Everest 2012: The Two Most Important Days on Everest for …

When you are gone from home for 2 months, case 60 days, 60 “sleepies”; it takes a toll. Every day, and night, is important but there are two that stand alone; especially for those left at home. Climbing is about unknowns. Climbers accept, even thrive, in that no-mans land. Back home it is different.

Today, March 30, many climbers are catching their flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. In spite of its primitive environment, often Kathmandu is the last time climbers speak at ease with home. The phone connection is solid, sometimes; both parties are upbeat, sometimes; and everyone knows what they know, sometimes.

“I leave the hotel at 4 tomorrow morning, so what time is that for you?” the conversation goes on concluding that this is the last time they will speak for a while. “I’ll call you from the sat phone when I can. Or maybe that sim card will work in my cell phone if I can keep it charged. Well anyway, I will get you some kind of news that all is well. Just follow the web site. They try to update it often” … sometimes.

And they put the phones down. A long stare at the now silent life line. The light on the display turns off.

A tough call. A tough day. The future is unknown.

Climbers and trekkers are making their way towards Everest Base camp. Day by day they take a few miles off their journey. More importantly they gain altitude.They learn new words “Bistarai, Bistarai” or slowly, slowly, from their Sherpa guides. New friends are made as they walk the trails. Thoughts of home seep into their minds as they walk.

Back home, thoughts of climbers occupy part of the day, and most of the late night. Where, how, what, when … questions are pondered with no answers; no news. “They said, no news is good news but no one said the no news would be so quiet, so deafening.”

The phone lies quiet on the nightstand. The light is dark. The metal is cold.

Friends ask about your climber. You tell them what you know. But you hold back what you feel. You know it will get tougher.

“We leave for the summit in a few hours. I’ll call you when I can but don’t worry. You know what they say about no news…” Once again the phone goes quiet. The phone goes dark. The phone goes cold. The stare turns into a tear. The hand reaches for the phone, hoping the call will go through. No. It is what it is. The wait is what it is.

50 days have gone by with glacial speed. The next 24 hours will take longer. Stay busy. Stay positive.

The climber climbs. At home, they wait.

No climber climbs Everest alone. No one is ever solo.

Back home no one waits alone. No wait is forever.

Climbing Everest is a test. Physical, mental, emotions, relationships. The test is the result.

As we follow the climbers, we also follow the followers. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. And when your climber stands on top of the world, or turns around short; you will be there.

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are Everything