Meeting Interesting People (Hardwear Sessions)

By Ueli Steck

Thengpo Base Camp, April 20, 2008:

During our treks it happens that we do meet some very interesting personalities. So we did on Sunday, April 6, when we walked back from the Trashi Laptsa Pass back to our base camp at Thengpo.

The second "acclimatisation night" just underneath the Trashi Laptsa Pass is coming to an end. Finally and fortunately. The uneven stones have started to press painfully on our backs through the thin meadow. The weather is merciful. It begins to snow, but only after we've finished packing. At the Pachermo Peak base camp further down, which sits at 4800 meters, we spot some new tents.

The sherpa calls us from far away and invites us to drink juice. Three Japanese men are lodging at the camp. They are between 65 and 68 years old. We join them in the dry and comfortable kitchen tent. So we sit there with these three elderly men and while drinking juice we start to philosophize about alpinism.

The three friends have been together on expedition many times. A long time ago, when they were younger and fitter, they summited 8000-meter mountains. Today, they try to make it to the summits of mountains up to 6000 meters. I doubt that they will make it to the summit of Pachermo Peak (6240m). The weather is miserable. For them this is not really relevant. They want to spend a great time together in Nepal and enjoy life.

I find this fascinating. Or I'd rather say: impressive. I wish to get to this point once in my life. Happiness is, to accept things just as they are. "Viva la vida."

See you soon,

Ueli