Chuck hungry
And so it began, Dr Shipman, privates Aldridge and Knight and The Hand set off from the low lands of Dingboche heading up in search off the much fabled monolith that is Chuck Hungry. Officer Knight set off at a blistering pace with everyone in close pursuit. Bonita aka The Hand starts to experience an ever so slightly freakish swelling of her left hand. While this does match her un-usually large feet she is left with a particularly small ‘Jeremy beadlesque’ right hand. After ten minutes of hysterical laughter we all press on for the summit, arriving at 5,550 metres after 5hrs of climbing. For privates Aldridge and Knight this is to be their highest peak of this trip, for Shipman and the Hand simply a walk in the park.
Yak Attack
The 8 o’clock start the following morn came and went, a light dusting of snow the previous night greeted the team as they set off over the ridge towards Lebouche.
After an hour the valley dipped crossing a makeshift bridge, Yak trains causing minor mayhem, but they were no match for Tom the big Texan from Thailand, his CIA training kicking in to save the group from certain decapitation at the tea stop.
Pacemaker Pete
After the tea shop the big climb up to Lebouche passed yet more climber memorial Stupas, and on to the Alpine Inn and settle down for more hot lemon, Ra Ra soup, hash browns and egg friend rice. Whilst we all thought the food was tasty the old man at the next table seemed to disagree. Projectile vomit for starters, the guy was having a minor seizure and his guide was as much use as a chocolate ice axe. Dr Kimble and Kenny Cool were on hand thank the gods, a diagnosis and some swift organisation on their part meant oxygen for second course and a chopper to Kathmandu for desert. Tom’s FBI Paparazzi training meant he was on hand to capture every moment, and ensured safe departure for Pacemaker Pete.
Food for thought
In the morning we set off on the final leg to Everest Base Camp, albeit minus Mr and Mrs Shipman, following a funny turn had by Ali during the night. We walk off into sunlight which seems brighter than usual as it reflects from the blanket of freshly laid snow. After two hours following a trail of Yak poo surrounded either side by 8000m walls of snow, rock and ice, we arrive at a sweet tea house spoilt only by the aura of methane from the guarding toilets at the front. Tea makes us realise that Nepali diet is a curious thing, and somewhat expensive, especially for our shrewd travellers. Stale biscuits at £5.50 a pack or boiled eggs at $7 for three, bargains are always to be had, just not by us!
Two further hours of trekking brought our first sight of Everest Base Camp and the magnificent Ice Fall. Scrambling over rocks wondering just how the Yaks and porters carrying their own body weight can manage it. It takes another hour along path sometimes difficult to make out following recent rock falls before we reach the final destination for Aldridge and Knight, marking the start of the main act for all the climbers.
Many porters have been busy for days preparing base camp. It is an impressive place with a heated mess and communication tent and a kitchen constructed of rocks strewn all over the glacier.
Signed off by Mick and Lewis at Everset BC
