May 8, 2008 - 5:47am — MountEverest2008
A Sign of the Times
Camp II
No sweat- we made it to Camp II (again), shaving 30 minutes off our previous time. I pressured breathed most of the way, good practice as this technique will be necessary higher up on the mountain. Today I was number two in line (often I lag behind because I'm taking pictures, video, or simply winded!). I believe there is a psychological component to where you are in line. As we climbed, despite getting close to no sleep, I followed the rhythm and pace Vern set and felt great most of the way. I should also say that climbing with Vern is like hanging out with the champion of your favorite sport. He has decades of experience, a stellar record, and it is clear the other climbers we meet hold him in high regard. I feel that by following in his footsteps, I am becoming a better, safer climber.
Now at Camp II, we await the installation of the fixed lines (the process started today, which is great news). Possibly as soon as tomorrow, we may climb part way up.
On a different topic, I'd like to site an example of how high altitude can impact people- in this case my 21 year old tentmate R.C. He just busted into the tent, all excited. With him, he was carrying a 2ft x 3ft piece of plastic. You see, this plastic was the sign originally posted by the military, near our tent, a sign containing text warning climbers that they could pass beyond the point where the sign was mounted.
Now, as it appears the torch has either a) made it to the top or b) is about to be there, the plastic sign is no longer needed. Young R.C. opportunistically grabbed it, and now has grand plans of selling it on eBay. Considering that our tent is not big to begin with, I feel that now I have a third tentmate. And the sign is pretty crappy too. Also, it should be a royal chore getting back to Kathmandu. Perhaps I am just getting old (as it turns out, I used to be a sign collector, a visit to my parent's basement will verify). But as I watch R.C. smile at his new treasure, I do indeed feel the 21,500ft has 'touched' him some special way.