Lobuche Apr 25

On April 25, we proceeded to Lobuche. We saw the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, the largest in the World. The Glacier stretches all the way to Base Camp and then heads into the mountains.



on the trail

We notice that our water is freezing in the bottles. We are advised to put our cameras in our sleeping bags with us and use socks to wrap the water bottles in. The trails are filled with large rocks and the terrain is more difficult to
walk across.


are you sure its the right way?

We are now noticing two/three helicopters a day coming into the area we are in. We suspect and hear that people are being transported down into a more comfortable altitude. AMS is dangerous.


the boys

On April 26th, we get up early, as usual. It is below zero in our bedroom. Gerald has hash browns for breakfast, MaryIris has the usual porridge. By 7:30 a.m. we are off trekking, wearing every piece of clothing possible to keep warm. After trekking some 3.5 hours on a slight grade rocky path, we arive in Gorakshep.


Yak Yak Yak

We get our room, a 7'X 10' space with an added feature, i.e., a large window sill on which we could put things versus the usual floorspace. The bathroom is down the hall. A sink is nowhere in sight -- this is not unusual. It seems that we will be
brushing our teeth with the yaks outside in the cold.



its getting colder

After a lunch of Sherpa Stew to fortify ourselves,we replenish our water, making certain that we have enough. We have learned that water contains oxygen and is extremely valuable to us on our trekking. We are off to Base Camp.



our guides

After a 2.5 hours trek over boulders, flat areas, stone-covered paths above the largest glacier in the world, back and forth, up and down, we pass through an ice path



glacier under rubble near EBC

and see the monument covered with prayer flags and a sign saying EVEREST BASE CAMP. We are elated --we made it. We celebrate with hugs and 'hifives' and pieces of chocolate of a giant Dairy Bar, as alcohol is not recommended.


getting close

We see Everest Base Camp dotted with yellow tents because April/May is climbing season.


getting close


WE MADE IT -- IT WAS AND IS TRULY UNBELIEVEABLE.



It is difficult to describe our feelings at this time. We are still marvelling at this accomplishment, knowing that it was a difficult task.

Leaving Base Camp, difficult as it was, we begin to head back to Gorakshep -- it is snowing. Again, the path is difficult to navigate, but we eventually arrive back at our Tea House, supper and a warm sleeping bag, having a feeling of having conquered our goal.