Stories from Everest

Today is the first day in a while that I haven't heard from Peter. It isn't terribly surprising since I know his tentative plan was to hike to Lobuche (16,207 ft.) today. From everything I've read, wifi and cellular coverage is less likely in this section, and the quality of the food and accommodation declines. 

In the meantime, I've been keeping notes on some of the interesting stories that I've found as I've been watching all the Everest reports in the news and from the expeditions.

The Bahraini Prince
Apparently, there is a prince from Bahrain attempting to summit Everest this year. From what I've read, I think he is a few days ahead of Peter. He brought 1,000's of COVID vaccines with him. Lovely gesture, but it appears to have caused all sorts of red-tape issues. The Nepali government is saying he didn't have proper approval. He says he did. Lots of wrangling now to figure out what will be done with them. 

More details from The Washington Post. 

Former NFL player on the route
In addition to Peter and the Prince, there is also a retired NFL player (Raiders, Rams, Saints), Mark Pattison, hoping to summit Everest. He's also a few days ahead of Peter. He's chasing the "7 Summits" quest, attempting to climb the highest mountain on each of the 7 continents. He's done the other six already, so Everest will be the culmination of the goal. I'm wondering if Peter has a logo'd hat from any of those teams with him. 

More details from his Web site.

Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic
Part of the fees that each climber pays goes to support a medical clinic at Everest Base Camp. They treat all the climbers, but they also operate as a free clinic to any of the local people who need care. 

Alan Arnette, shared this quote yesterday from the doctors at the clinic:

We are adjusting to life at 5350 meters (trouble sleeping, etc.) and are meeting the growing community as we finish up our clinic organizing. We have officially seen 15 patients so far, 13 of whom represent the majority population here, Sherpas. One case of HAPE before we had our tent set up was evacuated, but most cases so far are of mild illness/injury; respiratory infections, musculoskeletal injuries, Khumbu cough and a single case of travelers diarrhea.

Really great 2-minute video (from 2016, but still really informative)