Mt. Everest 2005: Alpine Ascents Everest 2005 Willi Prittie reporting from Pheriche

Update: Pheriche
    
There is something about trekking this stage to Everest Base Camp. Below here, we are all looking at and enjoying the mountains. On this stage, something changes and from here on up we are fully immersed in the highest mountains on earth. Everywhere we look, every turn of the trail reveals yet a new vista, a mountain or range, any one of which is stunning. The cumulative effect is hard to describe to someone who has never been here, but for some of us it is nothing less than life-changing.

This morning was perfectly clear and we enjoyed views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse seemingly close enough to reach out and touch. As our minds reached out to encompass this challenge in front of us, we paid a visit to Lama Geshe, the head lama of the Pangboche Gompa. Lama Geshe performed a truly wonderful puja for us, and forced our minds to encompass much more. He asked for our protection and safety on the mountain, and in turn asked us to be respectful of the mountain while on our pilgrimage to the top. He also asked that we think about the world in general while on our lofty summit, and think about world peace and all mankind living together in harmony with each other and with the natural world. This was a very moving ceremony for all of us.

The afternoon brought practical jokes to and by the sherpa in addition to the usual unfolding stunning views. We walked into Pheriche at 4,300 meters (just under 14,000 feet) around mid afternoon to building cloud and mist. We were welcomed with the usual comfortable tea house and a great spread for afternoon tea from our cook staff.

This evening brought a wonderful spread for dinner which we shared in common with the trekking party. Esther’s birthday today was honored with presentations and a fresh-baked cake. As I write this, many members are playing chess and card games, or just relaxing around the heating stove (which burns dried yak dung, not wood, which puts out an amazing amount of heat).

As a final note, Terry be advised that today Cathleen is now getting excited!

Willi Prittie

Dispatches

Vern Tejas, Willi Prittie, Dave Morton, Jose Luis Peralvo, and Lakpa Rita Sherpa will lead the Alpine Ascent team on Everest this Spring. They will attempt the standard South East ridge route.

GUIDE STAFF (BIOS)
Lakpa Rita Sherpa Senior Guide & Sirdar	Vern Tejas Senior Guide	Willi Prittie Senior Guide
Dave Morton Senior Guide	Jose Luis Peralvo Senior Guide	Ellie Henke Base Camp Manager
CLIMBERS
Nigel Clark	Esther Colwill	Ron Farb
Kevin Grant	Cathy Groninger	Kent Groninger
Mostafa Mahmoud	Jeanne Stawiecki	Dianette Strange-Wells
Tony Van Marken	David Liano	Danielle Fisher

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