Everest 2012: KTM to Lukla
Mike will be headed out this morning for the short puddle-jumper flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. More updates as they arrive!
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Teen Expedition Day 7
Despite Mike’s cautionary words, the ambitious team moved to Lobuche (16,210 ft) today. To his surprise, everyone is doing well with the rapidly thinning air. Matt seems to be improving, ironically as he goes higher in elevation – must be in his DNA.
Tomorrow will be a long and difficult day – they’ll gain another 1,300 feet on the several mile journey to Everest Base Camp. The trail will take them by the last outpost of civilization in the Khumbu, Gorak Shep. There they’ll drop overnight gear and head on to EBC and then back to Gorak Shep. After what is imagined to be an unappetizing dinner, the kids will sleep a few hours, then gear up, fire up their head lamps and begin the summit push to Kala Patthar (18,373 ft). As the sun rises in the east it illuminates the Tibet side of Everest. The South Ridge and Summit radiate beams of sunlight creating one of the most dramatic and memorable sunrises the team will likely ever witness.
The next 36 hours should be the crux of the expedition.
Teen Expedition Day 6
Mike spoke with Dee last night briefly through their SAT phone which was struggling to stay connected. What he was able to ascertain is that they made it to the mountain hamlet of Dingboche (14,800 ft). The kids are now higher than any point in the Continental United States. Weather is clear (thank you Joel Gratz) and they now have views of the 8,000 meter giants – Everest and Lhotse. To the south is the majestic Ama Dablam and up valley, the isolated Island Peak. Since this is their first time seeing this, we are sure they feel like they’re on a different planet. Spirits are high.
Matt is still sick (fever and stomach) but is soldiering on, he says he’s improving and there are some encouraging signs. Cam has a little stomach thing going and the three girls (Kaylee, Olivia, Jordan) are 100% as are the moms (Kim and Deidra). They’re current rate of ascent is fairly fast - Mike recommended they take another day in Dingboche to rest and build some red blood cells. Next destination is over 16,000 feet.
Everest 2012: Kathmandu
After traveling for well over 24 hours, Mike made it safely to Kathmandu. Now it is two nights for some catch up after the intense plane ride and then off to Lukla.
Teen Expedition Day 5: Moving on from Tenboche
No actual update from the team today, but I did receive this SPOT that shows that they have moved on from Tenboche.
Everest 2012: The Triple Eight
In March 2012, Mike Moniz will be heading to Nepal to tackle Mt. Everest and Lohtse, the tallest and fourth tallest mountains in the world, respectively. He is climbing the south side of Everest with IMG and the plan is to summit Lhotse immediately after his Everest summit before moving to Cho Oyu on a private climb with Charley Mace who also be on Everest but attempting the very difficult West Ridge with a team from Eddie Bauer/First Ascent. Thus both climbers will be acclimatized and should able to make a quick push up Cho Oyu.
Everest 2012: Travel Day
Mt. Everest in bags
Mike is currently en route to Nepal via Los Angeles, then Bangkok and finally Kathmandu. The trip will include over 24 hours of in-the-air time. Plenty of time to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Teen Expedition Day 4: Khumjung Blessings and the Hillary School
Wednesday 3/28
The team is on the move to Tengboche (12,687) after spending the morning in classes at the Hillary School. The day is perfect – blue bird skies and striking views of Ama Dablam. After school, the team hiked up to the Khumjung Monatstary (12,434 ft) where they were blessed and then back to Tenboche to spend the night. Everyone is strong – despite early morning starts. Matt Moniz is not fully recovered, but is improving. Weather forecast is a bit of a wild card. Hoping to post a SPOT soon.
Teen Expedition Day 3: Khumjung
Khumjung and the Hillary School
Tuesday 3/27
The kids moved up to Khumjung today, which is about 12,400 ft, a gain of about 1,200 vertical over Namche. Not a typical strategy on the trek in to EBC, most spend a few days in Namche to acclimate and rest. However, most of the team lives around 6,000 feet here in Colorado so in this case the move was smart. They reported amazing views today from the very dusty trail. They also visited the Hillary School this afternoon but the students were in testing so they’ll return tomorrow morning.
With some new friends
Matt has improved slightly but still has a fever – not the first time he has adventured sick. Everyone is hoping it does not spread to the rest of the team – fingers crossed.
In action
For additional pictures, visit the Climb7 Teen Expedition page.
Teen Expedition Day 2: Namche Bazaar
Monday 3/26
After an 8 mile stroll through the Khumbu and 2,500 feet of switch backs and stone steps the team arrived safely at their tea house in Namche Bazar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. Kaylee’s gear bag finally arrived and she is quite relieved to have all her kit with her. Matt is still sick – hopefully the much needed rest day will allow him to recover. Everyone else is feeling great!
Namche Bazaar