Kala Pattar, Gorak Shep to Dingboche—April 14

Toughest day so far. Man knocked on my door at 3:56 AM. I had to pack up my duffel and jump into my warm clothes for Kala Pattar. Five of us met in the dining room and choked down some tea, cookies, and half a Bounty (Mounds) bar. Off we went across the sand with our headlamps, then up, up, up. Mingma was leading, and he set a pace that was a little aggressive. Gene was struggling, so Ben asked Mingma to slow down. So hard to get blood and legs moving at that hour. The climb was only 1,400 vertical feet, but it was tough. I was a little nauseous but kept pushing on—rest step after rest step, pressure breathing about every 5 to 6 breaths. My feet and core stayed warm, but my lips could hardly move, and my pinkies were cold. The handwarmers never heated up. I made it to the top a little while after Mingma, Randall, Haley, and Daniel. Gene chose to stop just a little short of the summit. Incredible views of the top of Everest and the Icefall.

Kala Pattar—the little brown mountain in front

Didn't linger for long due to the cold and an impending need for breakfast. Zipped back down with Ben. Back to the lodge by 7:15. For the first time, I had lost my appetite, and we had a long day ahead of us.

view from the top of Kala Pattar of the Icefall, Everest, Lhotse, and part of Nuptse

We set off before 8:30, hiking from Gorak Shep to an early lunch in Lobuche, and then all the way down to Dingboche. By the time I got to my room in the lodge, boots on my feet for 11 hours, the tears came (which can happen at altitude). A nap, a hefty dinner, and a sleep 2,500' lower helped. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around Island Peak at the moment, but Daniel will be a good climbing companion (the third IP climber dropped out due to illness).

The trekking/family members group split off from us tomorrow morning to head back down to Lukla. Ben, Mingma, Ang Nuru, a couple porters, Daniel and I will turn towards Chukhung and Island Peak (aka Imja Tse). I'm hoping for a couple easier days so my body can rest and recover.