12 Apr 2014 – Last Day at Everest Base Camp

Overnight temperature in tent vestibule 14F. Altitude 5260 metres (17260 ft).

Here is the PMOTD shot for today.

The day started out rather cloudy, and proceeded to overcast from there.

There was another group that climbed up Himex Kala Patthar today, but they did not get any views of Everest due to the weather. We both felt very fortunate that we were able to get the photos we wanted so much.

There were no particular activities scheduled for today, which suited Julia and me just fine. We were, in fact, pretty tuckered out from our hike up Himex Kala Patthar the day before, and from simply being up in base camp. Up this high, there is a tendency to simply want to be lazy and nap. We availed ourselves of that opportunity. Also spent a good deal of time in the Tiger Pod, reviewing photos and journaling and such. The day, in fact, settled into the routine experienced by the climbers when they have a day off (i.e. not doing acclimatizing climbs and such): waiting for the next meal.

There are other things you can do to pass the time. Brushing your teeth is one of them. Taking candid shots of people brushing their teeth is another. Our account of this trip vows to leave no experiential stone un-turned.

This is what a person looks like when brushing teeth at base camp. Prints available.

Another fun thing to do is… laundry. One can obtain a large basin of hot water in which to wash clothes, and then obtain another in which to rinse them. All that is left is drying. Timing can be a factor, given the vagaries of weather.

Freeze drying. It’s not just for coffee…

I overheard that there are 22 climbers on Himex’s permit this year. We have not socialized with all of them; a number of climbers arrived last night, and of the rest we have spent more time hanging out with some than with others. Below are pictures of some of the climbers on the expedition. There are newsletters published (somewhat infrequently) on the Himex website; we will be following along there to see the progress of the climber friends we have made along the journey.

Amanda (Aus) and Jeff (UK)

Peter ‘PK’ (New Zealand)

Yanping (China)

Greg (USA)

Gyalbu and Thomas “Charlie” (USA)

Tim (USA)

Two of our Kiwi guides, Richie and Woody. 

There are a couple of non-climber staff that have had a significant impact on our experience. One of them is Ann, who is largely responsible for kicking off the #SELFIE meme that ripped through the party for a few days. Appropriately, the picture I took of her is a selfie. None of that smart-phone technology, either. I held out a real camera, turned it around, pressed the shutter button, and hoped for the best. Old school, baby.

Ann said this picture was a little creepy.
I agree, and feel it is appropriate that it be so. #SELFIE!!

Ann is also the expedition doctor. The fact that there would be an expedition doctor was one of the reasons we chose to trek with Himex, and we were not disappointed. Our ailments were few, but Ann fixed us up, and in an environment with which we were unfamiliar, her reassurances were likewise of great comfort.

Here is a picture of another person who had a huge favorable impact. This is Bob. Bob is the base camp chef. He has, on one occasion, cooked for the Queen of England. He cooked quail for her. Reportedly, she liked the meal. So there’s that. 

Also, he can totally rock this scarf.

Tomorrow, we head back down the trail to Lobuche BC. But first… Puja!