20 April 2012

Our Puja

19 April: Chilly! Kami the BC manager and cook holding the thermometer, although last year we definitely had colder at a similar time. Our heater with the double-skinned dining tent is actually too warm in the evenings.

We had our puja to show respect for the mountain, even though we cannot see it from our sheltered base camp. Karsang officiated, chanting sonorously, and the prayer flags rose well. The chosen tipple was Johnny Walker probably because of the monk red label, which also matches the crew jackets.

After lunch we visited the Altitude Junkies team where the beer and wine was flowing, “limit 3 units” for afternoon tea according to Phil, because they were still recovering from their rather more alcoholic puja the previous day. Grant has a clip on his website, drinking a beer while doing a headstand. He fell asleep in his tent later, no sleeping bag even. Hair of the dog was the rallying cry the morning after.

 

Grant also managed to count all the climbers, yes, the day prior when he wasn’t seeing double. In summary there are around 109 foreign climbers, around 101 climbing sherpas spread between perhaps 16 expeditions. This compares with around 450 foreign climbers and an equal approx 450 climbing sherpas on the south side, and perhaps 50 expeditions (I am guessing Alan Arnette has the exact figures).

Certainly I consider the north side slightly less dangerous and if climbing with a good commercial outfit, the chance of success is similar, so we feel fortunate. Additionally with less pressure to summit in the first low wind window, the mountain should be not too crowded. Let's see.

Tom and myself are still acclimatizing in Base Camp and have a another day here before heading up. More tomorrow, providing our internet is working...

 

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