Prayer flags flying over Lobuche Pass.

Geoff and I just returned from the local coffee/bakery shop, which claims to be the highest in the world. I guess I’ll take their word for it because I can’t really think of anywhere else that there would be a need for one. We had a cup of coffee and a beer because those are two beverages that should go hand-in-hand. The cost of a beer was a hefty $6 but one beer does a lot more at 16,200 ft than it does at sea level.  
Highest bakery in the world. 

Earlier today, we departed from Dingboche to head for our next stop in Lobuche, a gain of another 2,000 ft in elevation. Our workout the day prior set us up nicely for a leisurely hike, which was fairly at a nice slow pace. We are now two days out from EBC (Everest Base Camp if I didn’t elaborate on that abbreviation earlier) and I’m excited to get to my tent because I will have more normalcy to my day.  Towards the end of the hike up to Lobuche, we cleared the Lobuche Pass were there are a number of monuments for fallen climbers. Brent once again carried out his tradition of having a beer with the boys but one in particular, Scott Fischer. The name might sound familiar because he was a highly regarded American alpinist and one of the main climbers that are mentioned when discussing the 1996 Everest incident, portrayed in “Into Thin Air” and “Everest”. Brent and Scott were good friends and had summited Everest together in 1994. Brent told some stories of their friendship and climbs at his monument and we took out time to pay our respects.  

Brent paying his respects at Scott Fischer’s memorial.

We arrived in Lobuche shortly thereafter and quickly settled in to our home for the night. While relaxing before dinner, Brent, who I have nicknamed “Viper” after the Instructor in Top Gun, and I got into one of the many deep conversations that are often had on the mountain. Of all the topics, fear is one that was the most meaningful to me. Fear is inherent in life and resides inside of us in all shapes and forms, climbers are no different. No one should be afraid of admitting and facing your fears, they are what make us human.  

I am blessed to have great mentors on the mountain and back home.  
Because we can always use another picture of a yak!
Before I go…

• Mom: I have flossed every day and promise to do my best to not miss one.
• Albert & Dylan: I hope you baseball season’s are going well! More importantly, finish the year strong at school and make your parents proud! 

Fun Fact: The ravens in Nepal are called gorak’s. My fellow climber, Drew Maloney, said that they are able to ride thermals to the summit of Everest and have been spotted doing so. They are very common in the Khumbu and are considered good luck by the Nepali Monks.