19 April SummitClimb Dispatch

Today we had a beautiful Sherpa blessing ceremony replete with authentic Tibetan Buddhist Lama Priests, clashing cymbals, thumping drums, and smoky chanting voices twisting in clouds of juniper incense. We strung colorful prayer flags all around our camp. The Sherpas presented us with food gifts, poured rice wine down our throats, and decorated our faces with barley flour. We reciprocated! Finally after a deliciously prepared fresh food feast, we retired to our cozy warm private spacious tents, with thick plush mattresses, toasty sleeping bags and the sweetest of dreams!