A quiet morning street scene in Thamel, Kathmandu
Hi, I’m doing a final test of my technology, making sure I can post text and photos via email. It’s Monday morning here, and I leave tomorrow to start the trek. Yesterday was a busy day. I was able to meet up with Pemba Gyalje Sherpa, a central figure in last year’s K2 drama. He arranged for me to meet the families of the two Sherpas who died last summer, and I was able to give them the money donated by Chris Warner, Fredrik Strang, and many of you out there. Pasang’s son Dawa (age 14 months) and Jumic’s son Mingma (born the day before his father died) are the real beneficiaries of your support, and they pass along their thanks.
While I’m climbing alone above Base Camp, I will be trekking and sharing Base Camp with a small group of climbers. Ian (UK) arrived the same day I did, and we’ve been having dinner etc. together. Yesterday, Joe (USA) and Pam (UK) arrived and the four of us will trek in together. Another climber (Valerie, UK) is already on the approach. While I don’t usually post info about other people, I’ll be hanging out with this crew so now you now there names.
Lots of people are rolling into town, it rained hard last night, and Jamie is getting copies of my book into the book shops here. The bags are repacked for the trip to Base Camp, and today is the last day to get last minute items. I’ll likely be able to do a short post while trekking, but if not I’ll be back in about a week or so.