|
Russell, Mark, four Sherpas, twelve yak men and sixty yaks, loaded with
120 plastic drums, left base camp yesterday morning. It was quite a
chorus of yak bells, Tibetan "giddy-ups," and the hoots and hollers
of the Sherpas. It is easy to be impatient with the yak men, sometimes
a lot of yelling is needed to get them moving.
The trail to ABC, goes up alongside the Rongbuk Glacier and the huge
terminal moraine it has piled up. In a few hours, the route ascends
a side valley along the the East Rongbuk Glacier. An interim camp is
placed in this valley, about 8 miles from base camp. From this camp,
it is another 4 to 5 hours, steadily uphill to advanced base camp. This
camp is placed just below the North Col, at 21,500 ft.
Russell, and the gang, arrived at ABC this afternoon. They are establishihg
camp today, tomoow and the next day. The first group of climbers and
trekkers will leave for ABC on the 15th, arriving there on the 17th.
The last of us, myself included, depart for ABC on the 16th.
There will be three yak trains, carrying our gear to ABC. 180 yaks each
carrying 110 to 125 pounds.
So, in the meantime, we've all been climbing the local hills, in an
effort to acclimatize to the thin air. Today Andy and I climbed a 21,000
foot peak that rises directly above base camp. I did wear short gaiters
over my sneakers, kept the sand out. It is amazing to think that you
can climb a 21,000 ft. mountain anywhere in the world, wearing only
sneakers. it took us about 3.5 hours to reach the top, climbing nearly
4,000 ft. in the process. Most of the skies were clouded, but the views
we did get were great. Everest darted in and out of the clouds. Our
clearest view was of Gyachung Kang, a peak that is about 50 feet short
of being 8,000 meters.
The team is doing great. Everyone seems to be strong and healthy. And
by popular vote, the famed world traveler, David Eaton, has been voted
best dressed trekker. With that going for us, we are bound to be a happy
bunch.
Chris Warner |
Expeditions
