We left Camp 1 at 8:20 AM. Within 30 minutes, the sun was so intense I had to strip off two layers and put away my gloves. Although the air temperature was just 30°F, the sun’s reflection off the canyon walls and glacier ice created a magnifying effect -it felt like 97°F.
Today's trek through the Western Cwm couldn’t have been more different from yesterday’s grueling 9-hour obstacle course through the Khumbu Icefall. The Western Cwm is a vast glacial valley between Everest Base Camp and Camp 2, sitting just above the Icefall. Camp 2 lies at the base of the towering Lhotse Face, reached after traversing this open, sun-scorched basin.
We covered 2.6 miles today with 1,368 feet of vertical gain, finishing in just 3 hours and 45 minutes—a stark contrast to the 9-mile, 2,800-foot climb from Base Camp to Camp 1. We’ve now reached an elevation of 21,252 feet.
We arrived before noon to a secluded spot in Camp 2, far from the main cluster of tents. The views here are absolutely unreal—Indescribably beautiful. Each of us has our own private tent, and unlike Camp 1, we even have a dining tent.
Tomorrow is a rest day to help our bodies adjust after gaining 3,750 feet of elevation in just 48 hours.
Today we honored Hopecam Child Alexandra. Hopecam gave Alexandra the opportunity to still be a part of her school and to interact with her classmates, even while in treatment. She was still able to preside over the 4-H meetings at her school and not miss out on being the president of the club. She gets to see her friends at school, which gives her a sense of belonging and helps her not to miss out on activities. It gives her back a part of her life when so much has been taken away.
Alexandra told me -“Len, my favorite animal is a snow leopard, and some live in the mountain habitat of Mt. Everest. Hopefully, you will see one. Thank you for the Hopecam program and for honoring all the kids on this journey to climb Mt. Everest.”
