Among Giants
April 7 – Yep, I definitely have a head cold. Was up all night trying tocreate any passage way through my nose to breath. But hey, I will take a sinus infection over gastro issues ANY DAY OF THE WEEK! I am not sure if allergy induced or actual cold, but I wore my mask and sat across the room from my team for breakfast. Baby was put in the corner! Decided to go ahead and push through to join the team for our acclimatization hike. Sucked on throat lozenges and wore my buff as we ascended to 16,470 ft. I think this is the first time the team started to feel a little altitude. But, we still kept a swift pace. as we climbed the ridge above Pheriche, the skies cleared and we had views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Island Peak and Lobuche. We are among GIANTS! Like most climbs, I have a moment of pure satisfaction and reward. This view, these mountains, are our reward for all the hard work we did to get here. In this deep thought moment, a drone came out of nowhere! WTF? really, a drone? It could only be one group, we had passed a few times along the trail… Yes, the Prince of Bahaini and his 20 closest friends are on our same schedule. Super friendly group of buddies having the time of their lives. Their 2 group doctors trailing behind, NOT having as good of a time. Anyhow, happy to leap frog with this group as they are full of encouragement, fist pumps and music playing along the way. Perhaps the Prince of Bahraini does not know the Princess of GGRIT is in his presence. Someone should tell him! ha
We arrived back at the Edelweiss lodge around 1, where we ATE AGAIN, of course. I was exhausted from blowing my nose all day, and took a nap for a few glorious hours. The rest of the team played UNO, listened to music, read, and/or enjoyed the last few hours of Wi-Fi and availability of a hot shower. Tomorrow, we leave for Lobuche Base Camp. No more teahouses, it is tent city from now on. Lobuche will be a 5 day adventure, practicing high altitude technique, briefing up on skills and working as a team to summit Lobuche (20,080′). Yes, that is right, 20K ft is PRACTICE!
New nicknames inducted today:
Taylor is now San Miguel – As loyal member of the Khumbu Valley Social Club, Taylor has kept the teahouse economy strong by purchasing refreshing, and hydrating San Miguel up the Valley. Thank you Taylor for helping correct the effects of Covid on these businesses ;)
No wifi for the next 5 days. So, I will be sure to post date entries once at Everest Base Camp! See you all in a few days!
About the author : Kim
