Machermo
September 27, 2017
Dear Family & Friends:
Yesterday was a tough and long day. We trekked from Namche Bazaar to Dole, a net elevation gain of 2,600 feet. The up and down trek took us a little over 9 hours.
Today, we trekked to Machermo. This was an easy day and, after 3 hours of trekking, we arrived in Machermo just in time for lunch. The altitude gain was 1,500 feet.
Everyone is doing really well on the trek. Richard decided to ride a horse for the second half of the trek to Dole. He had so much fun he plans to ride the horse all the way to Gokyo.
We were disappointed with the helicopter reconnaissance that was completed yesterday. The pilot refused to fly much above Camp 1 so we have no footage of the summit or the summit ridge headwall. We are considering a second recon on September 30 when the helicopters ferry us from Gokyo to Base Camp.
The good news is that the route looks climbable and conditions on the mountain are very good. In fact, the lines have already been fixed to C1. The Sherpas are sleeping at C1 tonight and will start to fix the lines to C2 tomorrow. Noel is at Base Camp and will be climbing to C1 tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning, we trek to Gokyo. We will take a rest day at Gokyo and then fly to Base Camp.
I hope you enjoy the photos.
Bill
Phortse
Trek to Dole
Trek to Dole
Trek to Dole
Trekking to Dole
Trek to Dole
Bill trying to use a satellite phone
Trekking to Machermo
Trekking to Machermo
Arriving at Machermo
Richard on the way to Machermo
Richard riding a horse to Machermo
Richard, Bill & Micah with Everest in the background
Playing the uke on the trail
Mt. Everest
Great pix, Bill. Like the cap on you and the horse. All best wishes as you continue the ascent.
K;-)
Bill,
Thanks for sharing the awesome pictures and for sharing your journey.
Praying for your safe return.
wonderful photos….best yet…really enjoying them….thanks
Living life on your own terms…
You kept me in this game.
Paul
Bill,
You’re amazing and your commitment to success spurs me on.
Thanks,
Lloyd
These photos are so beautiful!
Some incredible photos in the bunch!
Fabulous photos! I love the ones with you and your uke! Love and miss you
Poppy!♥️
SO exciting! Glad to hear the good news and really enjoyed the photos. Safe journey, can’t wait to hear more about it.
Checking in from CT where it has been sunny & HOT. Getting a decent vicarious thrill of what you guys must be experiencing via blog & pics. I know Richard very well, and Micah is a stalwart……but rooting for Bill to have a safe and victorious climb. Hey Pretty Ricky, get your ass off his back and give your horse a break!
All the best –