Everest Base Camp!

We made it to Base Camp! Today was a stunningly scenic hike from Lobuche along the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori, Nuptse, and Everest towering above us. After a better part of the day we finally set foot onto the Khumbu Glacier and arrived at the colorful pile of prayer flags marking the entrance to Base Camp.  

It is here that climbing teams perform a Puja Ceremony to ask for permission and blessings from the gods to climb the mountain. This ritual is typically quite elaborate and it must be performed by a Lama. A trekking team like ours would normally not have an opportunity to participate in a Puja at Base Camp, but since we have Dawa (our very own Lama) leading our group, we made special arrangements for a private Puja Ceremony for the Everest Executive Challenge team. It was yet another spiritual treat that none of us will soon forget.

Since we are not climbing, this Puja was an opportunity for us to pay our respects as a memorial service of sorts to the 16 Sherpas who lost their lives here eight days ago.  It was also a time for us to remember Heidi Kloos. 

The best way to do this is to re-post our April 17, 2010 blog entry as this was meaningful news four years ago, and still today a relevant description of Base Camp and an important memory to honor a wonderful woman lost doing something she loved.  

Base Camp & Tribute to Heidi Kloos

We have two exciting developments to share with you. First of all, we made it to Base Camp! Over the past few days we progressed to the village of Lobuche and then through Gorak Shep and on to Everest Base Camp at 17,600 feet. Arriving in this tent city built atop a moving glacier is a fascinating site. We estimate that there are about 200 climbers here who will attempt the summit plus 300-400 Sherpas and support staff. The magnitude of our expedition's camp, food & supplies, communications equipment, tents, and staff of 20 Sherpas will take your breath away. And believe us just walking around or bending over to tie your shoes at this altitude will leave you gasping for air!

The second major development we have for you is the anticipated arrival of the 23 members of our Everybody to Everest group in to Kathmandu within a few hours. This wonderful & supportive group of friends & family will soon be following the path we just hiked from Lukla all the way up here to meet us at Base Camp.

Unfortunately their guide, Heidi Kloos will not be accompanying them on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. Heidi was very much looking forward to meeting the Everybody to Everest team and leading them through their Himalayan adventure. Quite tragically Heidi was killed in an avalanche near her home in Colorado just a few weeks ago. However, Heidi will be guiding the Everybody to Everest team from above as they make their way to Base Camp and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Himalayas in her honor.

Heidi was actively involved with the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program helping disabled individuals learn to ski with specialized equipment - equipment that frequently is funded by the Challenged Athletes Foundation. It was no coincidence that Mountain Trip selected Heidi to lead our group that is raising funds for CAF. In memory of Heidi Kloos we would like to honor something she believed in so strongly, and dedicate every additional donation made to CAF in her name. Upon our return from Everest we will send a letter to Heidi's family acknowledging any donations you are kind enough to make. Even if you have already contributed to CAF please consider an additional contribution of any amount at all as a symbolic gesture to an individual with a passion for helping others, but who is no longer able to do so. 

http://www.challengedathletes.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1091270&lis=1&kntae1091270=B486B6D70CF1499886B90CA937DE881E