Climbing and Running
7 marathons. 7 continents. 7 years.
In Pheriche and on the way to base camp
April 5, 2011 by Mitch Lewis · 14 Comments
(from Internet cafe in Pheriche at 13,900′ before setting out in a few minutes….). Today is Tuesday April 5th.
Yesterday we were woken through the night by massive thunder and lightning storms in Pangbouche and in the morning everything was covered with about a foot of snow and was white everywhere! Sitting in the Himalayas and just sheer beauty and just speechless with wonder. All of the Everest climbers and a few of the trekkers went to see the local senior Lama at his home high above the village. There in a big room with one wall covered with climbing pictures and the others with Budhist symbols it was just so emotional and incredible. During our time, Dan and Gavin, together with four of the five Everest and Lhotse climbers and two of the climbing sherpas got our blessings.
The lama spoke in Tibetan and said prayers, gave us special necklaces and packets and cards and sprinkled us with rice and put some in the envelope to take to the summit. It went on for a pretty long time and there was some good laughter too as we chanted along with him and he tried to say our english names.
When we got back, I passed out a bunch of Juniper shirts and tote bags to the sherpas, cooks, porters and other locals that are so helpful to us and so appreciative!!! They loved them. I also stuck a few ClimnbingandRunning.com stickers (Thanks Juliette!) along other climbing stickers along the way.
No phone coverage and satellite yet and really tough to send photos or video though I have a bunch. You can check SummitClimb.com for the daily dispatch also.
We finally set off in a snowstorm and bundled up and continued to the village (well a few huts and teahouses) where we are now. We ran into Russell Brice along the way as he passed us … and had a good meal before turning in early.
Overall good health and acclimitizing well, breathing good, legs and shoulder good and we should be in base camp in about 3 or 4 days, we sent one bag there already.
Comments
Speak Your Mind
Mitch thats hysterical, do you never stop working! Are those Sherpas actually holding Juniper bags? so funny!
I wish I could be there too.
Thanks for the updates!!!
Thanks so much for the updates Mitch. So glad it is good so far. Praying for safety and success for your team. Give Paula our love. Barry and Kim
Wild adventures! How amazing those experiences much feel. Blessings for a safe journey!
Go Mitch! What an incredible experience already!
I love your picture Mitch!!! I am so sorry that I didnt get a chance to see you before your adventure! You look great!!
MITCH!! did you get the text i sent to the satelite phone — text my cell … The pictures are awesome and the post have been wonderful to read!!
Stay strong and safe!
You are amazing! Love that Junos is everywhere! Safe travels!
Just wanted to say HI Mitch!!! I’m thinking about you!! Be safe!!
Mitch,
Can you get me something at the base camp gift shop? How about one of those “I climbed Mount Everest and all I got was this t-shirt” ? How’s the local cuisine?
I’m looking forward to seeing the pictures — stay warm and safe!!
Ben
I’m watching you!! :>
You are totally awesome dude!!! So glad you’re posting. Stay safe! Big-ass hug to ya!
Mitch-i was thinking about you today and voila! i see you are realizing one of your lifetime dreams! your illustrative narrative of your trip so far is so exciting and spiritual. i wish you a safe ascent and descent. you have memories for a lifetime. you are one tuff dude! shauna