And They’re Off!

Climbers continue to stream into Kathmandu from all around the world.  I updated the expedition count and can already identify over 150 named climbers just on  the south side and over 50 on the north.

But the true number could easily exceed 350 total on both sides. To put this in context, in 2009, we saw about 400 total summits and sadly, 5 deaths. Nearly 500 summits set a single season record in 2007.

First order of business is for teams to gather and meet at their hotels in Kathmandu. They usually spend a few days waiting on late bags and/or members before flying to Lukla to start the trek to BC.

Sherpas are already at base camp reserving their spots and building walls. As strange as it sounds, teams wall off their camps to prevent people from wandering through. There is a lot of foot (and yak) traffic in base camp. There are also many special tents to be constructed. Kitchen tents are usually four  to six foot high stone wall with draping tarp providing the roof.

Early reports coming from base camp speak of heavy snow, which is normal for late winter at that elevation. Peak Freaks report:

More snow has fallen this time than last year (same period).  There is new snow on Everest at present. We had thunderstorm, hailstone in Kathmandu 2 weeks ago and up in the mountains there was fresh snowfall.  There was snowfall up to Namche which remained for about a day (snow melted quite quickly once the skies cleared and the snow melted rapidly). Again 2 days ago we had thunderstorm in Kathmandu (windy conditions & scattered rains in the valley).  Up in Khumbu there was fresh snowfall again which came down as far as Namche.  There is fresh snow up in mountains (the snowline has come down).  Now, however, everything is clear and sunny weather up in the Khumbu.

IMG writes of sending tons of gear to BC and the anticipated cooperation amongst teams:

Good news, our shipment of oxygen cylinders has now arrived in Nepal and cleared customs.  Just getting them halfway round the world requires special documentation and packing, since they are considered dangerous goods for flying by the FAA and the airlines.  These high tech aluminum/carbon fiber composite cylinders were tested, valved, and filled in California, then specially packed for their long journey.   And since the yaks do not read the warning labels, our Sherpas will be wrapping them in additional foam to protect the cylinders for the trip to Everest Base Camp!

Among the loads is a large quantity of climbing rope (several thousand meters or a few miles!), which we have d on behalf of a group of the Everest operators.  We hope to work together this year with as many other climbers as possible, to get a good route fixed up the mountain.  Prior to sending the rope up to Khumbu, our Sherpas stripped it off the spools and stacked it into bags, so it is easy to deploy without kinking.

As usual, the early season flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are suffering weather delays. This week’s flights have been delayed for the past four days. Not a huge concern because most teams build a few weather days into the schedule but it can be frustrating for climbers wanting to get out of noisy Kathmandu and onto the trail.

Another story is lost luggage. Once again we are reminded to never check bags via London Heathrow per this Blog of Day from Lei Wang.

Climb On!

Alan