Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World

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Laundry at Lobuche

Everest 2015  •  April 6

Today we took in more of the amazing scenery at Lobuche BC.  Part of the acclimatization process involves hiking to higher elevations each day, even if just 1,000 feet higher, then descending to camp again to rest.  Today we went up from LBC (15,800 feet) to Lobuche High Camp (about 1,100 feet higher).  The going was tough at the start, as it often is, but once my heart and lungs got into the groove things became easier.  The cold dry air does cause a runny nose and dry cough, but both are substantially better here in the clean atmosphere of the mountain, compared with the smoky air of the valley below.

Himalayan Snow Cocks go through elaborate dances for their mating ritual in camp.
Himalayan Snow Cocks go through elaborate dances for their mating ritual in camp.
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Wayne sniffs the fine air of LBC.
Looks like a good day for an acclimatization hike.
Looks like a good day for an acclimatization hike.

The view from high camp were amazing, and allowed us to see the route to the summit that we plan to take in a few days from now, after we have moved to EBC and then hiked back here again—all part of the acclimatization process.

Mixed terrain, with scree and mud and yak dung and snow and ice.  Nice.  (Photo: Blake Penson)
Mixed terrain, with scree and mud and yak dung and snow and ice. Nice. (Photo: Blake Penson)
Up we go to LHC.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
Up we go to LHC. (Photo: Justin Merle)
Siva is stoked.  (Photo: Blake Penson)
Siva is stoked at a break. (Photo: Blake Penson)
LBC seen just after we start up to LHC.
LBC seen just after we start up to LHC.
Wayne is great.  Will someone please get this guy a summit permit?
Wayne is great. Will someone please get this guy a summit permit?
Blake.  Need I say more?
Blake. Need I say more?
Kim rocks.
Kim rocks.
I'm happy to be up here.
I’m happy to be up here.
Andy needs no coke for his smile.
Andy needs no coke for his smile.
Chorten at LHC.
Chorten at LHC.
Lobuche East, the snow hump on the right, is our objective during the next rotation.
Lobuche East, the snow hump in the center, is our objective during the next rotation.
We bask in the atmosphere of 17,000 feet just briefly before heading down.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
We bask in the atmosphere of 17,000 feet just briefly before heading down. (Photo: Justin Merle)
LC strikes a pose in front of Kantega.
LC strikes a pose in front of Ama Dablam.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
No, we cannot time our jump with the shutter.  We just can't.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
No, we cannot time our jump with the shutter. We just can’t. (Photo: Justin Merle)
Headed back to LBC from LHC.
Headed back to LBC from LHC.
Down, down, down....
Down, down, down….

We had fine weather, and were able to do some laundry in the open air, which was very welcome.  Nepalese detergent is a bit more abrasive than what I’m accustomed to, but it gets the job done!  Lovely meals and fun conversations into the evening, augmented by the jazz playlist provided by Blake, and bluetooth speaker provided by Kara.

Laundry station at LBC.
Laundry station at LBC.
Drying may take longer than a day... frozen clothes will need more time in the sun tomorrow.
Drying may take longer than a day… frozen clothes will need more time in the sun tomorrow.
Trekking poles make a great way to dry socks.
Trekking poles make a great way to dry socks.
My watch thermometer in the tent read 120F, until I put it on, and my wrist started to cool it down.
In the sun, tents become ovens.  My watch thermometer in the tent read 120F, until I put it on, and my wrist started to cool it down.
A chopper arrives to whisk one of our trekking buddies to lower elevations.  (Photo: Blake Penson)
A chopper arrives to whisk one of our trekking buddies to lower elevations. (Photo: Blake Penson)
We bid him farewell!  He did 100% fine a bit lower down the hill.
We bid him farewell! He did 100% fine a bit lower down the hill.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
Yaks grazing on the slopes above LBC.
Yaks grazing on the slopes above LBC.
Those bells chime and gong all day long... usually quite soothing, actually.  (Photo: Justin Merle)
Those bells chime and gong all day long… usually quite soothing, actually. (Photo: Justin Merle)
Nicole and Siva relax after the hike.
Nicole and Siva relax after the hike.
All the stars in the universe seem to be out tonight.  (Photo: Blake Penson)
All the stars in the universe seem to be out tonight. (Photo: Blake Penson)

2 thoughts on “Laundry at Lobuche

  1. Wow Paul……beautiful pictures…..actually spectacular! the deep blue of the skies are remarkable and the stars at night so bright! Loving the blog and reading about your adventure. So happy and grateful you and the team are all safe! Cheers!

    Sherryl

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