Everest 2003: Ben Clark
Dispatch

Dispatch 24, April 26, 2003: Advanced Base Camp, 21,000’

I awoke today at 23,000’+ a little tired from the first foray to 25,000’+. Not to worry though, I’m heading down to ABC where I have heard that Jon, my production assistant has ultimately made the highest and hardest hike of his life.  A non-climber, I am very proud of Jon for making it to 21,000’, he really goes above and beyond what I ever expected!  I will rest here for two days and return to basecamp. Keep Dreaming, Ben Clark

Dispatch 25, April 27, 2003: Advanced Base Camp, 21,000’

Today was a rest day and a day to prepare for my descent to base-camp.  I meandered around camp in a light snowfall and caught up with many of the new people I have met from New Zealand, Russia, Canada, and England.  The rest of our group, two Frenchman and a 67 year-old Belgian, who are also signed on to our permit are filling the cook tent with five different languages at once.  It is a little confusing so I am glad that Jon is here to speak a little English. 

Keep Dreaming,  Ben Clark

Dispatch 26, April 28, 2003’: Base-Camp, 16,400’

Today was a long long way down.  Ready to go but also having to do a little work on the descent I waked back with Jon.  Normally this is a 4 hour walk, it is 90% downhill.  When you have a bad day and boots like Jon’s, we were able to manufacture an 8 hour day with a storm just lapping at our backs.

I felt bad. Jon is a real fighter, he is pretty inspiring in his determination to get as close to the mountain as he can but even the hike to advanced base-camp, littered with hundreds of thousands of ankle biting stones is unforgiving to all but the most experienced trail veterans.  By the time we got down that day, just in time for dinner one of the Frenchman replied that Jon’s toe looked like a sausage in water.  The kid in me thought it was funny, but the professional in me knew this was a problem we would have to fix in the morning.  That is when the lesson Jon will learn will be revealed.  That is why not everyone climbs Mount Everest!

Keep Dreaming, Ben Clark 

Dispatches