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

October 19, 2014

Our Teams are moving up the Khumbu Valley.  The 3 x 3 and Ama Dablam Teams have moved into Tengboche on a beautiful day.  Great weather and more fantastic scenery.  Mike has moved up the Pheriche where he reports cool and crisp weather with a light dusting of snow on the ground.

These days are great for the Teams.  Their job is to acclimatize and stay healthy.  It doesn’t hurt to have beautiful views, night and day.  The Tengboche Monastery is a fantastic sight.  The teams will visit the inside tomorrow and take a walk up the ridge.

Enjoy the photos!

Greg Vernovage

October 18, 2014

The Teams in Namche started out with another nice day.  Everyone is feeling well and acclimatizing nicely.

Today was the Bazaar…the Namche Bazaar.  This market which occurs on Saturday is probably one of the oldest gatherings for trade and purchase of everything you might need in the Khumbu.

If you followed our Cho Oyu expedition at all, you will remember that I told you about Nangpa La.  This high pass that connects Tibet to Nepal is one of the oldest trade routes in the world.  Tibetans would come through that pass and trek for days into the Khumbu Valley to Namche.  Here the people still sell and trade and from time to time, we can still see Tibetan’s trading goods.

The team will enjoy a nice mellow walk around town and back to the Khumbu Lodge to get off their feet.  They want to take it easy today because tomorrow is what we call the “down and up” day.  They’ll leave Namche behind and head towards Tengboche and the Monastery.  For this, they will descend to the river and then trek up Tengboche hill.  Our Sherpa make it look easy!

Greg Vernovage