Alpine Ascents Cho Oyu Autumn 2006: Exploring Lhasa and more

Exploring Lhasa: Vern Tejas here, reporting for team “We’ll Cho-oyu” on location in ancient Lhasa. Today was great for touring as we acclimatized. Early this morning we trekked to the Drepung Monastery along with thousands of devote Buddhist. At one time this rambling collection of colleges was the largest monastery in the world, housing over 10,000 monks. We were swept up in a sea of humanity as pilgrims stained to get a glimpse inside of a rarely opened temple.

The awe inspiring Potala palace filled our afternoon with delight. Architecturally impressive, it dominates the skyline with its sheer mass and aesthetic lines. We enjoyed the workout the numerous stairs provided and got a bit of insight to this amazing culture. It is hard to imagine just one of the many jewel encrusted tombs within was made of over 3.5 tons of gold. The Tibetans do respect their Dalai Lamas.

Everybody is in good health and most slept well considering it was our first night at this new altitude. We will feel even better after a few more nights at this elevation. See you tomorrow.

Kale Pa

Team arrives in Lhasa, Tibet 8/31/2006    

Hello friends, family and loved ones,

The longest journey begins with a single flight. We are truly on our way today with a short hop across the “Hump”. Our flight took us took us over the mighty Himalayan range from Katmandu to the historic city of Lhasa. We were treated to a wonderful view of Everest and Lhotse en route. We can feel the thinness of the air here at 12,000 ft. But that didn’t affect our appetites as we dined on fine Tibetan fare. With dinner there was traditional Tibetan dancing which left Lawdon and Amy being kissed by a Yak. Fun was had by all.

Sweet Dreams, Vern

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

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