On Sunday (March 30), the lead sherpas wrapped up the major Everest Base Camp (EBC) construction, and were dismissed to run home (literally) for a few days of rest. Since most are from Pangboche/Phortse area, they can cover that mileage in a few hours! They reported back to Base Camp yesterday (April 3). Guide Phunuru, three climbing Sherpas and some of the cook staff remained at EBC. All the rest of the climbing sherpas (except for those who are on trek with members) reported to base camp yesterday, and are scheduled to finish setting up the remaining sleeping tents today.
Phunuru said that the Icefall Doctors were making good progress. They have been working on the route above the football field, and if the conditions and weather remain good it sounds like the Camp 1 route will be finished in few days time! The HRA doctors are planning to arrive on April 5th to start running the EBC clinic.
I’m in the second Hybrid team with Andy, Phinjo, Mike, and Aaron. We spent Monday night in Deboche. On Monday, we visited the Tengboche Monastery and then headed to Pheriche on Tuesday via a stop by Lama Geshe’s. Mike reports that “our team is all healthy so far, acclimatizing well, and all seem to be fit and strong.” He sent this photo of the us in front of Tengboche.
