Pumori Climbing Expedition Dispatch
October 23, 2009 – Photos of Our Past Few Days — Part 1
The past days have been glorious, challenging and full. After arriving at Pumori Base Camp on October 18th our team settled into a high altitude routine which included hard work, stunning views, new colors, sounds and experiences.
We participated in the “Pooja” ceremony on October 19th where the Sherpas and Jamie’s climbers were blessed for success and good fortune on the mountain. On October 20th some of us visited the site of Everest Base Camp, from where Jamie and his team will attempt to reach the top of the world in spring 2010. On the 22nd some of us climbed to the top of Kala Pattar, the 18,500ft high mountain that has challenged visitors to the Everest region for six decades and rewarded those who reach the top with magnificent views.
Champion “HOW YOU PLAY”, Charlie Stack and Mike Abbott on the summit of Kala Pattar!
Just before we reached Pumori Base Camp we arrived at the outpost Sherpa village of Gorak Shep, beneath Kala Pattar and Pumori
Each day along the trail we have been awed by our “Kitchen Porters” who run ahead after each meal to set up for the next
Even the trek to Pumori Base Camp is a challenging mountaineering route
In the final section to Pumori Base we choose each step carefully and watched our balance
Scott was working along the trail to capture the team as they moved higher
When we arrived at Pumori Base we quickly discovered that we had a comfortable home at 17,400 feet!
The morning of the 19th the lamas arrived and our Pooja began
The lama work continued through the morning as we watched and enjoyed the clear sky views all around us
Left: Finally at the end of the ceremony the prayer flags which will remain in place throughout our climb were raised; Right: A “Gorak”, or large Himalayan Raven, landed on top of our prayer flags soon after they were raised
David and Kenny, along with Paul and Lovinder are always working capturing the images and sounds of this amazing adventure