Climbing and Running
7 marathons. 7 continents. 7 years.
The Summit Push (1)
May 4, 2011 by Mitch Lewis · 8 Comments
I’m sorry it has taken so long to write and update a new post. We were completely offline for the last two weeks so here is a summary update:
We have been above 5300 meters (17,500′) for about 25 days and went down yesterday and today to a couple of lower villages to replenish the blook oxygen and feel air that can almost be cut like butter. Am writing this from Pheriche at 4200m ((14,400′ – about the same as Mt. Rainier or Mt. Whitney).
For a period of 10 days we did not drop below 20,800′ (higher than Denali/McKinley). We went through the Khumbu Icefall for the 2nd time and camped one night at camp one. Then we did our first push to camp two and rested two days and helped build a small dining tent. Then for two days we went (on purpose) halfway to camp three just below the Lhotse Face. After a massive snow storm stopped all traffic up the face (and a planned down day for us anyway), we attempted to get to camp three (7100m, 23,500′) which would be an altitude record for me (higher than Aconcagua). It was the hardest day of my life.
About three hours to get to the Lhotse Face and then you’re faced with sheer blue ice and 45 degree pitches with fixed line ropes (and we are not on oxygen yet). It starts off crazily by some super narrow landings and trying to make sure you get both feet planted somewhere and clipped in at least with one carabiner and the jumar. We were successful!!!! The last 1000 vertical feet took forever and when we finally got there, we had tents that were perched on the ledge where we had to clip in to go to the “toilet”. After spending two fitful nights there (which was all we needed for acclimitization), we then absailed and managed out way down to camp two and then the next day from two to one and through the icefall one more time – so we earned the right to make the summit push (see next article) … We were all so glad to see our tents in EBC again and take a well deserved shower and some food other than noodle soup!
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Wow. So good to hear from yall! Praying for you every minute until you are down. Great job climbers!! Love and best wishes from Kim and Barry
Mitch, best of luck on the push for the Summit. Sending some good energy your way! All the best, Mike
Whoo hoo (as Mitch would say)! So great to get an update and hear about the imminent Summit push!
Kim
whoo who! I can see you arms extended running down this hill like so may other to come home to us. Very soon now. We’ll all be waiting at the airport for you. with open arms,,,
Be safe
Love,
Leonora
We are all thinking about you going up the Khumbu today xx
Only a few more weeks to go, then you’ll be lying next to the pool in a nice Mexican hotel..
I am so proud of you and you’re constantly on my mind. It was so great hearing from you with your special happy mother’s day message and I was obviously so overwhelmed to be talking with you ‘from Mt Everest’ – I apologize for sobbing!! I am not going to complain about lack of sleep, express my incidental ailments, or lament about a luke warm meal ever again, or at least until you are off the mountain. You are an inspiration!!!
Mitch,
Just heard the great news: What an amazing, all-consuming, euphoric accomplishment!
Plant the Juniper flag, enjoy the view and then get home safely!
You’re buying!
Bill
Mitch,
Wow!! Congratulations on reaching the Everest Summit today! I am truly in awe of you feat and am inspired. Look forward to seeing you back at Juniper. Be safe. Araldo