Back at Everest BC – waiting for the good weather to come
Yesterday, May 6, 2012 I came back to Everest BC. This acclimatisation trip was perfect. Slowly I felt how the body gets used to the thin air. Our camp II is on the contrary to the "big" expeditions – very modest. 10 days ago when Tenzing and I were at camp II to stay overnight, only a few tents were there. Now everybody has settled up here. During the second evening I could not refuse an invitation from Alpin Adventure. I had a wonderful dinner after a long day. The food and the kitchen were also at 6400 meters above sea level which was wonderful.
At this time last year I could smell the Everest air. For me this is a new world. This has nothing to do with how I usually go on an expedition. I must admit that it is very comfortable like this and I enjoy it. I cannot find anything bad about this luxury. These luxurious times will change when I make my way to the Southcol. Then the air will get really thin and the luxury will be over. From this point on it is hard for everyone. With or without oxygen and with or without the help of Sherpas who carry your equipment: it is cold and tough for everybody.
That’s why I will not waste too much of my motivation and my vocal energy. I am trying to prepare my body for the air which is poor in oxygen. Now we all have to wait. I guess this year a summit attempt before May 20 will be unthinkable.
Everybody is nervous. Everybody would like to leave right away towards the summit. The same for me. This is what it means to ascend high mountains: to be patient, to wait and to be ready when the chance arrives.
I will do another acclimatization trip, so that I can be sure to have a real chance to reach the summit. After I will relax and if I still have time, I will go down to Pheriche to recover and fill my lungs with air.
First of all I will make myself comfortable at the base camp. I have not really been here, so far. Kaji, our cook, has been here for months. He is very well equipped, and the food is good. I think today is time for a good Italian pizza. Then I have to look for a better underlay to sleep. The nights are long and the ground is very stony. I guess I will manage with this. One thing after the other.