I slept fine, though I was constantly aware of a distant roaring sound.A jet engine… but, odd, we have never seen an aircraft contrail once on this whole expedition.Sure enough, that low roar you hear is the sound of the jet stream slamming into the summit of everest, just over one horizontal mile away.Creepy….
Today’s goal was to move a bit higher than Camp 2, both to stretch our legs and to inspect the potential route above.No ropes have been fixed higher than our position here, and because the mountain’s icy surface is dynamic, there are always decisions to make about the route each year.Some high-res telephoto pictures could be helpful in the planning process.
A bit of a breeze, but overall a perfect day.
This is the highest I have been on this mountain… last year we had to turn around at Camp 2 because of the quake.Progress!The upper cwm feels like a big fishbowl… and we are some mighty small guppies.
It has been a good rotation, though I feel tired, hungry, dirty, smelly, etc.EBC seems to be full of wondrous luxuries, such as hot showers and BBQ sauce and the internet.Our plan is to leave early tomorrow, and walk all the way to EBC, arriving before lunch.Winds are predicted to be an issue… this may be spicy.
Concept of the day: Amazed to be here.
posted: April 26, 2016
21 thoughts on “A New High”
That’s no yeti. That’s Colonel Sanders.
Rock on P2.
Hey, Paul. I have to say, without any reservations, your reports and images are the very best coming out from Everest now. Your generosity in sharing the energy, time, and damn good photography is much appreciated all around the world. I wish you well, godspeed, one solid step at a time. Remember to try and think like Ed Viesturs if things happen to get hairy. We all want plenty more good writing and photos from you, wherever you might go, for many decades to come. Keep posting when you have time and bandwidth. It matters. I remember when the Director of the Royal Geographical Society before proposing me as a Fellow and just before my Tibet research exped in ’87 looked me dead in the eye and said, “If you don’t document it, detail it, bring it back and share it, it’s not an expedition, it’s just a vacation.” I’ve never forgotten that. Big hugs to IMG Team I, especially to all the diligent, solid Sherpa team members up there beside you all, come thick or thin. Lots of love, from the very hot and sweltering Island of Bali. You’re all welcome here anytime you feel like warming your toes. Standing invitation. x x x
Pictures and your blog are wonderful and I look forward to them each day. Take care of yourself so that you will continue this maganificent quest with the same zeal! Love and prayers.
Hi Paul – Random old lady from upstate NY – couch mountaineer – stumbled on the you tube from last years attempt and earthquake.
I been enjoying the blog photos (exceptional) … Thank for sharing, tracking you daily … I can only imagine how difficult and how magical, the pics enchanting
? Tracking you through the icefall seems you are taking different tracks on each trip, I would have thought there would be only one path laid out, not sure my question is clear …. None the less … The lady in upstate wishing you safety and awe on summit …Godspeed -Ann
Thanks Ann. The icefall route changes a little each day as it collapses etc. But, most variability you see is due to cloud cover interfering with the GPS signal. Appreciate your interest!
That’s no yeti. That’s Colonel Sanders.
Rock on P2.
… I want my chicken …
Breathtaking! Love you, Doc! Xox
Thanks mom, love you.
Yeti with a stogy.
Yes! I missed that… nice.
Fantastic! Great to hear preparations are going well.
Thanks so much Steve!
That DOES look like the Alaska Airlines Eskimo dude. Which means it looks like my dad??????
Yep. Your dad is a yeti. Which makes you half yeti. Which makes me married to a half yeti. This is awesome.
Hey, Paul. I have to say, without any reservations, your reports and images are the very best coming out from Everest now. Your generosity in sharing the energy, time, and damn good photography is much appreciated all around the world. I wish you well, godspeed, one solid step at a time. Remember to try and think like Ed Viesturs if things happen to get hairy. We all want plenty more good writing and photos from you, wherever you might go, for many decades to come. Keep posting when you have time and bandwidth. It matters. I remember when the Director of the Royal Geographical Society before proposing me as a Fellow and just before my Tibet research exped in ’87 looked me dead in the eye and said, “If you don’t document it, detail it, bring it back and share it, it’s not an expedition, it’s just a vacation.” I’ve never forgotten that. Big hugs to IMG Team I, especially to all the diligent, solid Sherpa team members up there beside you all, come thick or thin. Lots of love, from the very hot and sweltering Island of Bali. You’re all welcome here anytime you feel like warming your toes. Standing invitation. x x x
So lovely, thank you on all counts!
Totally incredible photos Paul! We are with you and so excited to mark your progress. Keep it up! Big hugs, Katie
Love you Katie, and happy birthday in advance! Love you sis.
Safe trip..buddha /hindu prayers from Bali. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om.
Beautiful breathtaking pictures. I am in awe of both you and the mountain.
Thanks Tamar! Save your awe for the mountain, please….
Pictures and your blog are wonderful and I look forward to them each day. Take care of yourself so that you will continue this maganificent quest with the same zeal! Love and prayers.
Thank you Pam.
Hi Paul – Random old lady from upstate NY – couch mountaineer – stumbled on the you tube from last years attempt and earthquake.
I been enjoying the blog photos (exceptional) … Thank for sharing, tracking you daily … I can only imagine how difficult and how magical, the pics enchanting
? Tracking you through the icefall seems you are taking different tracks on each trip, I would have thought there would be only one path laid out, not sure my question is clear …. None the less … The lady in upstate wishing you safety and awe on summit …Godspeed -Ann
Thanks Ann. The icefall route changes a little each day as it collapses etc. But, most variability you see is due to cloud cover interfering with the GPS signal. Appreciate your interest!