Expedition Dispatches Satellite phone updates from the 1998 American Everest Expedition |
Wilson |
Rock construction in base camp [click to zoom] (photo: Wilson) |
Shortly after our arrival at base camp, we found ourselves staring dumbfounded at the heap of rocks before us. We needed a four foot by six foot rock platform to mount our solar panels, but we wondered how in the world could we possibly build one out of this mess of rock before us. The platform had to be bombproof.
Streaming Video A look at base camp |
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A few of us were kicking a couple of rocks around, as well as a few ideas, trying to figure out the best approach when a few of our Sherpas strolled by. They casually asked what we were up to, and we explained the need for a solid base support for the panels. The Sherpas rolled up their sleeves and quickly, quietly, went to work. They plucked rocks decisively from the jumbled pile surrounding us and simply dropped them into place. Every rock seemed to fit.
Eric Simonson with a chorten for Rob Hall just below base camp [click to zoom] |
Stone has been used by these people for ages. Walking up the Khumbu Valley en route to base camp the construction is constant. Men work with chisels and hammers building lodges, tea shops, houses, and fences. Artists create chortens and mani stones. Stone serves as a foundation for their way of life. The Khumbu is natural quarry and, naturally, the valley's people have realized this gift, a seemingly endless supply of stone. The stone found in the Khumbu lends itself to construction as it is easy to split and very easy to stack; mortar is not used. It is an art, and the Sherpas have perfected this art, the art of stone.
Greg Wilson, Climber
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