MOUNTAIN CLIMBING. A few weeks ago, we reported on Chris Davenport's exciting descent down the Lhotse Face near Mt. Everest. As you may recall, Davenport's primary purpose for being on the trip was not to ski, but rather to act as a guide for a client; their mission: summit Mt. Everest.

When we got to the top of Mt. Everest there were only two other folks there, two Dutch climbers who came up the North Ridge. By the time we left there were perhaps 20 others climbers up top. Myself (Chris Davenport), Neal at center, and Ephi at right.

Mission status: accomplished. Below, we've posted a blurb from Chris' blog. To get the full scoop, and to check out his stunning photo gallery, we invite you to head on over to his site.

Sitting here now in a hotel in Bangkok reflecting on the enormity of the last two months is somewhat overwhelming. We summited just 5 days ago but already it seems somewhat far off. Our summit push was intense at times, yet spread over a week. During that time I shot so many photos and a ton of video, and am just now able to go through it all. Neal and I will be working on a documentary film project of the trip this summer, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime I relish the wonderful memory of the trip and already look forward to more adventures in the Himalaya. Congrats to our client Ephi on a solid effort and great summit. Way to go!

This is what out last week on Everest looked like:
May 15th- Climbed up through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp II
May 16th- Rest day at Camp II
May 17th- Climbed the lower Lhotse Face to Camp III- gorgeous sunset and night at CIII- first time on O2
May 18th- Climbed up the Lhotse face, through the Yellow Band and Geneva Spur to Camp IV at the South Col. Rested for 8 hours then attempted Everest Summit- turned around at 11:30 pm by snow and wind. Back to tents at South Col to rest for almost 24 hours more.
May 19th- Left tents at 10 pm for summit. Climbed well and fast, passing dozens of climbers between Col and South summit
May 20th- summited at 7:55 am with perfect weather and snow conditions. Back at South Col camp IV at 1 pm
May 21st- Descended to Camp II
May 22nd- Descend through the Khumbu Icefall for the last time to BC

With all that said here is a look at some of the highlights of the final push. Enjoy and thanks for reading.

Chris
chrisdavenport.com
May 25, 2011

Me taking a break on route to the South Col. We were all feeling great on this day, motivated, and ready for our summit attempt.

Crossing the top of the Geneva Spur and heading to the South Col on the 18th of May.

The sun crests the horizon over the Tibetan Plateau. In the foreground the Triangle Face of Everest is covered with almost two feet of fresh pow, inspiring Neal and I to discuss at length whether it would make the greatest "ski photo" of all time or not?

The shadow of Everest to the West. The peak we are looking down on closest to us is Nuptse, which is almost 8000 meters high.

Neal B below the South Summit. You can just make out the tents at the South Col over Karma Sherpa's pack.

A climber stands solitary on the South Summit. Check out the Lhotse Couloir splitting the summit ridge of Lhotse behind.

Ephi Gildor reaches the summit of Everest. Neal is coming up the ridge in red with three sherpas in yellow.

Stoked to be on the summit. I had a comfortable climb and plenty of energy and felt great on the summit. After a few minutes of no O₂ however your vision narrows and you find yourself running for your mask.

May 19th at 5 pm on the South Col. You can see the climbing track leaving our camp and heading up Everest to the ridge (The Balcony) and then up to the South Summit. (Photo: Neal Beidleman)

Bill and Ephi down the South-East Ridge with big Makalu in the distance.

With the summit now fading behind me, a profound sense of pride yet continued focus on getting down sets in. (Photo: Neal B)

Author: Henrik Lampert
Freeskier.com
Wednesday May 25, 2011

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