Pumori viewpoint and my birthday!!!

Posted by admin on Apr 17, 2012 in Latest News | 1 comment

Pumori viewpoint 5,650m.

After a few days perfecting our crampon and ice-axe technique in the lower part of the ice-fall, it was nice to spend the day out exploring some other parts of the surrounding Khumbu Valley. Yesterday evening our master chef Adam asked me what I would like for breakfast, lunch and dinner which was a surprise. We woke up for a 8 o’clock breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and chapatis. I walked into the mess tent half asleep to the team singing happy birthday. It was a great start to the day.

The weather has been great today in Base Camp and the Khumbu valley. We decided to trek back through Base camp and make our way towards the lower slopes of Pumori (7,165m). We were probably better off staying out of the Ice- fall seeing as it is Friday 13th. We walked a good pace through Base camp. I noticed a big increase in number of tents since our arrival. We made our way to the start of Base camp and then went off the trail. This was more pleasant as there weren’t as many people, and there was no chance of getting hit by a yak.

As we got higher on the hike towards Pumori Camp 1, we had perfect views of Everest, Lohtse, Nuptse, and other great Himalayan peaks. By the time we reached our high point of 5,650m we could see the North Col of Everest, the South col, the Lohtse Face, Geneva spur, The Yellow Band, part of the Western Cwm, the Ice fall and of course Base Camp. The views of Everest, Lohtse and Nuptse were incredible.

After lots of photos, some video and drinks, we made our way back to our Base camp for a lovely lunch. The walk was timed to perfection. We arrived back at 1.05pm with our lunch being served. All during the lunch we heard wild celebrations of one of our neighbouring teams Puja ceremony. Myself and Adam decided to wander over and take part. We were lucky the flour throwing part of the ceremony was over. We had some birthday drinks with the neighbouring team and did a bit of singing and dancing. Didn’t want to overdo it as it was early in the day and we still have our own Puja Ceremony to look forward too.

It’s great to celebrate my birthday here in the Himalayas. Can’t wait for my birthday dinner tonight. Hi to all my family and friends back home in Ireland.
Cian O’Brolchain