Icefall Practice

Posted on by bartw55

imageOne of my favorite days last year was sharpening my skills on the huge ice seracs that have not so recently traveled down from the Icefall. Today was no exception. It was even better because I’m healthy and energetic. Last year it occurred on one of the few sick days I had.

We started at 9am and did six rotations between two sites – three on the one you see in the picture and three on the other, ending at noon. IMG guide, Johnny, had us do it all with our warmest and largest mittens. Using the ascender and carabiners is relatively easy with some practice unless you have to do it with the big gloves, then it’s a challenge even for the experienced climber.   I’ve read of those summiting on a warm day with medium gloves or less, but we practice for the worst, of course.

After lunch we took a group picture with the 50 or so Sherpa in our camp, then I took a shower. IMG sets up two nice tent showers, each with two sections, one for showering and one for changing. A small generator is used to heat the water. A hot Himalayan shower!  Life doesn’t get much better.

It’s another six-hour hike back to Lobache base camp tomorrow, in preparation for a summit attempt two days later, weather permitting. I’ll be out of wifi and cell range again, so I’ll keep Jude posted by satellite phone and she’ll update the blog.

10 thoughts on “Icefall Practice”

  1. It was so good to get your call as we woke up this morning and to know that you are healthy and doing well though very tired from your day of icefall practice. We are so excited for you and the adventure you are having.

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  4. I’m following everything, I can’t get enough of your adventures. You sound so good. So happy that you got a nice warm shower😝. You’re in my prayers
    morning and night. I love you, bro😘

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  5. I just read and got up to date on your blog. It sounds like things are getting serious. You sound healthy and happy and I think it is great that you get another crack at the big one. I have to admit I get a little jealous when I see the pics and can feel the excitement of the on-going prep-work. To fill the void I’ve been doing some smaller adventures. My boys and I did Kings Peak end of March. It turned out to be a long, cold day (20 hours)but skiing off the top was pretty epic. Shasta is coming up first week of May. Thanks for the inspiration Bart! May the force be with you!!

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