Climb 7

Everyone has settled into Base Camp and today the team participated in the traditional Puja ceremony in which the Sherpas pay homage to the Everest deity and is the starting point for all Everest expeditions.

The teams and their equipment (crampons, ice axes, helmets and harnesses) were also blessed. Perfect timing as the next step was heading over to get acquainted with the Icefall.

The teams will need plenty of practice to be able to move quickly and effeciently over and through it – the Icefall is one of the most dangerous parts of the mountain and completely unavoidable.  As you can see from the pictures, the Icefall requires every ounce of skill and equipment – fortunately the sun is pretty warm so you can least shed some of your bulky layers.

Base camp communications have been great. Mike’s been calling from his local 3G phone which is amazing considering he is at the base of the world’s biggest mountain. He mentioned when the teams aren’t out climbing, base camp’s environment is a little limiting due to the winds, cold and rocky terrain.

Next up is back down to Labouche High Camp for a summit attempt on Labouche Peak at 20,070 feet. The team should be back up in base camp by early next week.