Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

May 14, 2008 – Layover Day in Pheriche

We woke this morning after our second night at Pheriche and met for breakfast up in the skyroom of the lodge where we were treated by beautiful views all around. As we ate, we shared stories with an Everest team that is staying here at the lodge for a few days before they set off for their summit attempt. They are really nice folks, and we enjoyed visiting with them. We were quite impressed to learn that just a few days ago they were at Camp 3, high up on the Lhotse Face. That’s a critical accomplishment for them as they acclimate themselves for the even higher elevations of the South Col and Everest summit day. Last night the climbers got a real kick out of the Glacier Melts we were all enjoying for dessert.

Our trek continues to be very special, too. Today we went to see Lama Geshe. Charles Martin had met him a few years ago and was really pleased about the opportunity to see him again. Charles and Lama Geshe have quite a lot in common. Charles is a doctor of Western medicine and Lama Geshe is a doctor of Tibetan learning and counseling. Charles is 71 and Lama Geshe is 76, and both have bad knees. Drawing on his medical experience in the West, Charles presented Lama Geshe with some special tablets with all the right ingredients to help with his sore joints. I think Charles would say that the gift of a blessing that Lama Geshe gave back to him and to the rest of our Berg Adventures group was far greater.

Our visit with Lama Geshe was peaceful and relaxing as we enjoyed his great conversation and advice. He blessed us with his famous humor and a gentle head-butt, something he does just before he breaks into his wonderful smile and laughs.

Lama Geshe did another beautiful blessing today for us to pass on to Meagan and Grant. Meagan was with Berg Adventures for our 2003 Everest expedition. That’s where she met Grant, one of our Berg Adventure Guides. They are now married and last week Meagan gave birth of a beautiful boy, Lincoln Dorge. I delivered a message to Lama Geshe from Meagan. After he had completed his blessing, we gathered the prayer flags that Lama Geshe had left for young Lincoln. We will bring them to Meagan, Grant, and Lincoln when we return to Alberta.

Right now I’m looking down at the village Pheriche. I can see our lodge adjacent to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. We’ll all be down at the lodge soon to have lunch and then relax this afternoon. The views continue to be wonderful. We are getting excited about what lies ahead as we move higher and we will keep sending messages to you daily as we get closer to Everest Base Camp.

– Wally