Pádraig O’Hora’s Everest Diary: ‘We wonder whether the icefall will ever become passable’

From irishtimes.com

With our route unexpectedly blocked and our team leader struggling with an ankle injury, the team faces new challenges to mind and body

Monday, April 20th

The return walk to Everest Base Camp (ECB) after summiting Lobuche East was a dreary one. It’s funny how the mind works – on the original walk in, we were all blown away by the views of these enormous mountains that make up the Khumbu headwall.

Now, on the way back, the views have not changed but our mindset has. It’s a quick reminder that you can be surrounded by people yet be lonely, surrounded by beauty yet sad. What is happening between the ears is what matters most, not what is going on around us.

We completed the taxing walk back into our camp at the feet of Everest and Lhotse. Staring directly into the icefall again, we – along with the rest of base camp and, at this stage, the whole climbing community across the world – were wondering whether this will become passable at all this season.

We have seen images of the crevasse and the serac that pose the main risk. It is our understanding that until it falls, the risk to life is too high to allow sherpa teams or commercial teams after them to pass. Patience will be the most tested characteristic for this entire expedition.

Pádraig O’Hora has been continuing his preparations for his ascent while waiting to find out whether the Everest icefall will become passable

Tuesday, April 21st

A rest day, something we will have to get used to in the coming weeks as we wait for news. We brought the team together and had a very open and honest conversation about how we feel, what this expedition could look like and possible actions we can take. Everyone had a positive input, as we talked about rest days effectively. Different activities and types of training using everyone’s skill set.

Jason Black, our team leader, has been struggling with a relatively serious ankle injury. He spoke openly about it today and the potential of it preventing him stepping higher on to the mountain with us when the time comes. He was limited by it on Lobuche and I feel we all appreciated his honesty around this. He cannot put us as a team or our success at risk because of his own ego. The need for an emergency rescue up high could cause the whole thing to fall apart.

The decision is yet to be made but from a personal standpoint I hope he can continue. I’ve always pictured the summit with two of us on it. However, I’m already starting to see it without him in person and thinking about what kind of energy that will give me to make it. Not only for myself but for him also.

Our sherpa team was confirmed today and each member was assigned a specific man for the task. All three are very strong, with numerous Everest and other 8,000-metre summits to their name.

Like always, conversations with home are keeping a man’s will strong. Mila-Rae is flying, busy with every activity under the sun, Sadie-Rose was so giddy today and smiling from ear to ear. Caiden is full of craic and it’s great to hear things are going well for him.

Wednesday, April 22nd

Today we are back out on the glacier working on the mountaineering skills that are so vital up here. Ladder crossings, jumar and belaying, over and over again. It was my first day working alongside our sherpa team and it’s important to me that they see how serious we are and how we apply ourselves.

So my focus was laser-like. I want them to know that come the 11th hour, no matter how tough it gets up there I can go to the well and they must allow me to do so. It starts today.

                                     Pádraig O'Hora wants the sherpas to know he can go to the well when required

Jason asked me to strap the ankle this morning and that’s where the years of GAA experience in strapping ankles came in handy. He seemed very happy with it after a while and I saw the smile on his face that comes with confidence in himself. The lads performed really well on the training and the whole team is looking good.

Thursday, April 23rd

The energy around camp is decreasing day by day. The Chinese whispers around the icefall are something I have removed myself from and will not participate in. It’s the same with the online content – anything that mentions Everest or the icefall, I swipe past at record speed. It serves no positive purpose to engage with it. I will not allow the water in the boat. It’s hard enough to paddle as things are.

I snuck in a little day nap today considering not much else is going on and woke to a call from Niamh. She filled me in on all the comings and goings of life back at home. It’s great to hear all the craic and how everyone is getting on.

After that we started into our planned rope session in the tent where one of our sherpas, Milan, helped us work through different knots, belay set-ups, harnesses, etc. We also had a group session with Karen Weekes, the psychologist, something I feel we all needed.

                                Pádraig O'Hora spent time doing rope work in preparation for his ascent of Mount Everest

Jason has suggested we go back down to Pangboche for a bit. He put it out there that we go down as a group to stop the attritional rot that happens at 5,400m above sea level, both on our body and our minds. We all agreed it was the right call and we will head down tomorrow.

Adam seems to be struggling a bit today. I think it’s just all the noise and conflicting information getting to him. We all have these moments or days and it’s important we carry each other through them.

Friday, April 24th

The first morning I can remember not being woken by the thwacking of a helicopter overhead. We need to get all squared away this morning and ready to move back down the Khumbu to Pangboche. It’s a six-hour hike, 20km at least. Whatever way you look at it, it’s a fair day’s work.

