Mt. Everest: Dave Hahn and Team Return to Kathmandu
Posted by: Billy Nugent, JJ Justman, Dave Hahn
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest
Elevation: 4,383'
In Lukla, roughly eight thousand vertical feet below our Everest Basecamp home of the past three weeks, we were pretty comfortable. But just for one night. The team was awake by five am yesterday, eating by 5:30 and walking over to the airport check-in at six. We watched -partly in awe, partly in horror- as Twin Otters, Dorniers and A-Stars roared in and out of the compact one acre loading and unloading zone, pirouetting into place, revving engines, disgorging trekkers, cases of beer and heavy bags of rice at a frenetic pace. When summoned by frantic hand gestures, we shouldered our packs, walked out onto the tarmac and took over the seats in a Twin.
A few minutes later, we were in the air, over a few craggy passes and cruising toward Kathmandu. Upon landing, we were no-longer climbers, or even would-be climbers, we were happily transformed to overdressed tourists. As such we took off a few layers and began showering, shaving and eating eating eating.
Although we are still far from home, the program is finished. We continue to enjoy each other's company, we still rely on one another to make sense of the sad events and unexpected turns our trip has taken. The team is grateful that so many have followed our journey on the blog and offered up kind words and support.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
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Comments (7)
Watching the Discovery Channel broadcast on the Avalanche. Thank you Dave, Mark & team!
Posted by: Susan on
Dave - We’ve been thinking about you guys every day for the past two weeks. Glad to hear everything is well with you. There will be many more days to climb. Stay safe.
Posted by: James Woodwell on
No wise words but know that you all are in my heart!
Posted by: Susan on
Hi Kara,
Hope you received the email from Travelguard. Scott’s in San Antonio for a few days, so hoping no baby during the time. I hope you take comfort in each others company the next few days as no one but each other can understand the magnitude of what you’ve gone through. See you soon! Dixie
Posted by: Dixie Trunko on
Can’t wait for you to come home! We all miss you! Bachelorette starting in 2 weeks!!!! And beach opening in a few weeks… We are so happy that you are safe and are eating now! You know us Italians… We have to feed and eat!
Posted by: Taddeo on
Spencer,
Get yourself home already, need to catch up desperately. Miss and love you brother. Can’t wait to see you.
Posted by: Danny on
Nicole - I am sorry you did not get to attempt a summit this year, but I can’t wait to see you and hear the wonderful stories I’m sure you have!
See you soon!
Love- your cuz
Posted by: Jennifer OHara on