It was an early departure from the comforts of basecamp as we rose at 3AM to climb through the icefall to Camp 1 with the Sherpas moving ahead of us to set up the camp. We arrived in good form and settled into Camp 1 to adjust to the altitude. The Sherpas continued on to […]
Mount Everest 2012
It was a solid day of preparation for moving up the mountain! After bidding farewell to Anna, a Swedish trekker who joined our group for the past several days, we prepared for a climbing day tomorrow. We spent our time in camp organizing gear, clothing, food, snacks and equipment in preparation for our journey up […]
Today has been a difficult day in the High Adventure Expeditions base camp as Nawal came to the decision that he will not be climbing Mount Everest this year. This morning, Nawal announced that he has decided to go home. After Nawal made his decision, Dendi worked hard wheeling and dealing and was able to […]
Today Amit and I took our fist steps above base camp on an acclimatization climb. After reaching our temporary camp one, we enjoyed some fantastic views of Everest’s North col and the Lhotse face before returning to basecamp. Camp one is generally situated around 20,000 feet, just above the icefall so it was an important […]
Climbing on Mount Everest is a complicated balance of physical and psychological preparation. The extremes in temperature and altitude are matched by the emotional extremes climbers face as they push highter up the mountain. A comfortable basecamp can physically and pschologically prepare us for the difficulties we are sure to face at higher camps. Our […]
After a chilly night in camp, -13˚C / 9˚F we woke up to a much needed day of rest and recuperation and stayed around our basecamp. After several days of acclimatization hikes, icefall practice, and camp work, it was time to catch up on laundry and even take showers. While existing in an environment like […]
In order to climb Mount Everest, we literally have to change our bodies. Over a period of weeks, through a complicated physiological process, our bodies gradually become more able to gather and distribute what little oxygen there is at these higher elevations. In order to take most advantage of this process we ‘climb high and […]
Our climbers have been working hard on a training route established in the icefall. We have been crossing ladders, ascending ropes and abseiling (rappelling)— practicing for our travels up the mountain. It was hard work but the skills learned and practiced here will make our time on the mountain safer and more efficient. While we […]
One of the trekkers – Charlotte, has been keeping a blog of her adventure. Here is the link for another perspective of what we’ve been doing. http://midlifeadventurestartshere.blogspot.co.uk/
Hugo attended a meeting of the other expedition leaders from around basecamp who work together each year to string a fixed line up the mountain. This year, 10,000 meters of new kernmantle rope will be installed from basecamp to the summit of Mt. Everest. This line protects climbers crossing the massive crevasses and towers with […]