Everest Base Camp Trek & Lobuche: Team Reaches Lobuche, the village
Posted by: Jess Wedel
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest BC Trek and Lobuche
Elevation: 16,175'
Hello there!
Sunshine all day long today. We needed that.
We started the morning walking through a valley of female yaks (called naks) and their babies. The cutest little things.
We took it nice and slow, making our way to the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and crossing over into Thukla for a tea break.
The highlight came after the climb up to Thukla Pass: the climbers’ memorial, draped in prayer flags and tributes to those lost in the mountains. We took our time there. It’s a special place and the weather and views were nearly perfect.
On the way up the hill I heard “Lookin’ good, Pancake!” and then “Feelin’ good, Cajun!” I’ll let you all guess which team members have acquired those trail names. The point is — the camaraderie is high. Whether it’s trolling each other by putting rocks in (or on) backpacks, taking ridiculous selfies on phones left unattended, or hollering words of encouragement as we waltz along the trail — we’re having the best time and laughing nonstop, even if it means spending the next 30 seconds after catching our breath.
Lobuche — the mountain — made her first real impression last night, framed perfectly in our teahouse window. After the climber’s memorial, we could even see the steep rocky route to high camp. A little intimidating but we’re stoked.
Everyone arrived to Lobuche, the village (confusing, we know), in good form. We were greeted with french fries, RaRa soup, and a long afternoon of rest.
Tonight we sleep at 16,200 feet. And by sleep I mean toss, turn, wake up for some deep breaths — but honestly? Good enough counts up here.
All is well.
RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the team
Comments (3)
Greetings from sea level, where the air is thick, the coffee is hot, and the pipes unfrozen- a few things we hear are in short supply up there.
We’re writing on behalf of the Ascent Group, a collection of small business owners currently ascending the treacherous peaks of financial modeling, market positioning, and Goldman Sachs homework assignments. Truly harrowing terrain.
But we come bearing dispatches from the team:
Ticora, brand and trademark attorney, strongly advised us against lending our group name to your expedition- something about brand dilution and liability exposure at altitude. We are doing it anyway. You’re welcome. The Ascent Group is officially sponsoring your ascent in spirit, and Ticora is officially not responsible.
Kisha, HR executive, is absolutely delighted to hear about the camaraderie, team cohesion, and morale on the trail. She would like to formally note that this level of cross-functional collaboration is exactly what she’s been trying to get out of certain people in certain conference rooms for years. Well done, mountaineers.
Daniel, owner of Saints- a high-end, multi-service barbershop- has reviewed the expedition photos and would like the group to know that appointments are available upon your return. He is not judging. He is simply prepared.
Ally, psychologist, is offering complimentary pro bono services to Steven’s tentmates. No referral needed. She has already anticipated the presenting concerns.
Madeline, branding expert, wants you to know that if the extended time away from your businesses creates any need for a refresh, a rebrand, or a complete repositioning when you return- she’s got you. Every great comeback deserves a great brand story.
Jena, owner of an artisan goods shop, would like to gently suggest that summiting a mountain absolutely warrants a commemorative piece. Consider it already being designed in her head.
Keith, civil engineer, has taken one look at the trail conditions and amenity situation and already has thoughts. Several thoughts. Detailed, structural thoughts. He will have a full proposal ready for your next Nepal trip if you’d like to discuss infrastructure improvements.
Sharad, dentist, wants to know if everyone is flossing. He knows the answer. He’s asking anyway. The altitude is not an excuse.
And finally- our fearless expedition leader, Kelly. Much like Jess is leading you all up the side of an actual mountain with skill, composure, and zero room for excuses, Kelly has been doing the same for us- guiding a group of headstrong, passionate entrepreneurs toward the summit of our own ambitions. Badass leadership recognizes badass leadership. Kelly sees you, Jess.
We are in awe of every single one of you. Genuinely. The grit, the determination, the willingness to put one foot in front of the other when everything in your body is probably suggesting otherwise- we see it, and we are inspired by it.
We are cheering for you loudly, from our very comfortable chairs, at a very comfortable elevation. We have absolutely no doubt you will all make it to the top.
With admiration, profound respect, and zero personal interest in ever doing this ourselves-
The Ascent Group
Ally, Kelly, Ticora, Kisha, Daniel, Madeline, Jena, Keith, Sharad
P.S. We want to thank Rosie for bringing Steven’s directional challenges to your attention. In the spirit of full transparency and group safety, we feel it is only responsible to add: Steven has a well-documented habit of training with baby rattles in sculpt class. We say this with love. We say this with concern. And we say this because if there are any ascenders involved on this trip, Steven may require a tush push or two from whoever is behind him on the rope. Please plan accordingly.
Posted by: Ally Minnich on
Sounds like another amazing day on the mountain. I love hearing about the journey and learning more each day. Keep on the good path. Love you Pop!
Posted by: Noel on
It’s exciting to see how much progress the team is making!
We, as the Notre Dame Soccer community, have been trying to be more optimistic about what Steven Perry might be contributing to the trek. We have come up with one way in which we think he may have become useful.
Do you know how on any team or in any office, there is that one person that everyone hates so much that the rest of the group becomes closer by talking about how annoying that person is? Steven is excellent at being that person. We hope the team is harnessing that opportunity to become closer as a unit.
Also, if Steven has become too heavy to carry during the trip, just be glad that he didn’t tuck away a few more goals his Senior year because a National Championship ring would only add to the weight. Sure, he was one of the top scorers in the country that year, but if he had put away at least one of the chances that I put on a platter for him against Michigan and/or Dartmouth that year, he would weigh that much more.
We appreciate all of the updates and are enjoying seeing the team progress!
Posted by: Mike Rose on