Namche Bazaar

I’ve been back down in Namche Bazaar (11,300 feet) with most of our team for the past three days, resting and doing some light hikes while we wait for a weather window. The good news is my HAPE is long gone, and the time down low has helped with all the little things—cuts, dry skin, stuff that just doesn’t heal higher up.

The fixed lines to the summit are in, but most teams are still holding back for now as the wind above camp 3 is brutal. We’re aiming to go toward the back of the wave, so our summit push is still likely several days to a week out. We head back to base camp tomorrow. The waiting is hard—physically, it’s been good for recovery, but mentally it’s tough not to dwell on what’s ahead.

This climb has been tougher—physically and emotionally—than anything I’ve done before. I’ve been battling doubts—about my health, my body, and whether I can handle what’s still ahead. The hardest parts are yet to come.

In any event, I’m trying to stay positive—focus on what’s going right and not dwell too much on what’s ahead. One foot in front of the other.