Today, we broke camp at 6:20 AM, embarking on our descent to Everest Base Camp after five challenging days at altitudes ranging from 20,000 to 22,500 feet. The weather was mild, with overcast skies and light winds making it feel around 0°F. Our trek to Camp 1 took 75 minutes, where we paused briefly to speak with world record holder of 14 8,000 meter peaks in 6 months - Kristin Harila
We tackled the formidable Khumbu Icefall. This section is notorious for its shifting seracs and deep crevasses. We practiced rappelling down over 4 ice walls and carefully crossed crevasses using aluminum ladders spanning 5 to 15 feet. At one point, we descended a series of five ladders strapped together—a true test of nerve and skill.
As we neared Base Camp, the increasing ice melt around noon presented slippery rock, ice and SCREE, demanding our full attention. At the exit of the Icefall, a government official weighed our waste—both garbage and human—to ensure compliance with Nepal’s environmental regulations. This initiative aims to preserve the mountain’s pristine condition, and we were proud to contribute our poop to the effort.
Back at Base Camp, situated at 17,300 feet, we were greeted with the comforts of hot showers, warm mattresses, and heated dining tents. It’s a welcome respite, allowing us to recuperate and think through our upcoming summit attempt dates.
We honored Hopecam child Addie on our descent back to Base Camp. Addie’s favorite thing to do using the Hopecam is to use it for IXL and Lexia for school. She also added extra reading apps. The Hopecam tablet has helped her family navigate schoolwork for not just Addie but for three of their other kids while being away from school! It keeps her family connected with them.
She told me “Len, I am very thankful for this tablet, which helps me get through school work and connects me with my teacher and classmates.”
