Everest Base Camp

Since we left Loboeche @ 8 am, and got to Gorek Shep in an hour an 1/2, I discussed with Pemba about taking some time and going on so I could see Everest Base Camp from the Nepal side. Since I had been to Base camp on the Tibet side, I thought it would be cool to see both. As we get near Base camp you pass a helicopter that is over on it's side. According to the local Sherpas, these happened in 2003-04 to a group of climbers from the Indian Army. No one was killed as the 'choper' rammed its blades into the ground and flipped over.
This is me, somewhere along that trail.

As we get to Base camp, I'm starting to bonk. it's noon and we've not had any lunch. I've had difficulty this entire trip getting my calories in, and as a result having enough energy for treking and climbing. Once again, I find myself completely hammered.

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At base camp, Pemba starts chatting with somebody up there. He and Pemba seem quite friendly as I try to enjoy the view, hoping I don't pass out from exhaustion. I'm out of water and prepared to fish some out of the stream on our way back. Pemba's friend (I later learned his name was Pasang) offered to fill my bottle for me.

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Pasang returns with my water bottle full of warm orange liquid. I expected just plain old water so when I ask, he says Orange Juice!

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So I'm now thinking we're on our way back to Gorek Shep but Pemba sez, tha Pasang has invited us back to the kitchen tent, for tea and chatting. Cool...I learn that Pasang had been climbing for more than 20 years, and he's the lead climbing siddar (guy in charge) of a current Korean team who is ready to summit tomorrow! They have been here for 2 months getting camps stocked and lines fixed.

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So instead of just getting to see Everest Base Camp, I get to hang out with part of a climbing team, chat about logistics, drink tea, and veg.....nice.

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On the way back I take a sip of the Orange Juice. It's you guessed it, Tang.

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Dang!

With a Tang Bang

from Pasang

Along the trail,

I felt better

and begin to hang

Dang!