Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

April 9, 2008 – Lobuche:  Atmospheric Pressure -1/3 of sea-level, Weather - Hailstorm

We are at our second highest camp 16,000 feet high up in the glacial moraine of the Khumbu. We spent the afternoon of our final acclimatization day in Pheriche, attending a high altitude risk lecture hosted by the Himalayan Rescue Association. Interesting fact: if a person is transported from sea level to Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet without any acclimatization, they will fall unconscious and die within an hour.

Recent highlights:

• Last night we were served water buffalo cheeseburgers. One of the porters traveled a few hours both ways to pick up fresh buns!, and banana pie.
• Over and over again we have been blown away by the dedication and personal care of the Berg Adventure’s Staff - both local and in Canada. Head guide, Ang Temba’s knowledge, leadership and personality have given us special insight into the Khumbu region, Sherpa culture and mountaineering.
• The wonderful world of non-western toilets aka - squatting over a hole in the ground. Some team members are put off by these contraptions and others are considering installation/excavation in or adjacent to their own homes.
• During our hike to Lobuche we reached a ridge were a few dozen stone memorials have been placed in memory of climbers and Sherpas who have died on Everest.

Yeti Watch 2008:

At approximately 3:27 am Nepal standard time, “13 hours and 15 min ahead of USA pacific standard time” a rogue group of adolescent Yeti forcibly entered and attacked our encampment. Early reports from the front lines indicate no serious injuries, but we interpret this incident as a warning to back off on our search. Also, our remaining supplies of fresh socks were stolen.