My team-mates Eanna McGowan and Adam Sweeney are both having some stomach discomfort this morning, which won’t make this march down the valley any easier. They both saw last night’s dinner reappear but the form is good and they are ready to rock. But everyone’s energy was low today. We know it’s the right thing to do but going away from your goal, leaving EBC yet again, is a hard pill to swallow. This was not the scenario we had painted in our heads when we planned all this.

We got through the slog of a day but Jason’s comment “only round the corner” was starting to grind my gears by the end of it. Once we settled in, all was good again and we shared a nice meal in a family-run tea house.

The highlight for me was a young lad, maybe 20, and his younger sister sitting singing pop songs by reading the subtitles, clearly trying to learn English, while huddled around the heater in the middle of the room. I don’t know why but I found the moment somewhat profound.

Life here is worlds away from our western lives and although it may be rose-tinted glasses skewing my perception, I prefer this type of living for its simplicity. The families seem more connected. Maybe by necessity more than desire, but more connected all the same.

Everyone rises and falls with the sun. No alarm clocks, no late nights. Just following the natural course of the sunset and the dawn.

                 A good spot to stop the attritional rot that happens at 5,400m above sea level, both on body and minds

Saturday, April 25th

Today I needed to dig into the toolbox that Karen and I had developed before coming here. Escapism and disassociation. My form was poor and I was deeply conscious not to allow that to impact the group. We feed off each other’s energy so when mine was off kilter I didn’t want that to impact the rest. “Just get me to Namche Bazaar” was all I could think for the first couple of hours, as my knees screeched at me in pain after the descent.

The second part of the journey was much improved and we could all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Jason walked strong today and to me looked powerful. Adam was quieter than usual and Eanna was full of energy.

Once we reached our destination all was good and we indulged deeply in cake, pizzas and everything else that was on offer. A good day in the books. Now time to rest and tune everything back up to optimal before returning to EBC for the last time.

Sunday, April 26th

A slow day today, as it should be. It was all about rest and food and haircuts. The comfort of Namche Bazaar and the thick air compared with EBC is very much welcomed by my head and lungs. The fact that 3,440m now feels like sea level is blissful.

We made our way to an Irish pub this evening and with the GAA+ app on my phone we were able to stream the Donegal and Mayo games. A bad day for both Jason and I, watching our counties beaten in the provincial series.

Namche Bazaar is 3,440m above sea level. The view can be magnificent

We got to catch up with another group of Irish who are heading for EBC and Island Peak. One of them brought me a Mayo flag since mine was left in the kitchen in Ballina before heading off.

Another week done and we wait patiently on some positive news from the icefall before we make our way back up to EBC. I still have a gut feeling everything will work out and we will find a way towards the summit.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/04/30/padraig-ohoras-everest-diary-this-was-not-the-scenario-in-our-heads-when-we-planned-this/

 

‘Subtle but powerful form of self-validation’: how to start journaling

From theguardian.com

By Madeleine Aggeler

There is no wrong way to journal, say experts, and putting pen to paper can help with mental health and clarify thoughts and feelings 

Humans have been jotting down their feelings and experiences for millennia. The earliest example of a diary is over 4,500 years old, written on papyrus by a mid-level official who helped in constructing the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Since then, other noteworthy diarists have included Lord Byron, Virginia Woolf, Albert Einstein, Audre Lorde and also me. (One guess as to which of those intellectual powerhouses recently journaled about getting a tummy ache after eating too many Swedish Fish.)

But many find journaling difficult, even embarrassing. On forums such as Reddit and Quora, users post, “Why am I embarrassed by journaling, even though I know no one will see it but me?” and “Why do I feel stupid while writing a diary?”

“This is such a human feeling,” says Emily Chertow, founder of a series of guided workshops and events called Journaling Classes. Chertow says that because society emphasizes how we act, behave and present ourselves, “it can feel uncomfortable to show up as our full, unfiltered selves”.

Research has shown there are some mental and physical health benefits to journaling, but they are extremely context specific, meaning the results depend on you and your particular situation. Still, one meta-analysis concluded that while more research is needed to fully understand its effects, journaling is a cheap, easy and low-risk practice. In other words: why not give it a go?

Here’s how to start journaling.

What is journaling?

“The simplest way to define journaling is that you are putting your thoughts on paper,” said Melissa Nunes-Harwitt, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist at the University of Rochester medical centre. “[It] is about taking something from inside yourself and giving it an external place to land.”

It differs from other forms of writing, she explains, because you are doing it for yourself, not for an audience. What matters is not the product but the process. “You don’t have to reread things you’ve written – not only that day, but ever!” she says.

Regular diarists say journaling helps them clarify their own thoughts and emotions about things that happen in their lives. Illustration: Carmen Casado/The Guardian

Why should you journal?

Journaling can be a “subtle but powerful form of self-validation”, says Nunes-Harwitt. “Every time you write down something you’re thinking or feeling, you are honouring your unique self and allowing a release of emotional energy,” she says.

