Everest season

I have been watching the live updates from Everest during the summit windows. It has been compulsive, compelling, addictive stuff. Every time I see a new picture, I marvel. I have never done an 8,000m mountain but I have spent a fair amount of time up above 4000 and did summit a hill a little over 6,000m. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve had the feeling of wanting to sit, rest, and sleep, just sleep. Sure, we did it with no physical training to get out fitness up, and had been constantly sick for days before the climb, but I can only imagine what it must be like at 8k.

The thought of climbing the Lhotse face, one burning step after another; the befuddled thinking and numb fingers trying to clip onto the fixed ropes for the night time ascent from the South Col; the descent, when extreme fatigue beyond anything experienced before – all of it fills me with a mixture of wonder and empathetic dread for those on the mountain.

My thoughts go out to the families of those who didn’t make it back this year. And congratulations to all who climbed the mountain and came home safely – whether they made the summit or not.