This last mention is of note since it is often the first full view climbers get as they head towards base camp. There is one small opportunity to see Everest from the trail below Namache but you have know precisely where to look between the trees. I missed it on my first three trips there. But it is the first view of their goal that causes everyone to be quiet for a moment.

I like what Fi wrote in her dispatch "...It was kind of strange to actually see it in the flesh. From here it looks massive, but with relatively gentle slopes when compared to some of the smaller mountains that have extremely steep sides. Everest almost looks peaceful - but with that cloud plume indicating high winds, I know that it would be anything but peaceful up there today."

The Base Camp Medical Clinic team has also arrived in Nepal and will be providing medial care once again this year. They started this in 2003 and proved an excellent service not only to the climbers but to all the Sherpas, porters and other team members that occupy the glacier for two months.

I spoke with Jeff Justman (JJ) as he was in LA. JJ is one of the lead guides for Mountain Link. He said he drove a rented van from Bend Oregon to Los Angles with 25 duffels of gear. He was about to get on the Thai flight to Bangkok.

Did we forget something?

Packing for a big climb like Everest is mind boggling. I remember as a kid going on family vacations where my Dad would struggle to get everything in the trunk of our Chevrolet Impala. Even though it was only four of us traveling by car to such "remote" places a Destin, Florida or Houston, Texas; we fretted over forgetting something. Traveling to Nepal or Tibet makes my memories pale in comparison of how to replace your climbing boots that fit perfectly or that favorite pair of gloves or down jacket. Yes, it is amazing what you can buy in Katmandu or Lhasa but fakes abound and the quality is often not the same. But most importantly is knowing what you have and know that the proper gear may save your life.

Maoist activity?

A disturbing news item from from Nepal News reports that Maoist abducted two polish climbers near Lukla. This is significant in that the Maoists normally leave Westerners alone and when any activity has happened it was further east. That said, in 2003 a climbing team was asked for "donations" as they headed towards Makalu which is about 14 miles west of Everest as the crow flies. Let's hope this is an isolated incident and they will be released unharmed soon.

**update** Reuters reports that the climbers have been released and are safe in Lukla. The Maoist deny kidnapping the Polish climbers.

A long season ahead

Remember that we are extremely early in the climbing season and only a few teams have made it Katmandu much less base camp. The normal summit date is between May 15 and May 30 - over six weeks from now. So settle in and enjoy the preambles as our explores head to the top of the world!

http://www.alanarnette.com