Hello Family & Friends:

Yesterday, I arrived in Kathmandu after the 2 day trip from Chinese Base Camp.  It is so good to be back at the Yak & Yeti.  As I stepped off the elevator on the 5th floor, I was greeted by my friend, Rick Dryer, who trekked to Everest Base Camp South with some mutual friends who had returned home earlier in the day.  Then, my friend and climbing partner, David Liano, called and came to my room to visit with me so we could catch up with his trip on the South and my trip on the North.  What a treat to see both Rick and David so soon after my arrival.  We had dinner at Fire & Ice, a pizza house in Thamel.  I ate an entire large pizza.

Although David did not summit on the South and I did not summit on the North, we both feel great about our trip this year and our spirits are really high.  We gave it our best, and we’re coming home alive and with all our fingers and toes accounted for.  Many others were not so fortunate, and there are some terrible stories of death, injury and suffering on both sides of the mountain. So, we consider ourselves blessed!

Now, I need to change my flights and return home.

In the next couple of days, I’ll put together some reflections on the trip.

Bill