Daily Dispatch from Everest Base Camp
Today was all about preparation. We finalized the food we’ll take to Camp 3 and Camp 4—where the only things available are hot water and coffee. Meals at that altitude are limited to freeze-dried options, so I chose mushroom stroganoff and chili beef with noodles—simple comforts in extreme conditions.
We also trained on the oxygen systems we’ll rely on from Camp 2 to the summit. These systems are critical for survival in the “death zone” above 8,000 meters. We’ll be using Summit Oxygen regulators, which can be adjusted from 0.5 to 4 liters per minute depending on altitude and exertion. Today’s lesson covered how they connect and how they deliver oxygen effectively at altitudes over 23,000 feet.
This day was dedicated to Hopecam Child Declan, a courageous young man from North Carolina. After being diagnosed with leukemia, he struggled with anxiety. But recently, he chose to be baptized—and since then, he’s found peace, putting his journey in God’s hands. Declan, I understand. Whether I reach the summit of Everest or not, I’ve placed my outcome in God’s hands too. I’ve done the training, the preparation, and I won’t quit. The rest is up to the mountain—and I’m at peace with that. Thanks for your faith in me, my friend.
News Flash!
I’m departing tomorrow for Camp 1. The rest of the team will leave the next day and go directly to Camp 2, so I’ll join them as they pass through camp one. Two years ago I went from base camp to camp 2 - 4,000 vertical feet in one 14 hour push and I got sick. So to avoid the risk of that happening again I’m leaving a day earlier. “Slow and steady wins the race” says the turtle in the book the tortoise and the hare. I will have internet at camp 2 intermittently so I’ll do my best to post updates but the target summit day is May 20th when the winds are low and skies are clear.
Here is the current schedule - weather permitting
Thursday EBC to C1 (Len only)
Friday C1 to C2 team
Saturday C2 rest day
Sunday C2 to C3
Monday C3 to C4
Tuesday summit day - sleep C4
Wednesday C4 to C2
Thursday C2 to EBC
French pressed coffee At Everest Base Camp tastes a lot better than my Keurig back home, and my morning ritual “Keeper of the Flame” on those cold Everest mornings.