October 24, 2014

3 x 3 and Lobuche Peak Team summits Chukkung Ri (Tye Chapman)

Tye checked in with news of a great day on Chukkung Ri!

It was a good day with some hard climbing for the team as they crossed 5,000 meters.  The Team did great and the weather was perfect.  They were rewarded for their hard work with continued fantastic views of the North Ridge of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak and Everest.

When you start gaining more altitude and look around, it is surreal for a while. We have a tendency to concentrate so hard on the task at hand that we forget to look around and take in the landscape and the enormity of what is in front of us.

All is well with the Team. They will get a good night sleep tonight. They will need it, tomorrow is an early start, Tye said the wakeup call is for 5 am.  Tomorrow, they will trek over Khongma La.  In Jangbu’s words, “Long day but great views, so it will be good.”

On Ama Dablam, the Team is resting and preparing for the Puja.  Mike, Mark and Phunuru spoke with the fixing team and have word that they will put the rope up today and tomorrow.

Ama Dablam camp (Justin Merle)

Mike has climbed up to Yak camp for the night and Mark and his Team are taking a rest day.  I know this Ama Dablam Team.  They started out the day with coffee and tea and by lunch, I bet Mark had his harness out and was showing a few things that will help the team be more efficient up high.  Mark is a wealth of knowledge and knows how to explain different techniques extremely well.  The dining tent probably turned into a get together between the Sherpa and climbers.

What a great way to connect!

Greg Vernovage

October 23, 2014

Mike Hamill called in this morning to let us know that Mark and the Ama Dablam Team has arrived at Base Camp.  All is well, Base Camp is looking great, and the Team is psyched!  Word is that the rope and hardwear has arrived and the fixing team will start work on the mountain as weather permits.  Mike will hike to Yak Camp tomorrow and Mark and the rest of the team will take a rest day and familiarize themselves with their Base Camp duffel again.

The IMG Team will have their Puja on the 25th and then will focus in on the task in front of them – climbing!

Lhotse, towering above Chukkung (Greg Vernovage)

Tye Chapman called in as well from Chukkung.  The 3 x 3 and Lobuche climbing Team are doing great and the accommodations are fantastic.  It was a clear day and arriving in Chukkung has been amazing, Tye said. “We are in a big bowl up here”.  They have Lhotse towering above them and Island Peak with Makalu in the distance.  All with a post cyclone dusting of snow on them and crisp air.  Tomorrow, the Team will climb Chukkung Ri.  I am guessing that they will get more spectacular views.

Greg Vernovage

October 22, 2014

The Ama Dablam Team and the 3 x 3 and Lobuche Climbers all had the same idea today.  And with the weather they have been having, why not?

From Pheriche, the 3 x 3 and Lobuche Peak climbers took a walk up the hill behind the Himalayan Lodge to stretch their legs and catch a better view of Lobuche Peak.  Meanwhile, from Dingboche, Mark and the Ama Dablam Team decided to head out for an acclimatization hike.  The ridge dividing the two villages is a great hike.  The Teams can spot Island Peak and Makalu on the right.  Lhotse right in front of them and Lobuche Peak on their far left.  It is not a technical climb up this ridge but a perfect opportunity to stretch their legs and continue the training needed for a few days from now.  As the two teams moved up the ridge, they bumped into each other.  A nice reunion and a couple of photos and back down to the lodges.

Next up for the 3 x 3?  They will head up to Chukkung tomorrow.

Ama Dablam Base Camp (Phunuru)

The Ama Dablam Team is feeling healthy and strong.  Great news, they will be heading out on the trail again tomorrow.  Ama Dablam Base Camp is ready and so is our Team!  Phunuru checked in as well.  Ama Dablam Base Camp is set up and ready to go!  Mike Hamill pulled into Ama Dablam Base Camp today with his team and will rest and take in the views for a couple days before beginning his climbing rotations.  His team is moving right along, strong and ready to roll.  Objective is in sight.

Enjoy the photos from all over the Khumbu!

Greg Vernovage

October 21, 2014

Our 3 X 3 with Lobuche Peak climbers are at Pheriche today and the Ama Dablam Team is in Dingboche.  They are on schedule!

This is usually a pretty big move up in altitude for everyone.  The great weather they have been dealt with has given them opportunities to see all of the great peaks around them. Conditions on the route have been so nice that the team even had time to pull over and fly a kite!

The Lobuche climbers will get the best view of their objective so far.  Dawa, our Sirdar for the 3 x 3 and Lobuche Peak team will show everyone the route.  Dawa is a long time IMG Sherpa Guide with multiple Everest and Lobuche summits.

The Ama Dablam Team pulled into Dingboche, just on the other side of the ridge from Pheriche.  They will have a great view of the North Ridge of Ama Dablam.  A couple rest days and acclimatization hikes and the team will move into Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Phunuru is at Ama Dablam Base Camp with our Sherpa team building and preparing for the team’s arrival.

Life is good in the Khumbu!

Greg Vernovage

October 20, 2014

Ok, try to keep up with me here!

All is well in the Khumbu!  That is always nice to hear.  Our teams checked in from Pheriche, Pangboche and Tengboche this morning.  The weather is fantastic everywhere and the Teams are moving up and acclimatizing well.

Mike checked in from Pheriche after his hike up the ridge.  They have a couple more days to acclimatize before heading to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

Tye Chapman checked in from Pangboche with the 3 x 3 trekkers and Lobuche climbers.  “Beaute of a day.”  In our language, that translates into no issues and a very happy crew! Pangboche is the home of many Sherpa who climb with IMG in the spring.  It is tough to pass through Pangboche without stopping in for a cup of tea at least four or five times.  The day can get away from us.  Good thing for this team, they are staying there tonight and have tons of time to enjoy this great village.  An Everest summit certificate is a cherished item.  It is awe inspiring to enter some of the teahouses in Pangboche and notice hanging in the common room 5-10 plus certificates!

Mark Allen and the Ama Dablam Team spent one more day in Tengboche.  Slow and steady and pull into Base Camp strong.  The Team is doing their job.  This can be the most important time of their entire climb.

“This afternoon we are going to visit the Buddhist service put on by the 800 y/o Monastery.  This monastery is one of the largest religious centers of the Khumbu and provides rich history for the Sherpa community.”

So the summary…Mike will be in Pheriche again tomorrow.  The 3 x 3 and Lobuche Peak climbers will head to Pheriche in the morning and our Ama Dablam Team will head to Dingboche.

Greg Vernovage