Everest 2010 Weekend Update April 4
This past week saw Everest 2010 come alive; and real for the climbers and families back home. Teams came and left Kathmandu as weather lifted enough for more flights to Lukla. Multiple dispatches spoke of uneventful landings at the dangerous airstrip and then the more peaceful start to the trek to base camp. But there was news that captured attention as well.
Teams Through Namache Bazaar
Many teams are now passing through Namche Bazaar, the informal capital of the Khumbu. Teams spend three days there because it is about 12,500′ and some people begin to feel the altitude for the first time.
The Children of the Khumbu
Regular readers of my expedition dispatches know that I find genuine satisfaction in interacting with the local people on a climb, especially the children. My first trek in the Solo Khumbu area of Nepal introduced me to some special people. On my second trip, I was forever changed. By my seventh trip, it was home. I am not sure I can put a finger on it but the Khumbu kids have a uniqueness to them unmatched in my travels. They smile easily, welcome interaction and have a laugh that makes you laugh along – years into the future.
The Migration to Base Camp Begins
After last week’s flight delays to Lukla, Yeti Airlines and others are running full loads this week. Multiple reports from teams speak of their uneventful flights to Lukla – which is a good thing! Lukla is generally ranked in the top three most dangerous airports in the world due to the short runway perched on a cliff. For the next few weeks, however, teams will be in Kathmandu and in the villages throughout the Khumbu.
Everest 2010 Weekend Update March 28
And the season begins. This week, climbers started arriving in Kathmandu. Some immediately tried to get to Lukla, without success, and others tried to get into Tibet, without success. Another normal beginning to the season.
How Difficult is Climbing Everest?
One measure of climbing difficulty is the rating and climbing has a terminology of it’s own. You read that she just redpointed a 5.12c and wonder if this was something from NASA, or Congress. I have seen Everest described as a simple “walk-up” meaning that no actual climbing is involved so I thought a quick review of what defines climbing might be helpful. I will use the South Col route as the example.
And They’re Off!
Climbers continue to stream into Kathmandu from all around the world. I updated the expedition count and can already identify over 150 named climbers just on the south side and over 50 on the north. But the true number could easily exceed 350 on both sides. To put this in context, in 2009, we saw over 300 summits and sadly, 5 deaths and nearly 500 summits set a single season record in 2007.
The Ones Left Behind: An Essay
Climbers from all over the world are deep in thought as they go through the final stages for Everest 2010. The deepest thoughts may be reserved for the ones left behind.
The Right Age to Climb Everest?
When are you too old to climb Everest; or too young? How about 13 or 80? Does age really matter anymore? Let’s take a look at some of the youngest and oldest climbers thus far on Everest and who is climbing in 2010.
Tweeting from Everest
On my first Himalayan expedition, I spent $1 per character to send an email. “Hi, I’m back safely” costs $19! How times have changed. Twittering from the Top is not unheard of today. Expeditions send emails, pictures and videos from trek to summit – all for pennies. Social media is a key tool for climbers […]