September 15, 2016

Our Cho Oyu and Tibet Trek teams are enjoying a “bluebird day” on Cho Oyu.  Phunuru and the rest of our Sherpa team are feeling great and have all climbed to Camp 1.  Their goal for the day was to establish Camp 1 today so the team can move in tomorrow.  Judging from the photos Phunuru sent back they have certainly established it, and in true fashion.  The Eureka tents are all lined up! From the photos it also looks like early reports from Mike were spot on, plenty of snow at Camp 1.

Back at ABC, Mike, Dallas and the team continued to acclimatize.  The task for the day was to sort through gear and prepare for the move to Camp 1 in the morning.  They double-checked and rigged harnesses, did some training and, on a perfect day like today, let the sun bake the sleeping bags and down suits.

All is well!

Greg Vernovage

September 14, 2016

It was an auspicious day on the Tibetan Calendar so the Team had their Puja.  It was a cool and clear morning and everyone is doing great.  Chewang Lindu and Pasang Kami (PK) were up early and decided to stretch their legs by taking some rope and Hardwear up to Camp 1.  The route is in good condition and the guys were back to ABC before the Puja started.  After the Puja, the Team walked into main ABC to say hello to other Teams and get familiar with the route.  Tomorrow is for rest and packing for their first trip up to C1.

The Puja Ceremony is an important event for the climbing team.  We have our Lama and Sherpa pray for a safe climb and offer different gifts to the mountain.  The climbers bless their gear and we hang prayer flags over our camp.  The prayer flags have five colors; blue, white, red, green and yellow with prayers written on them that get released as they blow in the wind.

Greg Vernovage

September 13, 2016

Mike checked in from ABC with the Tibet Trek and Cho Oyu Climbing Team.  Everyone is adjusting to the altitude quite well.  We move a little slower for the first few days at 18,500’.  Eating, sleeping and stretching our legs are important exercises to help with acclimatization.  The Sherpa are setting up the shower tent and charging station while some of the members stretch their legs in main ABC.  The IMG ABC is at the lower end of camp and we will trek through main ABC as we head up the mountain.

Tomorrow is the Puja followed by and acclimatization hike.  Everything is moving right along!

Greg Vernovage

September 12, 2016

It was great to hear the sweet sound of the Satellite phone ringing and Mike on the other end letting us know, “All is Well.”  Mike said the camp looks great and there is a light snow coming down.  According to the weather forecast, they should expect a few afternoon flurries for the next week as the monsoon finishes up its business.  The Climbers and Trekkers had new obstacles to contend with during today’s trek but after the introductions at IC, it seems like the Yaks were willing to share the trail.

The Team will take the next couple days familiarizing themselves with ABC (18,500’) as well as their climbing gear again.  Next big activity for the Team will be the Puja Ceremony and, by my calendar, it looks like the 14^th will likely be the day!

In Mike’s words, “We are ready to go climbing!”

Greg Vernovage