At 4am A few team members woke to find water and ice had seeped into their tents, and were forced to move. We trekked from camp 1 to camp 2 today to cache gear, so the morning was filled with frantic packing – climbers debating whether to take the weight now or later. The move to C1 had been far heavier today for most than the prior cache day many had packs that towered over their crowns. But once we finally got going the group settled. It was quiet. Everyone had their heads down, breathing deeply as we climbed. It’s funny where your mind goes on the mountain. Some people play games or sing songs in their head to pass the time. Others try to focus on their rhythm. And some people think about their family back home-their partners, or siblings, or parents. A father who turns 75 today. By this point we’re surrounded by snow. There’s white powder all around, and mountain ranges in the distance, and clouds practically at eye level. It’s cold and the air is thinner, but spirits remain high like the peak looking down at us from above.
