Everest expedition

We just got news from our phenom rope fixing sherpa team that they have reached the summit of Mt. Everest. It is a good day, with sun and moderate winds. This means the team has not only been able to summit and string ropes, but has also been improving anchors, and looking at ways to lessen traffic jams on the difficult sections of the route. It's a great day! 

Everest, in all its intensity and boredom, to me often feels like a stimulant-enhanced version of "normal" life at home. This heightened intensity of emotional and physical existence is not necessarily a good thing, but I am sure this is why many of us return year after year. It is an addictive way to exist.

May 5, 2011 - Everest Summit * May 20, 2011 - Everest Summit * May 26, 2011 - Lhotse Summit

The Lhotse team reached the summit this morning! Three members (Jing, Liang and Billi) two sherpa (Phurba Tashi and Tashi Tsering) and guides Adrian and Narly stood on the summit together between 4:30am and 5:30am on May 26th. They left C4 at 1am and climbed in good conditions the entire route. They were lucky to have a warm and wind free day and almost no rock on the couloir. "It has snowed so much this season it was mostly perfect neve," said Adrian. Congratulations to the team!