Altitude Junkies | Ama Dablam Dispatches

Ama Dablam 2019 Expedition Dispatches

Dispatch #6 - December 4, 2019 – Kathmandu

We are now all enjoying Kathmandu thanks to several helicopter extractions from base camp this morning. Some of our team members have even managed to change their flights and will be leaving Kathmandu for home this evening.

We don't use fancy oversized Ziplock bags on our beds at home to pre-acclimatize and we still had another successful Ama Dablam expedition in 18 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. It could have been quicker but the high winds upset our plans for some earlier Kathmandu celebrations.

Phil Crampton

Dispatch #5 - December 3, 2019 – Base Camp

We had summits this morning and most of the team members are now already back at base camp. The winds were as expected when we departed our respective camps for the summit push but as soon as the sun came up, there was zero wind.

If all goes to plan the entire team will be at base camp this evening and we can take helicopters from base camp tomorrow and make Kathmandu for lunch.

Phil Crampton

Dispatch #4 - November 26, 2019 – Base Camp

Our summit plan has been delayed by a couple of days because of high winds. We had hoped to go for the top on December 1st but the winds look more favorable on the 3rd.

The plan is for some members to depart for the summit from Camp Two, some are going from Camp One and Kami "Mad Dog" Sherpa and myself will go from base camp, all meeting each other somewhwere on the route the morning of the 3rd.

Phil Crampton

Dispatch #3 - November 24, 2019 – Base Camp

The team are spending the night at Yak Camp and tomorrow will proceed to Camp One at 5,650 meters. They will arrange their gear in their tents and then tag Camp Two at 5,900-meters before returning to Camp One for the evening.

Everyone is doing well and will be looking forward to a few days at base camp after this rotation.

Phil Crampton

Dispatch #2 - November 23, 2019 – Kathmandu Office

The team's plan on Friday was to tag Yak Camp, but because everyone was so strong, they continued up to Camp 1 at 5600 meters / 18,370 feet. Saturday was a well-deserved rest day.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the team will be on the move again sleeping on the hill for the first time. We will post more updates when we hear from them.

Dispatch #1 - November 21, 2019 – Kathmandu Office

The team left Kathmandu on Sunday, November 17 and flew by helicopters to Namche. They stayed there for 2 nights and spent the time "acclimatizing" Junkies style by "hydrating", not to be outdone by the previous Cholatse group.

The team joined the Junkies Sherpas at base camp on Wednesday the 20th. The puja was held today. Reports are that the weather has been clear and fantastic with zero wind. We hope it stays that way.