and first aid supplies for the trip. So on Sunday afternoon I set off to La Lucia Mall for a shopping spree of note.It was amazing how friendly all the staff were and how eager everyone was to help. After walking the aisles and being spoiled for choice, my trolley was stacked high with everything from Multi-vitamins to Med-Lemon, Vicks to Voltaren Gel.

Not only did Dischem give R5000 toward some of the much-needed items, but they also put together an awesome hamper of helpful things in addition to everything else. Once I had gathered all my goodies, the ladies behind the counter helped me add up all the items in my trolley and I am pleased to say they did everything with a smile.

Not many people realise exactly what goes on a gear list for an expedition of this size. Extensive forward planning is required to make sure all the boxes are ticked. 12 weeks without the luxury of hot running water makes Everest a whole new ball game.

So, a giant “thank you” goes to Trisch Rosema at Dischem Head Office as well as Grant, Jacques, Nico and all the friendly staff at La Lucia Dischem for a truly amazing experience. I assure you I’ll be back at Dischem when I return from Everest, only this time it will be to get cream for aching joints and after-sun cream.

Below is a list of all the items I purchased from Dischem:

GU Energy Gel Sachets – 30
Axe Deodorant – 2 cans
Gillette Mach 3 Razor
1 Tin Prep Shaving Cream
Shaving Mirror
Speed Stick – 2
200ml Aqueous Cream tubes - 2
Arnica Gel - 1
Fungal foot powder
2 in 1 Shampoo 200ml
Centrum Multivitamin 90 tabs
Tooth paste tube
Voltaren Gel 50g
BC 56 AntiBacterial Cream
Labello Lip Balm - 5 tubes
Nail Scissors
Zambuc 16g
Reel Dental floss
Lamisil
Fissan Paste – for chafing
Camphor cream
Vaseline
Earbuds
Med Lemon sachets
SPF 60 Sun screen stick
SPF 30 Tube - 2
Vit-T-Go Vitamin Sachets 50s
Baby Wipes 80s - 3
Transact Patches
Nasal Spray
Refresh Pipettes
Earplugs – wind noise
Adcodol Tablets
Roll Elastoplast
Shower gel – 2
Assorted Moleskin Blister Plasters
Cough Syrup
Imodium
Medi-Keel throat Lozenges
Shapes Band Aids
Normal Band Aids
Tubular Compress Bandage
Assorted Crepe Bandages
10 Sachets Rehydrate
Comb
Finger Bandages
Assorted Plastic Bottles - decanting shampoo and other toiletries
Nail Clipper
General Scissors
Micropore Tape roll
Contact Lens Case
Gaviscon
Flusin Effevescent Tablets

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to summit Mount Everest, passed away on 10 January 2008 after several days in hospital. The New Zealander was 88 years old and had been ill for several weeks.

Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (died 1986) were heroes in the eyes of mountaineers worldwide, myself included. The iconic photograph of Tenzing standing atop Everest (10 May, 1953) is known across the globe, having inspired people from all over world and from all walks of life. Hillary’s work in the Himilaya did not end with his summit. Sir Edmund built several schools and hospitals throughout Nepal and Tibet through the foundation he created.

The man may have passed, but his legacy continues.