Just as last year, we were fortunate to be involved in a Puja, or blessing ceremony, at EBC.The purpose of the Puja is to ask respectfully for safe passage on the upper mountain from Miolangsangma, the goddess who lives there and presides over all that happens here.There have been two tragic seasons leading up to this year, and all took this ceremony very seriously.It was a lovely ceremony, capped with dancing and drinking.Just as last year, I ended up with tsampa flour in all sorts of unexpected places.A time for happiness and indulgence… if only we did not have to walk to LBC!
The Puja altar, with lama Dorje at center stage. We all sit behind him, facing the altar, and contemplating the route beyond.Butter is placed atop each of the three symbolic peaks… birds like butter!Some of the ornate, tasty foods placed at the altar.Various drinks are blessed during the ceremony.The Sherpa working for IMG are all here… this ceremony is very important for them, as it is for all of us.Phinjo Sherpa, one of our great climbing guides, and a former student at a Buddhist monastery.The central mast, carved from a single sacred tree, is hoisted into position during the ceremony. Phinjo records the moment with his iPad.It stands tall and mighty, adorned with flags. Prayer flags are then spread in five directions from this central pole.That bird seems to like us.Prayer flags stretch many meters to neaby hilltops.Flags caught in the wind stretching over our camp.Lama Dorje and assistants at the end of the ceremony.Line dancing at the Puja.The line dancing begins.We are honored to be a part of this.Brothers in arms.The sky seems brighter after the ceremony.
The miles passed quickly, and we were in good spirits.Even picked up a feral dog in Lobuche Town. Not a team member we want or need, but we are trying to find the right measure of kindness and sternness.
The summit, shrouded by clouds at center, beckons us from the ridge just outside of EBC.Yaks on the move down the Khumbu.Pulling into a break on the way to LBC, Pumori in the background.Refueling at a break.Heading into the last stretch before LBC.Cristiano tends to “Scraps” the feral pooch who adpoted us…or did we adopt him?Eddie making good progress on the high trail just before LBC.Success! The Hesses are reunited at LBC after weeks apart due to bad weather for a few hours in Denver at the start of their journey.
Plan is to move to LHC tomorrow, then alpine start for the summit early the next day. The purpose of climbing this ~20,000 foot mountain is to sharpen our skills, and to see how we do at higher altitudes. It was beautiful last year, but this time around there is very little snow up high, just lots of glare ice. Should be different!
Phrase of the day: Please let this be our last time at Lobuche!
