Dan Mazur Ama Dablam Expedition: Dispatch Two

Dispatch Two: Dear EverestNews.com readers,

I am pleased to announce that we have one the best Sherpa Teams in Nepal!

I say that, because yesterday, we went to the Pasang Lamu Climbing Centre and the results were fantastic! Each Sherpa climbed, belayed, tied a variety of knots and received some self rescue training.

Their physical strength was evident as they muscled their way up the steeply overhanging climbing wall - It's little wonder these guys are able to carry up to 50kgs all day!

Maya Sherpa displayed some of the finest technical skills I have seen. The fact that she has undertaken training at Manang's Nepal Mountaineering Association has certainly given her the technical skills required for a mountain such as Ama Dablam.

Gyalu and Shera, who summited the mountain in 2002, showed their collective style in a relaxed, confident manner.

Phurba Tamang, a former cook boy, proved that he will be a very strong and competent addition to our Sherpa Staff. He has been given a tremendous opportunity -  to climb with people such as Lakpa and Pasang, who themselves are extremely experienced, high altitude Sherpas.

Our Leader, Daniel Mazur arrives today, along with a member who will join us for the trek to Ama Dablam Basecamp.

Kipa, our Basecamp Cook, has finalized the food list - and has a few surprises in store. He recently took some classes to learn how to cook Chinese, Indian, and Continental cuisine! Kipa is a first class cook and can produce a chocolate cake from a pressure cooker. These new recipes will be absolutely delicious!

Tomorrow our work begins in earnest - unpacking the equipment store, repairing the tents that were damaged on Manaslu earlier this year, sorting out clothing that has been donated by very kind members and restocking our extensive medical kits.

We'll keep you updated on new arrivals and what we're doing in Kathmandu.

Thank you for reading, from Jay Reilly and all of us at Summitclimb.com