More research is needed to determine the concrete effects of journaling, but regular diarists say it helps them clarify their own thoughts and emotions about things that happen in their lives.

Putting something into words “changes our perspective”, said Dr James Pennebaker, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, who has extensively studied the effects of expressive writing. If you have an upsetting experience and don’t want to talk about it, the brain tends to want to bury it and move on.

“Writing forces you to describe it and tie it to other things,” Pennebaker says. “It gives you the opportunity to dig much more deeply than if you’re just ruminating about it.”

If you keep writing about a challenging topic and don’t feel like it’s helping, it might be helpful to seek help from a therapist, he adds.

What tools do you need to journal?

Do you need a special leather-bound notebook for journaling? Must you have a fancy pen? 

“It doesn’t have to be that deep,” says Chertow.

The best journal is one you’ll actually use, whether it’s an elegant personalized diary or a simple notepad from a convenience store. You can also type out your thoughts on your phone or computer if that feels more comfortable.

“What matters most is that it feels accessible to you,” says Chertow.

Does paper feel too permanent? “Try writing on a white board and erasing it afterwards,” Nunes-Harwitt says.

What should you journal about?

There is no research that shows when or how often one should journal in order to experience the benefits. It boils down to personal preference.

“Journaling, like yoga or meditation, is a practice,” says Chertow. “The more you do it, the more you get out of it.”

Consistency is more important than doing it every day, she says. She suggests starting small: “Set a reminder in your calendar to put pen to paper for even just 5 minutes, a few times a week.”

It’s normal for journaling frequency and volume to fluctuate over time, says Nunes-Harwitt. “Write things down when they feel pressing in your mind or body,” she says. “You might write twice in a day and then not touch your journal for a week. You can write one sentence or three pages.”

What should you journal about?

Experts emphasize that there is no “wrong” way to journal.

“I love reflecting on a day I’ve had – pulling out small moments and details, and then exploring the lived experience of them. How did they make me feel? What stood out?” says Cherkow.

If that feels like too much, Cherkow suggests starting smaller, with a list. Write down a gratitude list, a to-do list – any sort will work. “Lists are easy, low-pressure ways to get pen to paper,” she says.

Journaling is an opportunity to be “completely honest with yourself”, says Pennebaker.

If there are topics you don’t feel comfortable being honest about even with your best friend or therapist, writing can enable you to get more clear about what you feel and why.

“If you’re thinking about [an issue] too much and you keep coming back to it, that is a sign that writing could be a good step,” says Pennebaker.

And if you come face to face with a blank page and realize you have nothing to say, you can simply incorporate that discomfort into your journaling process, Nunes-Harwitt says.

“Journaling can bring up thoughts of how you are ‘supposed to’ or ‘should’ do things,” she says. “Rather than fighting those thoughts, make them part of the process by writing down those negative messages.” Doing so can help decrease their intensity.

Often, when people don’t think journaling is for them, it’s because they have internalized rules about what it should look like, Nunes-Harwitt says. So try keeping a journal around for a while, and write in it whenever you want and however you want.

https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/apr/27/how-to-start-journaling

Writing to feel better: why diaries are once again popular in 2026

From ma-grande-taille.com

In the age of all things digital and incessant notifications, taking the time to write for oneself seems like a true luxury. In 2026, the personal journal is experiencing a revival, appealing to young and old alike in search of calm, clarity, and mental well-being. What was long perceived as a teenage activity is becoming a valued tool for reconnecting with oneself.

An ancient practice, brought back into fashion

Keeping a diary is nothing new. For centuries, historical and literary figures have used personal writing to record their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Today, this habit is experiencing a revival in a context marked by hyperconnectivity. Faced with the constant flow of information and digital overload, writing by hand allows us to slow down, refocus, and take a well-deserved break.

This return is also part of a broader movement towards "analog" activities: reading paper, creative hobbies, or simply the pleasure of touching and manipulating a notebook, away from the screen.

A recognized tool for mental health

Journaling is not limited to a nostalgic activity; it also benefits from scientific support. Psychological research, particularly the work of American psychologist James W. Pennebaker, shows that expressive writing can help better manage stress, structure thoughts, and gain perspective on difficult events.

Writing down your emotions, worries, or successes acts as an emotional release valve, especially during periods of transition or uncertainty. It doesn't replace professional support when needed, but it's an accessible and practical way to improve your daily psychological well-being.

                                                                                          Photo d'illustration : cottonbro studio / Pexels

A space for oneself, completely private

In a world where almost everything is shared online, a personal diary offers a silent refuge. Here, there is no audience, no algorithm, no pressure to validate. This absence of external scrutiny fosters authentic and free expression: one writes without filters, without seeking to please or perform. This need for privacy affects teenagers as much as adults. Many find in it a personal space to reflect, listen to themselves, and understand themselves, sheltered from the eyes of others.

