April 5, 2011
Kathmandu
Namaste Family & Friends:
I spent most of the morning and early afternoon configuring my computer and satellite telephone so I can send you written reports from the mountain. I think I succeeded, but I’m not sure and it wasn’t easy.
At 2 pm, I travelled to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for my meeting as Expedition Leader for the South side climb. After waiting for 3 hours, I met with the Ministry officials, and the permit was issued.
The highlight of the day occurred when Kazu, from Asian Trekking, asked if I want to pilot his motorbike back to the hotel. He knew I own 3 big bikes. So, off we went with Kazu as a passenger on the back of the bike. If you could picture the traffic in Kathmandu, you would know what a brave act this was for Kazu.
Tomorrow morning, we depart for Chinese Base Camp in Tibet. We will cross the border in the morning and spend our first night in Zangmu. The Itinerary is on my website.
The climbing team on the North side is 4 people–David and me, a Russian climber and a climber from Manhattan Beach, California who has a dual American/Australian citizenship. There are 13 climbers on the South side–7 Americans, 2 Swiss, 2 Brazilians, a Spaniard and David from Mexico.
Bill