Namaste friends, family and loved ones,
We were up at 5am to ensure unencumbered views of Everest, however Mother Nature had a different idea. Even at 7am we could see clouds rolling up the valley. We arrived in good time to the last outpost of civilization, Gorak Shep, tucked under beautiful Pumori, one of the iconic mountains of the upper Khumbu valley. After a short tea break we started up the hill just below Pumori and above Gorak Shep. Typically clouds fill the afternoon sky, however at 10:30am they were building around the Everest group of mountains. We took what photos we could before it started snowing. An hour later all of us summited Kala Pattar, which at 18,500 feet was a first for several team members. It is higher they have ever climbed. Congratulations Team! Clouds closed in and we descended cautiously. The team is tired yet elated. Tomorrow we go to Everest base camp.
All our best, Carole & Vern Tejas and Team Khumbu
