Leaving Base Camp
It looks like the teams on the North Side are making impressive and early progress. Already rope has been fixed to the North Col and the crews fixing the route are prepared to go even higher.
It looks like the teams on the North Side are making impressive and early progress. Already rope has been fixed to the North Col and the crews fixing the route are prepared to go even higher. From the sounds of it the North Col route up to Camp I is even more treacherous than last year. They’ve fixed a long ladder over what I can only assume are some steep and crevassed sections. Each year it seems that the glacier melts a bit more making the route to Camp I more difficult. Some might argue this is the result of global warming, but I’m not forming an opinion on that.
Unfortunately it seems that some of the teams have chosen not to pay the $100 rope fee. This was one thing that I could never figure out when on the mountain last year. Clearly, the most important aspect of the climb is being able to ascend and descend safely. A reliable fixed rope system makes this possible. Even if one wanted to climb solo they should recognize that the presence of the fixed lines makes everybody on the mountain safer. I for one was happy to know that the chances of a stray climber falling off above me were reduced by the fixed line. Everest is a crowded place and cooperation is the best way to keep things safe.
No doubt most team members are currently emerging from their tents at Base Camp in an altitude induced stupor, trying to gain strength for the trek to ABC. This is a tough and exciting walk the first time around. Good luck to all!!!
