[#AmaDablamTour Day 12] Kala Patthar and Mt. Everest

It was another early morning for us. The earliest, so far. At 430am, we're warmed up and ready to go up Kala Patthar (black rock, in Sherpa language). Only Marie decided to go to EBC (after weighing her options). 

The sky was clear, stars unhindered in their brightness. Venus and Jupiter just above Nuptse. The north star right on top of Pumori. I regret not bringing a good enough camera capable of long exposure. I have to content myself with the mental picture; hoping my memory can hold it forever.

The objective is to get up the black rock before sunrise. It's not the best sunrise in the world, but somehow, catching the first rays as the sun finally surpasses Nuptse's pinnacle can be spiritual. My reason was more practical: to get a time-lapse video for Henry's project.

The steady uphill can be taxing, unless you manage your pace and breathing. Getting to the top on your own sweet time, and not race the person ahead.

Several miscalculations on when the sun will finally breach almost drained my gopro's battery. Luckily there was still enough juice when it finally did.

Sun finally peeking out of Nuptse.

Miko, Henry, and Elaine joined me at the top. The others decided on their turnaround time, depending on how they were feeling.  I think I spent more than an hour taking photos, going down around 8, when Ang Kami finally told us it's time. Over two hours to climb, 45 minutes to descend.

Chubby atop Kala Patthar

On top of the black rock. The beautiful Pumori in the background. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! #KalaPatthar #AmaDablamTour #TheNorthFacePH #UPmountaineers #ROX

A photo posted by Dennis Lopez (@dencius) on Oct 24, 2015 at 8:48pm PDT

We reassembled for breakfast at the dining area, Marie was back, also turning back when it became apparent they won't get to EBC on time. This would be our final breakfast together with the EBC ladies. We would part ways after getting back at Lobuche. They're heading back to Pheriche, eventually finding their way to Lukla in a couple of days. Now we're down to four.

It's a quieter dinner tonight without the ladies. Also, there's some apprehension on whether we're fit enough to tackle Lobuche East two days from now. Romi and Henry could use a rest day, but Dawa said bad weather is coming if we delay our climb. We're a bit tired now to have a final decision, so we'll sleep on it for now.