Namaste friends, family and loved ones,
Mike and I jumped on a chopper and then another to get back to Kathmandu. A nice crescendo for our three weeks of trekking and climbing. Unfortunately the forests around KTM are unseasonably dry and have caught on fire providing some nasty air pollution. We are now heading back to the States with a duffle bag full of memorable experiences. Thank you for joining us throughout our exploration of the high Himalayas. See you soon on Denali in a couple weeks.
Vern Tejas
Dream climbers descend to Phortse
Posted on April 18, 2023
Namaste friends, family and loved ones,
We were in great humor today as Mike tried to carry our porter Kaji’s load. That lasted less then a minute. We got blessed by a monk in pangboche. We made it to Phortse before the rain and visited the outstanding Khumbu Climbing Center. Tomorrow we’re off to Lukla and onto Kathmandu, where hot showers are waiting.
Vern Tejas
Dream Big Climbers climb to the Pass!
Posted on April 16, 2023
Namaste friends, family and loved ones,
We keen it was going to be a long day so we got up at 5:30am. Our plan was to visit the famous Kong ma la pass and the drop down to Dingboche for the evening. The high alpine valley we trekked through was enchanting. Nupstse looking over the ridge…………………,
We celebrated at the pass with drinks and prayer flags. The pause that refreshes…………..,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
As a bonus we got to inspect a route up Pakalde Peak. Too much snow this year hit hopefully next season. Cute little lake below Pakalde Peak………….,,,
Then we headed down to warmth and thick oxygen. Along our descent we crossed near by some seasonal yak hearder’s huts overshadowed by the north peak of Ama Dablam. Home sweet hut!
Tomorrow’s goal will be the climbing village of Phortse. We are in great spirits as the thicker air works it’s magic on us.
Vern Tejas
Dream Big on Top
Posted on April 13, 2023
Namaste friends, family and loved ones!
On the trial early to Imjaste base camp. That way!………..
After 48 hours of high intensity focus, we succeeded in summiting Island Peak. Island peak 20300 feet same as Denali……..,
The closer we got the more challenging it got. It’s now a mixed rock and ice route that approaches vertical in some places. Zoom in and count the climbers………………
Averting rock fall we made steady progress to upper reaches of the mountain. We were surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains of the world. Mike on the last pitch of the summit ridge……
We are now comfortably recuperating in Chukkung making more plans for adventure.
Vern Tejas
DB 70 Celebrates in Kathmandu
Posted on April 13, 2023
Friends, family & loved ones,
We flew by heli back to Kathmandu this morning and reunited with some of our teammates who had taken earlier helis out. We had time to shower/shop/relax at the Yak & Yeti Hotel and then all gathered for a farewell dinner at Mezze, one of the trendi[er] restaurants near our hotel. Fun was had by all. Tomorrow is a bonus day in Kathmandu and folks will start flying home to you in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
It’s been a great trip, with so many highlights for each member of the Team. Vern and I want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Team, to our Nepali trekking crew and to the people of the Khumbu for making this trip so memorable.
Signing off,
Carole Tejas
Everest Base Camp Trek Cybercasts Archives
CYBERCASTS
Alpine Ascents provides family and friends the opportunity to follow our climbs as they proceed. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we receive regular audio dispatches from the climbers and post them on our website. Not only does one feel the excitement of watching a team as it moves up the mountain, the archived cybercasts provide an excellent resource and learning tool when researching expeditions.
Fantastic! It was everything I had hoped for and more! I wanted to thank you and Alpine Ascents for a wonderful trip to Everest Base Camp! I wish I were back in the Khumbu! The itinerary was perfect! It allowed plenty of time to acclimate and I felt stronger as we got to higher altitude.
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