High camp at 17,000 ft
The team went up to Lobuche High Camp for an acclimatization/exploration climb to about 17,000 feet. Two more nights here and then they will progress on the Everest Base Camp for two nights and then back to climb Lobuche East – 20,164 ft. The goal now is to get well acclimated to the extreme altitudes.
The view from high camp
Hanging out with Jim Whittaker
Mike started the last morning in Pheriche with breakfast with Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest in 1963. Next year is the 50th anniversary of his ascent. Jim made a point of covering Mike’s Mountain Hardwear logo (our sponsor) in the picture. Jim is one of the founders of First Ascent which is the clothing company sponsoring the West Ridge Expedition featuring Climb7 friend Charley Mace.
On the way to Labouche
After breakfast, the team took off towards Lobouche camp at 15,818 feet. They will stay at Labouche for the next three nights.
SPOT from Labouche
Home for the next three days - at 15,818 feet
Technology when you are off the grid
Mike took an extra day in Namche to spend time with the family but trekked today to Pheriche. He will be here – acclimating at 14,430 feet – for two days before headed off to Labouje. Base camp is getting closer!
Pheriche at 14,430 ft
Mike was blessed by Lama Geshe in the mountain hamlet of Pangboche. Lama Geshe is the highest ranking Buddhist Lama in the region. Alan Arnette did a nice story on Lama Geshe here.
Lama Geshe
Here is the aforementioned snow that was making communications difficult earlier. A nice blanket to start the trek to Pheriche.
A Chorten blanketed in snow.
Late afternoon view of Ama Dablam from the mountain village of Pheriche (14,340).
Ama Dablam
Mike was able to connect with the Teen Everest Expedition team for the past two days. They were able to have dinner, swap tales and just hang out in an incredible place sharing an amazing journey.
Mike reports that he is doing well. The slow road to base camp is intentional. The team stops in each village on the way for a couple of days. The purpose is acclimatization but also to build strength. Yes, after training at 12,000 feet in Colorado, Mike could hustle up to base camp but…there is no rush and each stop builds the all important red blood cells which help condition the body to handle the hard altitude to come.
He is entering into the zone in which communications are somewhat difficult. There is a snow storm currently happening which is making sat phone calls challenging and our cell phone conversations have been brief. More updates as they become available.
IMG Team Dinner
The team is in Lukla now. They will be headed back to Boulder soon. I am so proud of these kids! What an amazing expedition!
At the summit of Kala Patthar
Jordan and Kaylee with a new friend
Time for an artsy shot by Matt Moniz
Jordan being blessed
Matt at the summit of Kala Patthar
Despite the smoke, Mike made it to Namche in good spirts and with a series of photos which tell a much more interesting story than I can.
Room with a view - Kushum Kanguru 20,839 ft
Strolling through Khumjung
Just another day at the office for trekking yak
Getting ready to head to base camp
The money shot - first view of Everest through the haze
After taking off ridiculously early, Mike landed in Lukla. As you can see, there are plenty of familiar ways to recover from an early morning flight. There is a fire near the route to Namche which will make climbing uncomfortable, as anyone in Colorado can attest.
Fire on the route to Namche
Nonetheless, there are some spectacular views and everything is better with Starbucks and wifi.
Lukla Starbucks
Mike will be headed out this morning for the short puddle-jumper flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. More updates as they arrive!
