Felt wiped out this morning and apparently looked awful - the Camp Doctor even suggested I take Diamox but I'm not going to. My eye lids are saggy and I have bags you could carry shopping in, but quite a few are looking a bit ragged.

I'm now so bored, that having managed to get a phone signal, noticed an email from my Bank which was an update to the Terms and Conditions and I actually read it!

We've been told that tomorrow we must descend to Base Camp so if the summit is on, not only do we climb Elbrus and descend to Top Camp but we also have to descend to Base Camp afterwards!

It's going to be a tough day, but no-one said this mountaineering lark was easy! The feeling is that we will be going for it tomorrow, even rope teams have been agreed.

Over lunch we tested our blood oxygen uptake and I got 91% with a 54 heart rate which was pretty good I thought. Most had heart rates in the 70s and 80s.

Nothing much happening today, just resting but what else can we do? Also been advised that we need to have our gear ready for portering down tomorrow. Should be easy, most of my stuff is pretty much ready to go and I think I'll pack up my sleeping bag as well - I should have time if everything else is sorted and ready. Just need to give it a little thought early evening.

The plan is to try for the summit tonight so we should be ready for a final meal at 11pm. No problem.

10:30 I am awake and dressing. Everything I need is close by and my rucsac is already fully packed. I'm amazed how much faff is going on. 10:45 Stuart comes in to tell us that food will be ready at midnight! I slow down massively toying with the idea of going back to bed for an hour but stay awake taking my time getting ready. I move my gear into the common area we sit and wait, before finally being told that it is not on. Everyone is pretty numb. It was our final chance of going for it. Slowly we drift off to our hut despondent and disappointed with the decision. I am sure it is the right one but right now that doesn't help.

Back to bed for a fitful night I wake around 2:30am for the toilet and notice a clear Elbrus - she is toying with us.