Lobuche

I’m finally getting some decent wi-fi service here at EBC (Everest Base Camp), so I’m able to update the past few days’ events.

I just got off the phone with Judy who is now back home in Ogden. Her flights were all on time and she even had time, while in Inchon, Korea, to visit one of the temple sites. She took pictures and I will be interested when I get back home to see if I recognize them. I’m guessing I probably will. I also got a chance to talk to Mom and Dad.  Then, Don, Ty, Livie, and Rowan.  All were just returning from the airport after welcoming Judy safely home. It was so good to hear their voices!  It made me homesick – but, I can’t let myself go there; I’ve got to keep my “game face” on for the next five or six weeks.

About three days ago I completed an important step in the acclimatization process by summiting 20,000-foot Lobuche. What an awesome peak!

Sherpa prepared fixed lines for us near the top.  It got as steep as 45-50 degrees, and would have been unsafe without them.  It looked at least that steep from below at Base Camp, but it felt even steeper once on it.  It was fun to get to the top and see the grand views of Everest and the other surrounding mountains!  It also became the highest mountain I’ve ever summited! This was my first time using fixed ropes, other than my short training at Base Camp, and one of the steepest slopes I can remember ascending.   Tashi Sherpa reminded me that the Lhotse face, from Camp 2 to Camp 3, is even steeper!  It can be icy, as well, and much longer!  Maybe ten times longer!  Oh boy!   A lot of work ahead!  I had been able to keep up with him on Lobuche, and we were first to reach the summit, but I’m not going to fool myself to think I can repeat that on Lhotse.  Meanwhile, today is a rest day at EBC, and it couldn’t be more perfect. It’s clear and calm and beautiful!  We will be doing some ladder practice to prepare for crevasse crossings later.  I have to get used to doing it with 8000-meter triple boots and crampons. Should be fun!