Everest 2015: New Icefall Route Proving Fickle
Today, Friday, April 17, a collapse of a four ladder traverse across a huge crevasse in the middle of the Icefall, caused 80 Sherpas to turn back. There were no injuries. The Icefall Doctors will go back up to inspect the situation and either reinstall the ladders, or find a new route around the crevasse. […]
Everest 2015: Blessings on the Mountain
Before climbing in the Himalaya with Sherpas, a Puja ceremony must be held. There can be multiple Pujas, help or blessing. For example we had one with Lama Geshi a few days ago in his home in Pangyboche. Yesterday, Wednesday April 15, we held our Puja at our Base Camp for our Everest and Lhotse […]
Everest 2015: “Safer and Shorter” from Head of the Icefall Doctors
“Safer and shorter”, that is what the leader of the Icefall Doctors told me this morning on camera in an “exclusive interview” at Everest Base Camp. Looking at the Icefall, I am still in awe that is climbed each year. From my perspective it looks more broken and jumbled but I will have a better […]
Everest 2015: Updates and Impressions
We are now at Gorak Shep and will arrive at Everest Base Camp tomorrow, Monday April 13. While the route has been fixed through the Icefall to Camp 1, there have been no reports of teams starting their climbs. Most are either still trekking in or doing acclimatization exercises on Lobuche Peak, or to Pumori […]
Everest 2015: Namche Bazaar is sometimes Bizarre
I walked the dirt paths of Namche Bazaar shielded from the rain by three story rock buildings. I was careful not to get gored by yak horns or a trekker’s hiking pole. I find the cafe I was looking for, the one with Internet that worked. As I walked in, it was dark, a pool […]
Everest 2015: First View – New Icefall Route Pictures
Today we were rewarded with spectacular views of Everest, doctor Lhotse and Ama Dablam from the Everest View Hotel just above Namche Bazaar. I created a gallery of some of my favorites from today. New Icefall Route On another topic, Garrett Madison scouted out the new route in the Khumbu Icefall. In fact, it is […]
Everest 2015: Gratitude for the Khumbu
As I walked up Namche Hill yesterday, healing I found myself alone. The tall pine trees waved in a steady breeze. The well worn dirt path held the memories of so many who have passed before. My own memories took over as I thought about my first climb up this infamous Hill in 1997. Now, […]
Everest 2015: Trek to Everest Base Camp Begins
Those who have followed me for years know I always say: Do the trek to Everest Base Camp, cheap it will change your life. Well I’m on my way for the 5th time, look 7th if you include overall trekking in the Khumbu. As part of the Madison Mountaineering team, we are a rather large […]
Everest 2015: Ceremonies of Life and Death in Kathmandu
Our last day in Kathmandu, we did the tourist thing by visiting two of the more popular spots: the Boudhanath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple. I had visited these spots on my first visit in 1997, but have never returned so it was interesting to see them again. Warning: this post and video has graphic […]
Everest 2015: Life in Kathmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu always brings a wave of emotions. This is my 10th visit here since 1997 and every time, illness I’m struck by the contradiction of poverty and smiles. My flight from the U.S. went well except for a six hour delay in Istanbul. But at least I was able to spend it in […]