Ben's Weekend Plans

Thank everyone for the comments. I am able to make mention of them to Ben when we get a few minutes to chat.
He is feeling strong after the climb to Camp 1 today. Tomorrow they will have a rest day and the following day they will climb to Camp 1 and potentially sleep there. How does that compare to your weekend plans? I promised the kids we would try to go miniature golfing. Not nearly as exciting.
Diana

Let the Climbing Begin

Yesterday the team climbed to 17,000 ft, which is about halfway to Camp 1 from Base Camp. Tomorrow they will climb to Camp 1 and return to Base Camp to sleep. For those new to climbing, this is how they acclimate to the altitude -climb high, sleep low.


Ben has been unable to send any pictures for me to include in his posts. It sounds like Ben is enjoying the time with the team. Please continue to pray for safety and good weather. Diana

Base Camp

We heard from Ben again this morning. He has arrived at Base Camp. He is 12 hours ahead of us in Denver, so he had just had Happy Hour and was getting ready for dinner. Filet Mignon was on the menu for tonight. I love the pictures of the food from previous trips. What those cooks can do at Base Camp is amazing! Based on the schedule he posted earlier, climbing should begin soon. Thanks for your prayers. Diana

Acclimating in Sama Goen

Happy Monday. This is Diana with an update. Ben safely arrived in Sama Goen a few days ago with the team. They will be leaving tomorrow for Base Camp. Everything is going well.
We had an opportunity to video chat with him once while he was in Kathmandu and he has sent daily text messages and called a few times in the past week. It is always good to hear from him.
He will be sending me blog updates, including pictures while he is on the mountain and I will be posting the updates. Please continue to leave comments and I will pass the on. Thank you all for your prayers!



Diana

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Photo #1 - Displaced Nepalese temporary shelters
Photo #2 - Part of the Monkey Temple
Photo #3 - Devastation in Durbar Square
Photo #4 - More Durbar Square
Photo #5 - Typical scene around Kathmandu
Photo #6 - Boudhanath Stupa damage

The pain and suffering endured on a daily basis by the victims of this past April's earthquake is tough to see. The simple things of life that are so often taken for granted like a roof over our head, food to eat, clean water to drink and a shirt to wear are distant memories for many of the Nepalese.
Within minutes of taking photo #2 the scaffold surrounding the monument began to shake violently. Yes, even to this day, earthquake after shocks and tremors are a part of reality. While the tremor was mild compared to April's large earthquake, it was apparent what was happening. Kind of crazy to be a part of such an event.
The trails leading to the standard approach of Manaslu base camp are completely gone and landslides have rendered the entire area impassable. This has created some logistical headaches for our expedition, but so far it seems we have been able to put together back-up plans. Tomorrow morning we are scheduled to take a helicopter into Sama Goen. After 3 days there we will journey the final distance to base camp on foot. I may be out of touch for a few days. No news is good news and I covet your prayers. Thank you.  

And the Nepalese national song is...

...the car/motorcycle horn! I found out today that Kathmandu now proudly boasts over five million motorcycles. Couple that with all of the car and truck traffic, the general absence of sidewalks and all of the people walking around and you have a symphony of many different horn sounds as all the people go in a myriad of directions. I am certain that people honk just because everyone else is and not because they are trying to make their presence known. I specifically make a mental note of my general feelings toward the endless honking. I remember from past trips to Nepal that the first day or two in Kathmandu I am accepting of this sound and even smile inside as I am so glad to be back here. I also remember how at the end of each trip, with a strong desire to get home, how the sounds of all the honking is nothing more than a big nuisance.
My first full day in Kathmandu has been a busy one. I started the day off with breakfast and then walked into Thamel to get a shave. I love getting a straight razor shave in each and every country I visit. I then walked back to my hotel for breakfast number two. I met my first two team mates and we enjoyed swapping climbing stories over a freshly prepared omelette. Jon, whom I remember from Everest in 2010, is back again and is giving Manaslu an attempt. After breakfast I went to Durbar Square to survey some of the harder hit earthquake areas. Wow! What a difference from last time I was here. The historic area has been almost completely leveled. Evidence of the recent earthquake is visible all over Kathmandu. Over 9,000 people died and it is amazing that there was not more casualties.
After walking around some more, having lunch #1, I went back to my hotel for lunch #2. It is extremely exhausting walking around all day! :)
This evening the entire team is to meet and then enjoy a team dinner. All of our climbing gear will make its way to Arugat tomorrow and then on to Manaslu basecamp. We have one more day in Kathmandu and then early on the morning of the 29th we take a helicopter to Sama Goen where we stay for three days to acclimate and then it is onto basecamp.
I promise pictures will be coming soon. I'm off to have dinner #1...

Safe arrival in Kathmandu!

It is great to be back in Kathmandu! I arrived last night after 3 flights that went smoothly. My luggage also arrived in tact. It is mow early morning and I am super hungry. I will send more of an update as the day progresses. I need to find my team mates first.
Thank you for your prayers. They are appreciated.