Paul Pottinger’s Adventures from the Top of the World
Category Archives: Ascent
Breathe It In
Everest 2016 • May 10
5-6-16 through 5-10-16 Well, here’s the thing: I was sick during the C3 rotation. I did well on the way down, but had been very slow on the way up. And, even back in EBC, my cough and sinus discharge continued. It was clear that I needed to heal and improve if the summit was … Continue reading Breathe It In
Find My Way Back
Everest 2016 • May 5
I slept poorly, eager for the move back to EBC. I had a feeling that if I could just get through the next few hours, everything would be OK. EBC: Hot meals, hot showers, my own warm tent, internet, phone… all the luxuries I could want. Just get down this, smoothly and safely, and then … Continue reading Find My Way Back
Drop Like a Stone
Everest 2016 • May 4
We predicted that descending the Lhotse face would be much easier than climbing it had been. This proved to be true: my ascent took just under 11 hours, and the total descent was just over 4 hours. I am convinced that if traffic had not been so horrendous on the route, we would have made … Continue reading Drop Like a Stone
Face the Face
Everest 2016 • May 3
Circa 5 AM we started out towards the bergschrund in clear skies and cold, cold temperatures. I began at the head of the pack, eager to make a good showing. But, I knew better, because this would put me at risk of lung irritation. Emily Johnston called me on it, as expected: “You need to … Continue reading Face the Face
Slow Down and Wait
Everest 2016 • May 2
I slept poorly that night, sinuses filling constantly with bloody discharge, and cough triggering whenever I rolled from side to side (I am strictly a side sleeper). Plus, my ribcage hurt like crazy whenever I coughed or rolled over… in summary, not a great night. BUT, the comforts of Camp 2 were alluring (meal tent, … Continue reading Slow Down and Wait
