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Canadian Everest team in the heart of the Khumbu
11:34 a.m. EST Mar 12, 2004
The Cannucks have arrived in Namche Bazaar, the capital and largest town in the Khumbu. “We could have climbed within a few hours, up to a point where the Everest can be seen, but we decided not to because this would have felt like unwrapping a gift ahead of time. We therefore satisfied ourselves with a view of Ama Dablam.” In Namche you can use the Internet, take a warm bath, even watch TV or a movie. Should your mouth ail, you there’s also a dental clinic there – the world’s highest in fact.
There is a spot on the way up to Namche that affords you a glimpse of Everest through the trees – if you don’t know it’s there, you might just walk by it. There’s also a viewing point, not too far above Namche, just 15-20 minutes. These guys will have more than their fair share of Everest before they know it though.
First up for the team is acclimatization on Island Peak, 6160m. It only take 3 or 4 days for the climb, then the team will start up towards Everest – the main goal this season.
The team comprises two Quebecois and four Mexicans, "bound together by friendship and respect,” Andres Delgado, Luis Espinoza , Alejandro Ochoa Reyes, Martin Boileau, Richard Cartierts. The climbers will attempt Everest without oxygen (a first for Canada if successful). After Everest, Delgado will travel to Pakistan for a K2 double header.
Image of Ama Dablam courtesy of Michael Brown and Serac Adventure Films
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