Namaste from Ama Dablam Base Camp. Today is November 7th.
We have spent another 48 hours hanging around Base Camp playing games and training for our ascent in the upper mountain. Today, Lakpa Gelu and I met with another groups of Shepras and teams. The consensus is that at this time, with the deep snow and avalanche danger, the upper part of Ama Dablam is unsafe to climb.
With only a couple more days on our permit and in our trip, we have decided to make the decision that a safe ascent will not happen during the time we have this year. 26 of the 28 international teams at Base Camp have suspended or cancelled their expedition.
Base Camp, which used to have hundreds of tents and the feel of a small city, has now dwindled to only a few teams. Camp 1 which had over 20 tents and rescue gear, including oxygen, has been taken down and has few remaining tents.
Tomorrow we will begin our trek out from Ama Dablam Base Camp. We expect to arrive in Lukla in 5-6 days then a fly back to Kathmandu.
So many times we (Westerners) measure success in reaching the summit. This expedition has taught us that success is reached when looking back at yourself for reflection. David and Paige have shared with me that this expedition has been incredibly successful as they both have learned a lot and grown as individuals. We hope to return to this mountain or other mountains in the Khumbu region in the future.
We have to thank our friends and family members for all of their support during this expedition. Thank you for helping us support our dreams!
Jonathon Spitzer
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