We’ve now descended all the way down to Debouche, and wow, I didn’t remember it being so far from Base Camp. It really is wonderful down here: Our appetites are huge and we’re all sleeping like logs. Some even say they can see cuts healing already. As well as the physical benefits of the drop back seeing trees again is a little like balm for the eyes; you get far too used to snow and rocks up at Base Camp and above and it’s a pleasant shock to the system to see dogs and horses and plants around.
Yesterday was a long day descending over 1000m in quite poor conditions. The day started off sunny, but while we ate our lunch in Loubouche it started to snow and the wind picked up. We left the tea house having to walk into the wind with snow blowing straight into our faces; potentially the worst trekking conditions we’ve had so far! Luckily, being down so much lower, it wasn’t too cold. Just wet. We reached Pheriche having hardly stopped for a break all afternoon as we preferred not to extend our time out in the snow, and were surprised and pleased at the food our new lodge offered. “We ate well last night” would be an understatement. Being encouraged to eat double portions on this drop back we all took advantage of the unusually good menu and ordered enough to feed a mini army… Plus desserts.
Today we had a very short day of walking in lovely sunny weather down to the Rivendale Lodge. After lunch Jose, Rob and I then spent a really nice, relaxing afternoon sitting up at the Tengboche bakery eating cake, drinking coffee and chatting before picking up various cake orders from some of the rest of the team (who have promised to return the favour!). Everyone else spent the afternoon relaxing, reading and generally enjoying the thick air.
We have all been surprised at the Himex decision to pull out from Everest this year, and can only comment that it seems a premature decision considering the date now and the length of time before the usual summit windows. Both our guides and IMG (and probably most of the other guide groups on the mountian too) are not the type to take risks and have always put safety first and yet haven’t come close to suggesting aborting the expedition, and our whole team is firmly in support of all of our guides’ decisions thus far. As far as we are aware: The route through the Ice Fall is more straight forward and direct than usual, however the end of the route goes closer to the left, and therefore is closer to the seracs. It’s then a matter of objective and subjective hazard. The ice is an objective hazard that you must always be aware of. However, by moving quickly through that area and moving at sensible times of day you minimise that risk significantly. We’ve now moved through the Ice Fall four times and haven’t felt in particular danger; no more than you would expect in this area in any year. As for the Lhotse face, as I mentioned in my previous blog: Yes, there was rock fall risk, that is why a new, safe route was established up to Camp Three which many climbers and Sherpas are now using. The weather is improving and with the new snow there are high hopes that the rest of the Lhotse Face will be safe for continuing fixing very shortly. It’s just a waiting game – not a permanent high risk for the season.
That’s the picture as far as I can see. As always with my blog I’m trying to give you a realistic picture, without any rose tinted glasses. That wont be changing any time soon. I hope everyone’s well, ttfn.
Ps. Laurence’s hand is pretty much better and he will definitely not be going home any time shortly! Unfortunately I have also been recently informed that the Camp Two cook who broke his back running from the avalanche has sadly passed away. May he rest in peace.br />