Everest Base Camp Ain't No Picnic

Ed Wardle: Everest Base Camp, Discovery
“For those trekking up from below, it spells hardship, extreme cold, nausea, headaches that won’t go away and the risk of potentially lethal altitude sickness. For those climbing down from the dangers above, it’s a haven with hot water, comfortable beds, warm climate, good food and safety. Right now, everyone is coming up to Everest base camp from below.”
Scott parazynski: Icefall Revisited, then well-needed rest, OnOrbit
“It took 2 and a half hours to get to our high point, and a full 2 hours to return to Crampon Point (“Crampoff Point?”). I was totally exhausted coming back into camp, and after lunch I completely cratered in my tent for the rest of the afternoon! In retrospect, I didn’t stop to drink and rest often enough, and as a result ended up with a mild altitude-related headache in the evening. This morning I feel much better owing to lots of warm tea and orange drink (I think a knock-off of Tang, which I used to love as a kid, but can hardly stand now!).”