Pumori Climbing Expedition Dispatch
October 25, 2009 – Filming Pumori From the Helicopter
On Saturday morning Mike, Sara and Charlie waited at the sunny landing zone at 14,000 feet for the helicopter to arrive
While we waited, Aenea enjoyed play time with a local Sherpa boy
The young Sherpa boy was very generous; he offered what in his culture is a special treat: a hot chilli pepper
Since some of the team were leaving the Khumbu today, they were offered Khata blessing scarves for their safe travels
Soon the helicopter arrived
As it set down we knew we would have to move quickly to get Ken and his camera loaded
Pema Sherpa, the pilot, took time for a cup of tea and a snack with his rotor still turning
Before they left, Ken went over his shot list with Pemba. Pemba said “there are two rules: we cannot fly over Chinese air space and we cannot fly over 18,000 feet”
Ken and Pemba shook on it and took off.
Off to work!
Soon they were flying high over Pumori Base Camp, seeing their shadow in the lake below
Kenny at work
Kenny and Pemba viewed the famous Khumbu Icefall with excitement as they approach from the air
The Khumbu Icefall will be Jamie’s first challenge as he attempts to climb to the top of the world next spring
On Saturday evening, the beautiful sunset on Nuptse reminded those of us still in the mountain that we were lucky to be continuing our adventure in the highest reaches of the Himalayas.