Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World
Category Archives: Ascent
Hotter than Satan’s Pants
Everest 2015 • April 19
Yowza, it was very windy last night! I was up at least every hour, awakened by the buffeting of the tent in very strong gusts. The tents are built to take it, and are erected with solid technique, so no one got blown away. In fact, only the toilet tent got blown over, and this … Continue reading Hotter than Satan’s Pants
Ladders in the Snow
Everest 2015 • April 18
Today marks a somber occasion: The one-year anniversary of the loss of 16 sherpas in an instant during an ice avalanche in the Khumbu icefall. The Sherpa people have already marked this occasion on another day, according to their own calendar, and no special ceremonies are planned or anticipated, but there is agreement among everyone … Continue reading Ladders in the Snow
Back to EBC
Everest 2015 • April 16
Typically there is a rest day at LBC after summiting Lobuche, but because we had lost a day due to bad weather, we all decided to move to EBC the following day. Besides, the lure of hot showers and internet connectivity and laundry was too much to refuse. What a difference a few days can … Continue reading Back to EBC
Lobuche the Right Way
Everest 2015 • April 14
The weather looked good the following day for another summit attempt, so once again we gorged ourselves on a super lunch and then humped back up to Lobuche high camp—for the third time. We were loaded for bear, eager to knock this one off and turn our attention to Everest herself. Favorable conditions marked our … Continue reading Lobuche the Right Way
No-Go on Lobuche
Everest 2015 • April 12
Well, this happens to the best of us. Believe me. We moved up to Lobuche High Camp, about 1,100 feet above base camp, as planned after lunch. Fun hike, way easier than the first time we made this same trip for acclimatization. Camp was already set up by our amazing Sherpa team, and we settled … Continue reading No-Go on Lobuche
