Firat Eren

From a series of dispatches from the Alpine Ascents 2007 Everest Expedition team.

Hello friends, family and loved ones,

Up at the crack of dawn, we were treated to a wondrous sunrise over the high Himal. Most of us were already awake at 6 am due to our incomplete adjustment to Nepal time, so we had no problem getting out and hiking up to the top of the hill behind Namche. Our efforts were rewarded with crystalline views Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Mt. Everest. This of course necessitated rounds of photo with every camera we had. It was very satisfying though a bit comical to watch. All of this activity aroused our appetites and we descended to our hotel where Lhakpa Doma greeted our arrival with a fine breakfast.

For fun and acclimatization we trekked up to Khunde, a farm village 400 meters above Namche. We stopped in Syangboche to meet with some our Sherpa team as they prepared loads for the waiting yaks. Opportunities for photos were everywhere as we casually made hiked mountain trails around Stupas and through forests of Fir and Juniper. There is still snow on the ground where the shadows are deep but it’s obvious that Spring has indeed come to the Khumbu. Another delicious meal awaited us upon our return to our Panorama View Hotel. We had the afternoon was free to explore the neighborhood. And tonight climbers are looking forward to our discussion on Altitude. Oxygen Is Good!

Namaste,
Vern Tejas