November 6, 2015
Advance Base Camp
Namaste Family & Friends:
Yesterday, we moved up to Advance Base Camp near Burke-Khang. The move across the Ngozumpa Glacier and up the Guanara Glacier was long and difficult. The entire trip took about 9 hours. We were all tired when we arrived at Advance Base Camp.
The move began with a rappel (descent) from our Base Camp to the bottom of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The descent was so far, it was like rappelling down the side of a 15-story office building. Once we got on the glacier, we had to trek from one side of the glacier to the other, a distance of over 1 mile. This involved climbing around, up and over giant boulders, some the size of a house. Upon reaching the other side of the Ngozumpa Glacier, we reached the Guanara Glacier, which leads to our mountain. At that point, we had to climb all the way back up the side of the glacier, so we could travel up the Gokyo Valley above the Guanara Glacier, instead of in the glacier.
We all thought the trek up the glacier would never end. But, we arrived at Advance Base Camp in the early evening. It was extremely cold, so we hunkered down in our tents, had a rice dinner and tried to stay warm through the night.
I knew the Gokyo Valley, which is surrounded by towering peaks, was magnificent, but nothing prepared me for this stunning beauty. We can all see Burke-Khang right outside our tents, and it beckons our approach. Today is a rest day, and tomorrow we will answer that call.
Tomorrow, we will trek about 3 hours to the foot of Burke-Khang. Then, the climbing begins with a move up the fixed lines to Camp 1, which is already in place. The vertical move is about 2,500 feet up the steep East Buttress, so it will be another big day
Unfortunately, Kathy’s respiratory infection worsened in the night, and she had to chopper back to Lukla this morning. She put up a valiant fight, and we really admire her and will miss her. An unfortunate by-product of high altitude mountaineering is that illness and injuries heal very slowly. Now, we are 4, plus Garrett and Sid.
Today was a bluebird day, and the forecast is for more of the same for the next few days. We have truly been blessed with good weather for this trip, a first for me in Nepal.
Tomorrow, Garrett and I are being SKYPE interviewed by a Seattle television station (King 5). The report will be aired on the evening news.
I hope you are all doing well. My next report will be an audio report from Camp 1.
Bill
ps: check out “Where’ Bill” on my website
Advance Base Camp
Burke-Khang from Advance Base Camp
Wow! Stay well, stay safe and know we are all with you. May the weather gods stay happy and continue to bestow their good graces upon The Team.
Good’s speed up your mountain Bill. I love following your adventures. So sad I could not join your trek this year but very ill in-laws prohibits leaving the country. Perhaps next year. In the meantime I love reading the blogs.
As in a marathon one foot at a time. Safe climbing!!!
Debbie
Bill:
It looks like short sleeve weather up there. Can you set up a half-court basketball court for some 3-on-3’s?? Just like the old Tanager days. I hope you are blessed with more blue skies on your continued safe journey.
Ken
Hi Bill,
We loved the picture of you standing in front of YOUR mountain. This is getting so exciting. What a special day it will be for you when you step foot on the top. WE are with you all the way. Keep safe and God Bless
So glad you’re having wonderful weather, and how awesome to think that all those footprints in the ABC are your group’s alone! So exciting to be the first on your mountain!!
You are one tough stallion, Bill, tough as that mountain looks. My best to John Dahlem. I will be reviewing his Everest prep advice this evening.
P.
Bill,
I have looked forward to receiving each of your updates and am glad the climb is going well. Best of luck as you all continue up the mountain!
Dawes
Bill and dwindling team,
While hiking today at Daley Ranch (Escondido), we encountered a French monastic Buddhist (Brother Alex) who lead us down 800 meters from Cougar Ridge to the Deer Park Buddhist Monastery. There were blessings for you and the team on Burke-Khang. We’ll go there after you return. Healing grace for Kathy. “If you are facing in the right direction, then just keep walking.” (Buddhist saying)
Blessings,
Rockman Rick