It's a Marathon of Life: Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar 07-23.05.2011 (9)

15May2011 - Lobuche (4930M) > Gorak Shep (5160M) > EBC (5400M)

This is it! This would be the toughest day of trekking. A 3hr walk to Gorak Shep, and another 4hr back n fro to EBC. Walking along the barren field with the surrounding snow mountains that are 3x closer than there were, I felt like I was trapped in between a stone age & ice age. It was such a majestic view that make me felt so insignificant to the world compares to the scale of the objects around. At a time, we were able to see a glimpse of EBC, those yellowish tents, from far, very far. I started to feel cold so, walked a bit faster. Eventually, I've reached Gorak Shep together with Dalwat. When all had arrived, Ailing didn't look good. Raj later confirmed that she won't join the team to EBC due to severe AMS. Symptoms were obvious with bloated face & fever. Fortunately, all team members bought a higher premium of travel insurance that covers helicopter transfer in the case of emergency, except RWen. RWen bought her insurance from China, but some vague T&C made her felt extremely anxious on whether or not, such emergency transportation was covered.

After an extremely light lunch (bcoz everyone lost their appetite, completely), we continued our quest to EBC from Gorak Shep, with Raj stayed back to take care of Ailing. He asked Dalwat to lead us to EBC instead. More or less, RWen carried along anxiety with her about her insurance coverage. The trail towards EBC isn't tough, but at 5200M, I really felt the effect of high altitude with shorter breathe by each small step. A good shoes really helpful throughout the journey by keeping my feet comfortable from getting wet, and any cut from the rough environment.

Unconsciously, I broke away from the group again. Could be AMS, could be due to the low O2, could be homesick, could be the frustration of missing some teammates, could be the overdue oppression of doing all things slowly to avoid AMS, I just sped up towards EBC, with the my mind well aware of getting AMS. Hell, I just lost it and sped up. Dalwat asked his little Sherpa to lead me. Frankly, I thought I was too fast, but the fact was, the casual walking little Sherpa always stay in front of me with a casual breathing. I was having a horsey deep and fast breathe already. But, I like that, bcoz I feel so alive!

I was so excited when I reached a giant rock that was half wrapped with prayer flags. That is a landmark of EBC! I've finally made it. Abt 20min later, the rest regrouped. We were so glad that we all did it. We then attempted to walk closer to the yellow tents where all the Everest climbers were having their acclimatization before their summit attempt. After a 30min walk, the fatigue surged through us, and we decided that's close enough and made our way back to Gorak Shep.

I can't explain it. I think I was quite emotional once I've finished my goal to step on EBC. On the journey back to Gorak Shep, I felt like a child who was finding a passage to vent his displeasure. Probably, I was very homesick thereafter. I miss my family dearly. I led my emotion took control of my act. I walked with speed again. There was a song in my head, Michael Buble - Home. About 2KM away from Gorak Shep, a tiny white compositions fell from the sky. The scale was mild though. Was that snow/snowflake? I think so. Then, I heard helicopter! Vaguely, I thought I heard TBK was calling my name from the chopper. Next thing I know, the chopper landed at the vast land just in front of Gorak Shep lodge. OMG, I thought something was really wrong with Ailing! I then ran towards the direction to find out why. Running at 5200M... Hmmm, didn't feel anything really coz some adrenalin took over my body.

The chopper left before I can reached it. Raj was standing there, and I anxiously reached him to find out why. It was Ailing on the chopper indeed. Raj managed to arrange the emergency evacuation for her as her AMS condition looked serious. I then gave Raj a big hug for making the decisive call to bring her down. He replied that it was his responsibility. My tears suddenly just flushed out. Bloodyhell, I can't explain it. All I knew I was very emotional & tired. Perhaps, I really didn't prepare to have so many team members not being together. Never in any OX trip, we crumbled into pieces like this. 6 left now. Anyway, those were the negative thoughts when the emotion took over. That made me even more tired & moody for the rest of the day. Another light dinner although we all knew we have burnt a lot of energy, and we must eat more. But, we just can't summon our appetite back.

At night, it was RWen's turn to have AMS problem. Her anxiety definitely aggravated after seeing Ailing being sent off so dramatically by a helicopter. What's more, she still not sure if her insurance covers such emergency evacuation. She could only rest on the night with Raj checking on her condition every hourly through the night. It was obvious that she won't be joining us to Kala Patthar Peak, 5500m at 4am in the morning.

What an 'action packed' day it was...

The longest walk in the trip.

Ah...

Wow...

People mountain people... ehhh... more mountains.

Nice team picture. That should be the Pumori Peak at the backdrop.

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A helicopter flied by. Someone is sick or hurt again at this mountain. We actually got a news that a Japanese had passed away at EBC on the next day.

Glacier.

Tough ladies in the house.

1st sight of EBC! On the way to Gorak Shep.

Our ever reliable guide, Dalwat. His has a tough life out there. His perseverance at work supports his family. And, he is one of many in the region. Hate how I feel when I am writing this out.

I saw EBC! But, not until we reach Gorak Shep, then, another 1.5hr to reach there.

EBC looks cloudy which concerned me initially. Thank god we had the best possible weather on that day.

After this camel back, we will reach Gorak Shep.

The team was progressing well from the back. Didn't pull over to wait for them as the risk of catching cold is very high. Didn't want to end up like TBK.

Gorak Shep.

Gorak Shep Village. A dramatic day in this lodge.

EBC looks closer and closer with the yellow tents became more visible by each step.

Carrying such weight at such altitude. A moment of solemn within myself to be more thankful on my life that I am having now.

Tough tough job by the Sherpa to support their family.

Dalwat took care of the team at the back. It got colder at 5200M, I had to walk a bit faster to get some heat. He sent this little Sherpa to lead me to EBC.