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We have just come down from ABC, where we spent the night. 2 days ago we headed up the moraines to IBC, where we spent the night. The distance is 9kilometers, and we gain 600m in altitude. The walk is pretty boring, with the constant Yak trains and other climbers going up or down. But you really do not get to see the mountain. THe walk to ABC from IBC sucks. It is 11kilometers, and although not strenuos, it is just long. Then you turn to the right on the moraines and there she is, Everest, in all her glory. What really gets me is the altitude, which is 6400m. I felt fine, just alittle tired, and I was able to beat last years time by over an hour. The air is quite thin. Just trying to move around brings on a breathing fit. We turned in early, as all were tired, but I only slept for a few hours. Spent most of the night tossing and turning. It got pretty cold out well below zero, but I was burning up in my sleeping bag. Actually had to open the bag and let some cold air in to keep me from sweating the night away. My heat exchanger mask is the BOMB. Keeps me from drying out in the night and I do not have a cough at all. By this time last year I was coughing my brains out all day and night.
The veiws are spectacular, although ABC is in a narrow valley and one end is a box canyon. But when you look out you know you are high in the sky. The air is misty, hazy and clean.
This morning we packed up our stuff and spent 7 hrs walking down to the thick air of BC. The plain has filled up more, with new expeditions arriving everyday. I am glad we got here early and only have 2 more aclimatization hikes up to ABC and beyond. This means that we will be ready by first week of May for summit bid.
Doc Aundry had to leave the expedition, and is not expected back. He was the expedition doctor. Not sure who is going to take his place.
Other than that, I have actually been working the last 3 days. That make 5 work days so far this expedition!! And you all thought climbing mountains was hard work, Sheesh, like a summer club up here!
Stay tuned....
