Jim & Sam, two guys from NZ, are interested in measuring the levels of certain proteins once we arrive at the Pyramid Lab. Once the blood samples are taken the proteins are fairly fragile if the sample is not immediately frozen, typically placed in a -80 degrees Centigrade freezer. That obviously poses quite a challenge for any samples taken at the Pyramid Lab, not only for storage on site but also during transport back to NZ for analysis. The answer had been to take a 2 Liter canister of liquid nitrogen up to the lab in which to store & transport the samples - simple! Last week Jim & Sam were told that it would be possible to put the liquid nitrogen canister on one of the planes heading up to Lukla. When they arrived earlier this week that had changed - not possible to put on the plane but OK to go on one of the helicopters heading up there as additional baggage. Last night at dinner they were informed that option wasn't available and that they would have to charter the helicopter themselves at a mere $2500 per hour - a total of $7500!! So they are now faced with having to make a decision on what to do. Phil, the expedition leader, is hopeful that our trekking organizer, Bonid, can work something out. But it is obviously a major concern to Jim & Sam. We leave for the airport in an hour's time - will discover the fate of the liquid nitrogen and the proteins!!
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