Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World

Jump to helpful navigation →

Climbers on Ice

Everest 2016  •  April 9

8 comments

This is one of my favorite days of the trip: Technical training in the lower Khumbu Glacier.  No new information, but a nice refresher and way to build our confidence as we get ready tackle the higher ice on Lobuche and Everest.

Last year this was a blast, but even more fun today.  Something must have rubbed off during the Ouray trip, because the ice felt just fine, even though it was bulletproof.

Striking to see so much rock debris on the glacier, which was blanketed in thick snow last year. This is apparently more normal.

Leaving EBC for the lower glacier. Amazing ice formations.
Leaving EBC for the lower glacier. Amazing ice formations.
Glare ice is nice.
Glare ice is nice.
Our rappel route on the training circuit. About the same height as the 5-ladder section on the icefall last year.
Our rappel route on the training circuit. About the same height as the 5-ladder section on the icefall last year.
Kim tries to get her act together....
Kim tries to get her act together….
There, much better.
There, much better.
Dawa Sherpa prepares the top anchor on the ascent line.
Dawa Sherpa prepares the top anchor on the ascent line.
Emily in her element.
Emily in her element.
Justin Merle.
Justin Merle.
Phinjo setting up the low-angle training circuit.
Phinjo setting up the low-angle training circuit.
Siva and Phinjo Sherpa, our trusted guide from last season.
Siva and Phinjo Sherpa, our trusted guide from last season.
Phinjo and Kim.
Phinjo and Kim.
Me and Phinjo. I love this guy.
Me and Phinjo. I love this guy.
I'm getting a feel for the ice is nice. (Photo: Emily Johnston)
I’m getting a feel for the ice. Nice. (Photo: Emily Johnston)
Siva is excited.
Siva is excited.
Emily = Ice Queen
Emily = Ice Queen
Cristiano and Bob drink it in.
Cristiano and Bob drink it in.
Justin, Eddie, and Jerry on the way down.
Justin, Eddie, and Jerry on the way down.
Justin and Dawa.
Justin and Dawa.
The circuit from near the rap point.
The circuit from near the rap point.
Kim. Boom.
Kim. Boom.
Kim raps like a pro.
Kim raps like a pro.
Ice tortured by the sun into beautiful formations.
Ice tortured by the sun into beautiful formations.
IMG EBC in the distance.
IMG EBC in the distance.
Loaded for bear.
Loaded for bear.
Taking in the view from the top of the ascent line.
Taking in the view from the top of the ascent line.
Siva and Justin on the ascent.
Siva and Justin on the ascent.
Kim and Dawa.
Kim and Dawa.
Cristiano makes his way up the face.
Cristiano makes his way up the face.
Me near the rap point.
Me near the rap point.
The circuit, seen from the top of the low-angle ice.
The circuit, seen from the top of the low-angle ice.
Me descending the low-angle ice with a friction belay. Tons of fun. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)
Me descending the low-angle ice with a friction belay. Tons of fun. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)
Kim nails this technique, naturally. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)
Kim nails this technique, naturally. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)
Teresa rapping the high ice. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)
Teresa rapping the high ice. (Photo: Chris Hagerty)

Sun, gentle winds, amazing views. This is why we do this.

Word of the day: Bulletproof

posted: April 9, 2016

8 thoughts on “Climbers on Ice”

  1. Deep blue skies, brilliant white ice…..amazing beauty! You guys are having waaayyyy too much fun…..keep it up!

    Reply

  4. The entire clinic is missing you lots, but see you are having a great time. I can’t deny. This is spectacular.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.