Yesterday,was a very sad day at EBC. In the early afternoon, a Sherpa died in Base Camp before the climbing even began. We don’t have details on the cause of death, but we know that he had been sick for several days. Please include his family in your thoughts and prayers. May God rest his soul.
We did some training yesterday on the use of jumars and rapelling devices and today on crossing the ladders in the Khumbu Icefall. I participated in the training session yesterday and was glad I did because I was a bit rusty on the use of the “figure 8” rapelling device. That device is rarely usedon the North side, which is where I was in 2010 and 2011. I skipped the training session today.
In the afternoon, I attended a team meeting for all the expedition leaders of theteams on the mountain. The meeting was very interesting. At the site of the meeting, there were 50 plastic bags containing a total of over 30,000 feet of rope that will be fixed on the mountain. The plan is to have the rope fixed to Camp 2 by April 24 and to the summit by May 5. This was music to my ears because last year, on the North side, the Chinese did not fix the lines to the summit until May 22, ruining any chance for a double.
At the meting, the doctors stationed at the Medical Tent reported a lot of activity with sick climbers. We were aware of this fact because of the heavy traffic of helicopters ferrying climbers from Base Camp to Kathmandu throughout the day.
Our team plans to do some acclimatization climbing to Camp 1 in the next few daysand to begin the serious climbing after the Puja on April 22 (more on the Pujalater)
We learned yesterday, that James Cameron, the Director of the movie “Titanic” anda member of the Adventurers Club of Los Angeles Club, wished Allan and I well on our expedition. Mr. Cameron just finished a solo dive to the deepest part ofthe ocean in a submersible. I think the Club hopes to sponsor an event in which the 3 of us talk about our adventures to the top and the bottom of the earth.
Beloware some Base Camp photos.
Blessings to all of you,
Bill
Bill and Allan
Bill
Everest Base Camp
The famous Khumbu Icefall
Practice at EBC
Thank you for sharing this tremendous journey with us. God bless you on your continued operation through out all of the ups and downs. Sorry to hear of the Sherpa’s untimely passing. May this draw all of you closer and bring inspiration to each of you. Take care.
Bill, great pictures. Wish I were there. That is so cool about James Cameron. Be safe. Did you see the Yeti yet?
Dear bill,
Mary and I follow you writings and pictures in amazement. We wish you god speed! Unlike others who write, I m delighted not to be there wit you! Way to cold and dangerous for this old man. But then I amnwaynolder than you. If I could share whatever strength I have with you! Bless you Bill,
Love,
Mary and Bob Buley
Dear Bill,
I saw Tom Waterman at the library again – he wishes you well.
Thank you for writing and keeping us informed – albeit there is some sad
news, my friends and I are keeping you in our prayers for your safety and
a successful journey of your efforts. God bless you always. Lilly
Bill :
It was great to talk with you and Allan last night and we hope that you’ll be able to call the Club tonight as we discussed.
Awsome pictures…and quite a challenge in front of you – heck, we know that you’re going to do it.
Regards,
Martin
Namaste Bill; first, so sorry to read about the sherpa’s death at EBC. Your newsy narrative of team leader meetings and prep hikes always fills me amazement. Your pictures also “tell” an astonishing story and point out the beauty you so enjoy on Everest. Hiking blessings,
Rockman
great shots!
G
Bill:
I was so saddened to hear when someone dies up there. The Sherpas are
so fit and are so unique in their abilities to climb Everest time after time. They
amaze me. I loved the pictures of your training. I want to be there too!
I have been folowing James Camerons interviews about his journey down
to the bottom and the Titanic. Wow! Great you got to talk with him.
You look great and very healthy. Take care…Thinking about you and Alan
and your team are in our thoughts. God Bless you all!
Bobbie & John
Bill,
Namaste. Thank you for the update. Will keep the Sherpa’s family in my prayers. The poor thing.
It’s unnerving hearing of the helicopters taking the sick down to KTM. I will pray for your continued GOOD HEALTH and STRENGTH.
Be careful up the Khumbu.
Joni Allen Ooms
Hi Allan and Bill,
Martin’s number is not working for today’s adventure club call. Please use 323-600-4805.
Marc
thanks bill. for all of the info. enjoy reading it. bbeautiful pic. stay safe. god bless. rudi; friend of david waussandouf.
I LOVE following your adventure and hearing firsthand from Lori each week. May God keep you safe!
Kary
(second submission – I put the following on another days blog and I wasn’t sure that you would get it)
Bill and Allan:
I just got back from the Adventurers Club and your phone call tonight was a stupendous hit!
Your descriptions about yourselves, the conditions and what’s instore was riviting for the crowd that filled about 2/3′s of Chase Hall…a wonderful evening with Emory Kristoff and both of you from the mountain made the evening spectacular….both of you should consider a show biz career!!!
The pic’s that you posted earlier are now posted on the bulletin board with the primo picture of both of you displaying the expedition flag over your tent gave many of the members some pause as to the nature of what an adventure you both are embarking on.
Anyway, we appreciate the fact that you took the time to include us and we in turn are gathering up more of a head of steam in amazement and wonder as both of you challenge yourselves and the mountain.
Bill, I had a chance to talk with your wife and daughter this evening and they are “super people” and from what I could tell they enjoyed themselves at the Club this evening.
More soon….and thanks again for the once-in-a-lifetime-call – it made our evening special.
Regards,
Martin
Hi Bill & Allan,
What a big difference since the days Mallory & Irvine climbed up Everest. Your phone call from Base Camp to the Adventurer’s Club of Los Angeles came through loud and clear. The audience was spellbound. Thanks for the long distance call!
Kevin Lee
Fellow Adventurer #1163
Bill…super news on rope being fixed. Just finished pulling sled the last 110 kilometers to the North Pole…minus 27 degrees and lots of post holing. Thinking of you…”the old men” have to stay after it…climb on one day at a time.
John Dahlem
Namaste Bill and Allan,
Loved your call to the Adventures Club last night. I have been following your updates and it brings back fond memories when in Oct. 2001 I was in Nepal. I got up to Tengboche and Pangbouche after doing a short trek in the Annapurnas. Sorry to hear about the death of a Sherpa. Godspeed!
Shane Berry
Active Member of the Adventurers Club of Los Angeles, #1093
Wow, Bill you never cease to amaze me, that handsome young, mischieveous boy next door now making front page news almost on a daily basis in his retirement years. I am sorry to hear the sad news & will pray for their families as well. You look fantastic. Stay that way. Keep healthy! I see you on top. Love & Blessings, Betty