Everest Base to Lobuche Base & Back

Received from Robert on Saturday April 17 at 1:36 a.m. CDT

We are on the way back from Lobuche base camp to Everest base camp. Yesterday we climbed to the false summit of Lobuche. The real summit is way out on a very exposed ridge with huge cornices and no fixed ropes so it very seldom visited. It was a pretty challenging climb, with us leaving at 4 a.m. It involved a lot of time on fixed ropes climbing some very steep ice. The views were magnificent in all directions and the weather was perfect.

Our meal last night was very good and it felt nice to be "down" at 16,000 feet for sleeping.

I would be remiss if I didn't say a little about the Sherpa people and the porters (frequently not Sherpas, but other local tribes). These people are always happy and eager to help. They carry unbelievable loads on tump lines (a strap across their forehead). Yesterday three guys carried down the gear bags for about 18 people from our high camp to our low camp about 1,100 feet lower. Each guy carried five gear bags! I tried picking up one of the loads and I estimated it at 200 pounds. They do this with sandals for foot ware on steep rocky trails.

Robert is now back at his home camp and will call with another update when possible.