October 27, 2014

All is well in the Khumbu!

Camp 1 on Ama Dablam (Justin Merle)

Ama Dablam climbers are spread out low on the mountain.  Some are sleeping at Camp 1 and others at Yak Camp tonight.  The ropes are being fixed as well.  I spoke with Mark at Base Camp and he sad that the Team is in great shape and everyone is healthy.  Our Sherpa Team has been setting up camp and preparing for the move up to Camp 2 and 2.7.  Internet and cell signal seems to be the most challenging obstacle so far.

Phunuru was able to sneak out a Team photo from the Puja.  I am not sure what Phunuru’s secret is but he always seems to find the lucky spot.  Thanks Phunuru!

Ama Dablam Team Photo at the Puja! (Phunuru)

Up Valley, Tye checked in from Gorakshep and Lobuche.  That Team is strong and moving!  They had a great trek up to the summit of Kala Pattar.  To keep with the theme for this Team of 3 x 3 Trekkers and Lobuche Climbers, the weather was superb.  A little cool in the morning as they climbed and when the sun came up, great views.  After the summit of Kala Pattar, the 3 x 3 and Lobuche climbers make a split.  Our 3 x 3 Team is spending the night in the village of Lobuche while the Lobuche climbers trekked around to Base Camp.

Coming up for the Teams, training for the Lobuche climb and trekking towards Gokyo!

Greg Vernovage

October 26, 2014

It has been a busy couple of days in the Khumbu Valley.

Ama Dablam Puja (Justin Merle)

The Ama Dablam Team had their Puja ceremony this morning and has begun moving up Ama Dablam.  The first group of climbers moved up to Yak camp today, where they will familiarize themselves with the route and continue to acclimatize higher up.  Our second group will meet them at Yak camp tomorrow.  After a night at Yak Camp, the team will touch and go back down to camp 1.

Up the Valley, the 3 x 3 and Lobuche climbing Team has had a very busy couple of days.  Tye reported from Lobuche Village that it was a long day with slippery conditions on the trail.  “Slippery” is a technical term for us.  There was a little snow encountered on the trail over Khnongma La.  A little education here: “La” means pass, so when you read “La” at the end of the name, it is letting you know that they are passing through a high pass or notch in the mountain range.  The Team worked hard and was on the trail for a while yesterday.  Once again, why hurry, the views in all direction are worthy of a stop and soak in the landscape.  Some Tea and dinner and a good night sleep in Lobuche was well earned.

Not enough they say!  The 3 x 3 and Lobuche Team woke up and had recuperated.  One of the Highlights of the trip was within their reach.  Out the door and up the hill.  The Team headed for Gorakshep.  From there, grab some lunch and visit Everest Base Camp.  Some fresh snow on the ground made for great trekking conditions.

Tomorrow, the team will split. After climbing Kala Pattar, the Lobuche Climbers will head to Base Camp and the 3 x 3 trekkers will continue up to Dzongla.

Greg Vernovage

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