Entries from Everest BC Trek
March 27, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 13,950'
We experienced the normal sadness about leaving trees today but the thrill of life at high altitude is plenty a replacement. We enjoyed good weather all day, just a bit chilly pulling into
Pheriche, our home for the next two nights, at about 14,000 ft it was to be expected. The team was fortunate to visit Lama Geshi in Pangboche. A chant and a blessing for each sent the group out the door in high spirits.
Our path was diverted slightly as a bridge had collapsed. How many times I have crossed that span thinking it had another twenty years of life in it? Not so. The detour was a pleasant stroll by the river with yet another great photo opp on the new bridge. Wishing you all the best
RMI Guide
Mark Tucker & Team
March 26, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 12,325'
The team did fine work of packing up, grabbing a quick breakfast then good-bye Namche. Hello to Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Teboche, Cholatse, which are just a few peaks between 20,000' and 27,000'. Of course, the big one, Mt. Everest at 29,035' was also out in full bloom under clear skies and warm temperatures. No we didn't climb any of them, just enjoyed them from afar. Another great job by the A team. Tackled the
Tengboche Hill in fine style and just as we arrived at the infamous monastery, a monk began blowing through a giant conch shell announcing the afternoon prayer. We abandoned our boots at the entrance and spent some time in the ornate sanctuary listening to them chant. A few nice photos and twenty minutes down the hill to the Rivendale Tea House for the night. A full day to say the least.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
March 26, 2014
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 13,950'
Hello everyone.
Today we opted to take an additional rest day here in
Pheriche. There's a cold going around and everyone could benefit from a little more acclimatization. Most of us went on a hike to stretch our legs and lungs a bit. It was one of the nicest days in the Khumbu yet, with plenty of sunshine and it was relatively warm today.
After our hike we relaxed once again in the sunroom and played a bit of cribbage. Currently Travis and Sean are winning, but I think their luck is about to change. Hopefully tomorrow we'll hit the trail and head further towards
Everest Base Camp.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
On The Map
March 25, 2014
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 13,950'
Hello again from
Pheriche.
Today was another well-deserved rest day for the team. After breakfast we contemplated going on a hike but the chilly temperatures and wind outside kept us inside pouring more coffee and relaxing in the nice warm sunroom. Everyone did a little exploring of this small village of about a dozen tea houses, some venturing further than others. At 3:00 pm we walked next door to the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) and sat in on a short, but informative, talk about altitude and travel issues. The HRA has small seasonal medical facility based here to treat climbers, trekkers, porters, and Sherpa that need help. It was established by the famous American doctor Peter Hacket in 1974.
Our evening was spent watching the local traffic of porters and yaks pass by loaded with gear for this climbing season. Everyone is still in good spirits and looking forward to tomorrow.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
On The Map
March 25, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 11,300'
What a nice day for the team. Really the first time to catch our breath and that is not an easy task here at 11,000ft. After the whirlwind tour of Kathmandu, a flight into the mountains, and a big hike yesterday, what a nice option to take it easy today. We still cut a swath through
Namche Bazaar, invested in the local economy and even stretched our legs a bit. Recharging our physical and gadgetry batteries was the focus of the day.
One highlight was a trip to the local museum. It had three viewing areas: one being a typical Sherpa home with all the furnishings, another of Sherpa history and culture, and a room full of
Everest history, fantastic photos and early expedition gear.
The team has been behaving well and enjoying all the support of our local outfitter, High Altitude Dreams, and the fantastic staff here at our Tea house in Namche, Camp de Base. We all feel so lucky to spend this time with these wonderful people.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
March 24, 2014
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 13,950'
Hello everyone.
We had a wonderful day again here in Nepal. We started with our usual breakfast and coffee at 8:00 and hit the trail around 9:00. Since it's been rather cold here this spring, we haven't wanted to start hiking too early. The team was very fortunate to spot a rare Musk Deer and even saw a few mountain Tarr, which is a type of Himalayan mountain goat.
We made our way to Pangboche where we visited the highest ranking Lama in the Khumbu and received a blessing for safe passage. We continued along the trail passing by the iconic Ama Dablam and slowly came into
Pheriche.
The team is doing great and enjoying the amazing scenery every step of the way.
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
On The Map
March 24, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 11,300'
The team had a very nice rest after our last night in Kathmandu. The city was a hoot, but back here in the high country is tough to beat.
All business today. After a nice breakfast of French toast, guess we should call it Nepali toast, we started ascending to
Namche Bazaar. A little overcast made for pleasant travel. We are now officially in Sagamartha National Park, which encompasses
Mount Everest. We climbed more than 2,000 feet in great style and are now resting comfortably at a tea house in Namche Bazaar. Located at over 11,000 feet makes for a planned extra day here for rest and adjusting to these altitudes. So important to not ascend too quickly. The A team is consuming a lot of great food, but that is a good thing. Remember you can't run a bulldozer on a pint of diesel!
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
March 23, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 8,700'
After an early start this morning from the hotel in Kathmandu, the team boarded a plane to Lukla. Then the trek began. We met our Sherpa team and began our trek to Everest Base Camp with a hike along the Dudh Kosi River to Phakding. The weather was very nice for hiking today. Now, we are checked in at our first tea house of the trip. We are excited to have stretched our legs a bit and arrived in the mountains.
We will check in tomorrow from Namche Bazarre.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
March 23, 2014
Posted by: Casey Grom
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 12.325'
Namaste! (traditional Nepalese greeting)
Today the team left Namche Bazarre and headed further up the Khumbu Valley headed for
Everest Base Camp. Shortly after leaving we were greeted with our first view of Everest itself, far off in the distance but clearly standing above all else. We slowly made our way along the trail stopping for pictures and breaks and eventually made our way up to the Tengboche Monastery. We arrived shortly before the monks prayer session and were delighted to sit in and listen to the monks chant, which was quite spiritual for all. We then casually made our way down to our new tea house for the evening where we are currently warming ourselves by the wood burning stove.
All is well!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and crew
On The Map
March 22, 2014
Posted by: Mark Tucker
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek
Elevation: 4,383'
Jackpot! Feeling like Mr. T with his A Team. My amazing team and all our gear arrived in Kathmandu. All our boxes are checked, i.e. orientation meeting, equipment check, city tour and it is pouring rain in
Kathmandu. Despite the rain, we had way too much fun experiencing the culture today in the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. We took many photos along our journey through the city and are getting to know each other a long the way.
Now that we feel ready to embark on our next part of our expedition, we'll sign off for the night and go find some pizza in town for dinner.
RMI Guide Mark Tucker
On The Map
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A big hello from me to Nancy and Elizabeth! The photos are inspirational. It looks like a great group and I know they are loving getting to know you both! Eliz Christenberry and I talk about you every day. :)
Posted by: Dada Glaser on 3/28/2014 at 8:38 am
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