it was a grueling day from BC to Camp 1 . It took about 5 hours to get there over many ladders .There were a couple of area where there where 4 x 8ft ladders going straight up on the way down those sections you can either take the ladder or repel down . There can be a bit of a traffic jam at these areas . We spent the night at Camp 1 , the next morning we trekked up to Camp 2 about a 3.5 hour hike – extremely exhausting the last hour or so because of the thinner air . We stopped at camp 2 for a quick tea and back to Camp 1 which I was surprised only took 1 hour. A long day all the same . We had some soup in our tent and then was offered white rice – no thanks I lost my appetite at the acclimatizing and too tired to eat . Good night . The next morning we set out around 8:30 back from Camp 1 to BC which took a quick 2.5 hours 1/2 the amount going up . When we arrived I tried to face time Kylee for her 16th birthday but the connection was poor and it was almost midnight in T.O. I will try again tonight . It’s funny coming back to BC is like coming home -great food and I don’t have to share a tent . Hot shower tomorrow and more details .
Go Joe Go! Everything is good well back in Toronto – the weather here is cold again. Next week should warm up. Keep checking the weather for avalanche warnings.
Russ
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Are you at Everest or the DVP ? By the sound of it you need a “Traffic Cop” at those ladders !!! I’ll find my whistle, suit up and be on the next flight !! With the food up at C2 there I might loose a few pounds as well as a bonus !!!
Be safe…..
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And this is the easy part — which gives a hint at the physical difficulties approaching and above 8000 metres. Joe will need a great deal of mental and physical strength, plus the good fortune of not being affected by altitude sickness, to go all the way on this first expedition attempt. We wish him a cautious ‘be well’.
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I’m so proud of you Joe! Thank you for the posts it’s great to get updates from you.
Denyse
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I just received a call from Joe at 3 am telling me there was a massive Avalanche below basecamp. He said he would be coming home, shaken up and to turn CNN on and our call was cut off. Please pray for Joe, our children and I need him home safely. We love you🙏🙏
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Joe just be safe, that is all that matters. We will all pray for your safe trip back!
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So glad you are safe and were able to talk to Shelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a safe trip home.
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My thoughts are with you and your family Joe. Safe decent.
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Prayers are placed for all of your safety. We are thinking of you and sending you strength and safe vibes for your return. Namaste!!!
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Glad to hear that you are safe and sound!
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Get home safe Joe. My girlfriend is on the mountain and thank god is safe. We are all thinking of you guys.
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The mountain has spoken. No more Everest attempts. Be Safe
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Hi Joe, saw the news about the Nepal catastrophe and it’s a huge relief hearing from Shelly’s comment that you’re coming back safely. Have a safe trip back to Toronto!
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WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR JOE’S SAFE RETURN TO HIS LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. COURAGE, JOE, COME HOME SAFELY. VIVIENNE
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Joe,
I’m praying for your safe return home to your family.
Barry
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It’s pretty obvious that this natural disaster will wipe out the intense mental preparation of the climbers, wreck their focus and obliterate their mindset — and also disarrange the entire support infrastructure, both at base camp as well as at Kathmandu. A complete and utter fiasco now unfolding. Wow.
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SPENT ALL DAY TRYING TO GET NEWS THAT JOE WAS OK…….THANK GOD FOR THE BLOG….LOOKING FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN HOME …. TAKE CARE JOE …… BE SAFE
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Get home safely, Joe. We’re praying for you.
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Silvia and I are also praying for your well-being and safe return, Joe! We just can’t wait to walk into the store again soon and see you smiling behind the counter like you always do. All the best. Dany & Silvia
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THANK GOD FOR THE BLOG…..WANTED TO KNOW YOU WERE OK AFTER THE DISASTER…….TAKE CARE… BE SAFE AND GET HOME EVERYONE WANTS YOU BACK SAFE
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We are filled with relief to know that you are safe after the earthquake and subsequent avalanche. Stay cool and level-headed during this traumatic time. You are in our thoughts and prayers for a safe trip home to your family.
The Buckys
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I received an email from Joe on Sunday morning saying he is 100 percent okay and climbed down from basecamp and he is staying in a village hotel and to change his flights which I have. Thank you to our family and friends for all the wonderful support we have received during this stressful time. Our prayers have been answered, Joe is coming home .
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Oh that’s wonderful! Thank God!
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Wonderful news Shelly ! Thanks for sharing this latest update. This has been another difficult trek for everyone that can only end when Joe walks through the front door of your home, hopefully very soon.
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Thank God, our prayers have been answered, Joe is safe and coming home to his family. No one will rest until he lands safely on home soil . What a harrowing experience for Joe and his family. Someone is surely looking out for his welfare.
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Shelly…..glad to hear Joe is safe. I’m a Nepalese/Canadian …Everything is upside down in Kathmandu. If Joe needs any assistance in Kathmandu. A place to rest his head, warm shower, internet…please let me know. My family lives in Kathmandu and can lend assistance to Joe. My cell 416 704 0612, kingsley_robert@hotmail.com.
Joe if you get this…please email me and I can send you local contacts.
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Glad to hear you are safe – unfortunate turn of events out of your control and think Lisa said it perfectly – just not to be and sure you will have many more different adventures to try! Safe travels
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Glad to hear you are safe, Joe. What an ordeal, and tragedy there. Have a safe trip home, I know your family and friends will be glad to see you back. The mountain will always be there… safe travels.
J Nelles
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Wow I am glad you are headed home safe Joe. We pray for all the souls who were lost and those who must carry on without them.
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So glad to hear that Joe has made his way down the mountain safely and is coming home.
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Great news!
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It’s good to know that Joe is fine and well.
Have a safe journey back home.
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