Camp 1 on Cho Oyu

September 16, 2016

The Team left ABC this morning to spend their first night at Camp 1 on Cho Oyu.  Camp 1 is at an elevation just over 20,000’ (6,000m).  As I sit writing this blog and thinking about the first time you head out from ABC to Camp 1, I think about the stories of “the hill.”  Here is a quick description of the trek to Camp 1 for all of you.

Walking out of our camp and wandering through main Base Camp the team treks over the rubble strewn glacier.  It changes from year to year but what is always there are the ups and downs and route finding that come along with the first section.  As the Team begins the gentle grade uphill to the left, they will arrive at Lake Camp.  This is a rest stop for our climbers before “the hill.”

The first time up the hill is nothing short of hard work.  Slow and steady, step by step and find your groove.  This hill section to Camp 1 is challenging and rewarding.  Our Team will notice significant changes in their strength and acclimatization as the expedition goes on.  The hill gets a little “easier.”  Slow and steady to the top of the hill and then, all of a sudden, you are at Camp 1, protected on the opposite side of the ridge.

The Team will sleep at Camp 1 tonight and get up early tomorrow morning to return to ABC.

Nice job everyone!

Greg Vernovage