Hello Mountain Zoners,
Well, we finally made it to Base Camp. A very beautiful stroll up the Khumbu Valley on an unusually clear day gave us our first glimpse of this multicolored encampment that we now call home. We are nestled close to the base of the Khumbu Icefall at 17,526 feet. We explored Base Camp today, which is one of the most high tech yet backward little villages in Nepal. It is an international fraternity of mountaineers. And though we may have our subtle differences, we overlook those for our higher common goal. Drawn from the four corners of earth, this highly motivated and focused group casts politics and persuasions aside to share the camaraderie of climbers. Indeed we have left the cares and concerns of the world behind.
The team is doing well dealing with the mundane trials of altitude. A few light headaches and restless sleep, but all are happy to be here. We are looking forward to our coming Puja ceremony when we'll pray for the safety and success of our endeavor. We are missing our loved ones back home and appreciate all the good thoughts you've been sending our way. Know we are thinking of you now that we are soon to begin the actual climb.
To a safe climb,
Vern Tejas
P.S. We will send photos when power considerations allow. I can see 143 tents from here, it'll make a great shot.
— Vern Tejas, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent
