The Hardest Day…So Far

We are now less than three miles (5km) from Everest Base Camp. We even got a peek of it from afar during today’s hike to Gorak Shep. It was definitely the hardest day for all of us. We’ve been trekking for nine days now. We’re tired. The altitude is taking its toll, even on the strongest among our group. 

Speaking of which, we had a bit of drama before the start of today’s hike. Actually the drama was last night, after one guy we all call Mr. Austria decided to go on a little unplanned run after our day’s trek. Not only did he not tell anyone where he was going, he wasn’t dressed for the elements, nor was he carrying a head lamp. This was at 3pm. Sunset came and went and he wasn’t back. By 8pm a search party had to be sent out to find him.

Mr. A was eventually located, but at a risk to all those who set out on dangerous mountain terrain in the pitch black of night. He’s been acting a fool for a couple of days now. But last night took the cake. What he did was selfish and reckless. We all agreed he should be sent home. This morning, the marathon organization decided to let him off with a warning. No one is particularly happy about this. 

Learning to put your ego aside

We have a lot of what you would call triple type A’s in our group. Overachievers who’ve run all sorts of races most people would consider downright insane. Two have summited Mt. Everest. One raced the 7 marathons in 7 continents in 7 days challenge. There are so many Ironman athletes you’d think it’s as easy as doing a 5K. It makes for a lot of interesting stories, but it also lends itself to people trying to outdo themselves.

As the group leader scolded Mr. Austria in front of everyone today he told us of another alpha male who tried to prove just how good he was nine years ago. His unplanned excursion didn’t end well. To this day, the Russian runner’s body has not been found.  

You have to take the mountain seriously. We may “only” be going to Everest Base Camp, a hike that with enough time and a good level of fitness can be achieved by most; but it still comes with its risks. It’s easy to lose the trail, especially in the dark. The terrain is very technical in spots. One wrong step can end badly very quickly. Then there’s the altitude I keep coming back to. It’s not only harder to breathe, it’s harder to concentrate on what you’re doing.

Today was a prime example of that. The climbs leading to Gorak Shep were probably not nearly as difficult as those we did near the beginning of our journey; but it’s so hard now. Each breath is more labored. We must stop for breaks more often. The scenery while stunning, is hard to fully enjoy. Especially when all you could think about is how nice it would be to just stop and sit down. 

And yet, even through the hardship, it’s a journey that’s bringing us all a tremendous level of satisfaction. It’s hard to wallow in the lack of oxygen for too long when you look up and see Nutpse staring down at you, close enough to touch. It’s hard to complain too much about our various mountain-related ailments when you look up, and get that first glimpse of Everest Base Camp. We’re nearly there. Just two more days and we’re there.