Later October 23rd - On the trail again

This is Wally Berg calling in from the trail. This is just a short call later on 23rd of October to let you know that the entire BAI Ama Dablam 2002 team has arrived in Lukla; we are really under way now, it feels great.

We landed here midmorning and went to Nima Norbu’s lodge, the Everest Lodge. This is our base in Lukla; Nima is our agent and our friend. We have all been welcomed not only by him but by all the sherpa staff that have been waiting here for us. Bags were being arranged, the loads to be carried up towards the Khumbu and Phakding. We are stretching our legs and enjoying being here.

It is a feast for the senses - as Ryland said - to be out here in the mountains, the beautiful trails, the people, the colour, the sherpa, houses. It is a wonderful feeling to breath the mountain air and begin to move.

Ryland by the way has found a way to get more images on his memory disk so he is taking pictures again.

I have to describe that before we left Lukla, Nima Norbu and his wife lit the juniper branches and burnt the sacred fire for us to bless us and presented the entire expedition with a Khata - as a blessing and good luck for our Ama Dablam climb. Now we began to walk and we are on our way to Phakding and a good night's rest along the Dudh Kosi River.

Ama Dablam 2002
BAI team:


Wally Berg,
Canmore, Alberta
Brent Bishop,
Bozeman, Montana
David Burger,
Boulder, Colorado
Garry Porter
Olalla, Washington
Ryland Gardner
Edwards, Colorado
Doug Frost
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Our objective:

22,494 feet
6857 meters

First Ascent:

March 13, 1961
Barry Bishop
Wally Ramanes
Mike Gill
Mike Ward