Yesterday we ventured into the icefalls. Our goal was to get to the first set of ladders, about an hour and a half of climbing through a labyrinth of ice, water and rock. Wow did I have memories of last year. I couldn’t believe that I was back so soon and all the pain and suffering came sweeping back. It was a hard day for me. Not certain if it is because I am not yet acclimatized or if I once again have become a tent potato, but yesterday nearly killed me. I couldn’t catch my breath, find my rhythm, get into the groove… whatever it was it was eluding me. I crawled back to my tent totally deflated and ready to pack it in.
It snowed last night. Everest base camp is coated in white, and the rough rocks and jagged edges of this inhospitable world are softened. The sun is out and the day is warm. Seth and I are heading out for a hike to stretch the legs and get the lungs working. I am hopeful for a better day than yesterday. Guess I should look on the positive side, as Rob reminds me, I did achieve my goal and made it to the ladders, crossed many and returned shortly after the group. To me it was a miserable experience. Still this is Everest and misery is part of the territory now what am I going to do about it?
Time to dig in right? Keep reminding me of that.
Wendy
Oh yes… Climb On!
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