Dingboche to Chukhung—April 15

We said goodbye to the rest of the trekkers, family members, and many of the Sherpa trail crew under beautiful blue skies in Dingboche. Ben, Daniel, Ang Nuru, Mingma, and I set off for Chukhung and Island Peak. We stopped at the cybercafe on our way out of town so I could send off a last email to Tom before the climb.

The trail to Chukhung was not steep, but I still felt tired, legs heavy. We checked into the Ama Dablam View Lodge—rather spartan, no lights in rooms or hallways, squatter toilet encrusted with ice. What the lodge lacked it comfort it made up for in views.

Island Peak just left of center

Ama Dablam

notice the Yellow Band of rock, just like on Everest

Ate a good lunch and then spent a couple hours rigging our harnesses, ropes, carabiners, ascenders, etc. I had so much gear hanging from me that I felt a little overwhelmed. Played lots of cards with Ben and Daniel. Laughed so hard we cried. Taught Ang Nuru ERS (Egyptian Rat Screw), which was very entertaining because he was mauling the cards and trying to cheat.

I feel more apprehensive about this climb than any others I've done before. Maybe it's the technical components, the altitude, or just that I feel a little worn down from two weeks at altitude in the Khumbu. I worry that the pace may be too fast because Daniel is clearly stronger than I. We have a day of leeway, so I wouldn't mind a day of rest at Base Camp. We'll see after we hike up there from Chukhung tomorrow.