Today I ventured out of town and climbed the Hakarimata steps near Ngaruawahia (try saying that quickly). A steep climb of 1400 steps added around 550 metres to my total which now stands at 5852m.
This elevation is just short of Camp 1 above the Khumbu Icefall. After climbers leave Base Camp, the first challenge they encounter is the Icefall. Here, the Khumbu Glacier pours over a steep cliff before curving to the left and leveling off into the more gentle slope of the valley.
The constant and relatively rapid movement of the ice creates huge seracs and crevasses which make the icefall one of the most dangerous places for climbers on Earth. Sherpas are tasked with rigging ropes and ladders in preparation for the climbing parties. It's incredibly difficult and dangerous work, and lives are often lost. Every day is different, its not uncommon for parts of the ice to move suddenly or collapse.
This BBC clip gives an idea of the challanges faced by Sherpas preparing the way for their clients.
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