The rest period between our first and second rotations is near it’s end!  While the Madison Mountaineering team has technically been resting at base camp, we haven’t been bored, we’ve occupied ourselves in the following ways:

Preparing a "sancho" steam: hot water
 plus liquid tiger balm!

• EATING! (the strongest climber is the best eater ;) 

• playing cards

• watching movies

• doing laundry

• generally making fun of each other

• daily “sancho” steams to keep our airways healthy

• socializing with other teams

• repairing gear

And, taking short hikes around base camp.  Yesterday part of the team hiked to the base camp of neighboring Pumori, and enjoyed spectacular views of all of base camp.  

View of base camp, Everest (black peak on left), Lhotse, and Nuptse from Pumori base camp
Photo:  Stuart Erskine

Today, a few of us hiked about 1,000 feet above base camp to a rocky peak.  It felt good to walk on dirt and see plants, and even bugs!  A nice break from base camp’s rock and ice.  I even took the opportunity to test my balance with a yoga pose!

Yoga at 18,400 feet!
Photo:  Conan Bliss

If the weather and mountain allow, the plan is to begin our second rotation early (like, really early) on the morning of May 1st.  This rotation will take us to camp 2 for a night (21,300 feet), then to camp 3 (24,000 feet) for a few hours before returning to camp 2 to spend a night or two. 

Namaste!