Formats suitable for everyone

The personal journal is no longer limited to a simple "blank notebook." In 2026, journaling comes in many forms: bullet journals, guided journals, structured journals, or dedicated apps. Some offer questions or exercises related to gratitude, emotions, or personal goals, making it easier for beginners to get started.

Meanwhile, creators are sharing their writing routines on social media, democratizing this habit and inspiring new generations to pick up a pen rather than a keyboard.

Writing to get to know oneself better

Beyond its calming effects, journaling fosters self-knowledge. Rereading one's writings allows one to identify patterns, observe changes, or better understand one's reactions to certain situations. This practice is part of a holistic approach to self-care, alongside meditation, therapy, or personal development. And the beauty of this habit lies in its flexibility: it can be daily or occasional, structured or spontaneous.

A simple, sustainable and accessible practice

The success of the personal journal also lies in its simplicity: a notebook and a pen are all you need. No special equipment or specific skills are required. In a world where wellness solutions can sometimes seem complex or expensive, this accessibility makes it a valuable tool.

Far from being a passing fad, the personal journal fulfils a fundamental need: to slow down, express oneself, reflect, and reconnect with oneself. It offers a discreet yet effective respite from an often hectic daily life, allowing for a better understanding of one's experiences and the nurture of one's mind.

In 2026, the personal diary is once again captivating people because it combines intimacy, freedom, and well-being. Simple, accessible, and deeply personal, it remains a silent yet powerful companion for anyone wishing to reconnect with themselves.

https://www.ma-grande-taille.com/en/sante/bien-etre/writing-to-feel-better-why-a-diary-is-appealing-2026-437242

UK: Wakefield soldier’s World War II diary reveals 27,000-mile journey across three continents

From wakefieldexpress.co.uk

A wartime diary kept by a Wakefield soldier has been rediscovered decades after the Second World War revealing an extraordinary 27,000-mile journey through 13 countries and three continents.

The writings of Corporal Alwyn Day, found among family papers, form the basis of a new book, Empire’s Witness: A Soldier’s Secret War Diary 1942-45, reconstructed by his grandson, documentary filmmaker Philip James Day.

At its heart is an account of movement through one of the Second World War’s least understood supply routes, later known as the Persian Corridor, which carried vital Allied supplies from the Persian Gulf through Iran to the Soviet Union.

                                                Alwyn (r) and Harry on camel, Egypt 1943

The author said the diary’s tone stood out for its restraint and quiet observation.

He said: “A couple of years ago, my grandfather’s wartime diary turned up in old family papers.

"He was Corporal Alwyn Day of Wakefield and the pages he wrote trace his journey through thirteen countries and three continents during the Second World War, over something like 27,000 miles.

"What struck me most was how little it tried to make a hero of him.”

Written between 1942 and 1945, the diary is filled with photographs, sketches, maps and personal items, capturing a mix of everyday detail, curiosity and hardship as Corporal Day moved through the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.

Entries include visits to the pyramids in Egypt, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Dead Sea, alongside difficult episodes like a breakdown in the Sinai desert without water and long convoy journeys through hazardous conditions.

In Cairo, he recorded seeing entertainer Josephine Baker perform at the Royal Opera House.

                                                                           Alwyn, officer, local, Egypt ,1944

Elsewhere he described an invitation to the home of a millionaire racehorse owner in Tel Aviv and sailing on one of King Farouk’s yachts in Alexandria.

Despite these moments, much of the diary is shaped by wartime censorship rules that discouraged soldiers from recording sensitive operational detail.

To understand the full picture, the author cross-referenced the diary with military and convoy records, placing the journey within the wider Allied logistics system operating across the region.

New material has continued to emerge from the family archive following the recent death of a relative, adding further depth to the picture of his wartime experience.

A personal detail appears in an entry from February 14, 1943, when Corporal Day was in Qom, Iran, and recorded receiving a copy of his local newspaper, the Wakefield Express, a reminder of home reaching him deep inside the Middle East.

Mr Day said: “Incredibly we keep finding stuff as one of his daughters – my auntie – recently died and so a lot of archive papers have emerged that he had stored from Alwyn’s archive.”

He said the project was “a truly local story on an epic landscape”, tracing a man through a global conflict before he returned home, resumed ordinary life and left much of his experience unspoken.

An exhibition-style launch event will be held at The Hepworth on May 9.

The book will open for pre-order on May 8 (VE Day) and be published on June 6 (D-Day).

https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/people/wakefield-soldiers-world-war-ii-diary-reveals-27000-mile-journey-across-three-continents-6580304?itm_source=internal&itm_campaign=breaking-news-ticker&itm_channel=homepage_banner&itm_content=4