BASE Jumping in Idaho

Last weekend I taught a BASE First Jump Course at the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho for Morpheus Technologies, one of the few BASE equipment manufactures in the world. ‘BASE’ is an acronym for Building, Antenna, Span and Earth (cliffs) which are the four primary objects that BASE jumpers jump from. The sport of BASE jumping basically involves jumping off fixed objects (not from an aircraft) with a single parachute system (no reserve).

I’ve been BASE jumping since 2000 and have jumped from cool places like the Eiger in Switzerland, the Petronas Building in Malaysia, caves in Mexico and off cliffs in Norway and Italy. BASE has been one of my primary interest as it can combine hiking, climbing and jumping all in one activity.

The Perrine Bridge is one of the few legal objects in the U.S. that is open year round to BASE jumpers and it is also a great place to train first time jumpers who might need a little room for "newbie" error. The bridge sits 486’ above the Snake River and is the longest span bridge in North America at 1,500’ long. We were lucky enough to have sunny, warm weather throughout the weekend, which allows the students more time to pack and study the practical skills without having to hurry and jump before the weather turns ugly.

Obviously, for this type of activity you need premium canopy skills and usually at least 200 skydives, as well as protective gear, such as a good pair of hiking boots, preferably without quick lacing hooks, a good helmet that allows you peripheral vision and a good set of elbow and knee pads. These things are generally considered essentials in the sport of BASE.

The students, a skydiver from Russia and stuntman from the UK, were provided with a great introduction to the sport of BASE jumping including: how to choose the right equipment; how to "exit" (body position), BASE safety; protective gear; packing techniques; and, canopy control techniques. These basic skills are essential to preparing a person for the world of BASE. By the end of the course, they were instilled with enough knowledge to go back home and research everything about BASE, meet other BASE jumpers, become familiar with other BASE objects and stay safe while having fun!

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Everest Summit Success!

Hey Guys!

Just a quick post to let you know that our team reached the summit on May 21st at 7:00am!!!

I'll post a few photos when Molly and I get back from Kathmandu but, for now, check out the video at: http://www.humanedgetech.com/expedition/ac22/videos/Summit%20Day_0002.wmv

Thanks for all the support over the last few months.

Baxter.

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Baxter Going To the Top of the World

It's Game On!!! Baxter is headed to the top of the world. The Adventure Consultants team left base camp and will go through the Khumbu Ice Fall, past camp 1 and on to camp 2 in the Western Cwm. From there they will head up the Lhotse face and on to the South Col. Anticipated summit day is May 20 or 21. Stay tuned.

This is Baxter's note below:

Basically, it's 3:15pm on Monday Nepali Standard Time (NST) which is 3:31am Sunday Mountain Standard Time and we got the word this morning, after reviewing numerous weather forecasts, that a weather window may be opening up for later in the week.

Our current plan now is to leave tomorrow morning at 3:00am NST and head directly to C2. This is going to be a long day through the Ice Fall and past C1 but will give us more flexibility with the weather. We will then rest for a day at C2, then to C3 the next day, then to C4/South Col where we may rest for a day or head for the summit depending on the weather. Summit may be around Saturday or Sunday NST if our plans don't change.

As you can imagine, Base Camp is VERY active and exciting right now. Sherpa are running around, team members are packing and guides are planning. What a cool place to be! All the preparation that we have done now comes into play and we can just hope that we all stay healthy and the weather stays good.

Since Molly is traveling down valley at the moment, I'd suggest that the AC Dispatches may be the best source of news if you want to cut and paste for the blog.

Wish us luck and thanks for the support!

Baxter.

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Resting and Recovering at 14,000'

I just heard from Baxter, one of our Backcountry.com customer bloggers here, as he is descending from Everest Base Camp to Periche for a few days rest before they head for the summit. We'll be wishing him luck as he returns to base camp and starts up the mountain.

Hey Man!

We'll I've survived the acclimatization process by enduring the forays up to the Lhotse Face and sleeping there without Os. It was really cool going through the Ice Fall (man does that thing move!), wandering the Western Cwm, and being up close and personal with the Yellow Band and the Geneva Spur. I can't wait to get on the South Col and then finish the rest of this "Everest sightseeing trip" :>). Weather dependant, we should begin the summit push mid-next week but right now we're resting at BC and prepping for a few days down in the valley at around 14K to recover. Molly is going to meet me in Pheriche for a day to chill before the team heads back to BC for the final summit prep. The main import that Molly is bringing us is the movie "Talladega Nights", funny what you want sometimes when away from home! I think the altitude has effected my sense of humor... or maybe it is living in tents on a glacier for over a month, who knows.

Thanks and take care.

Baxter.

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Moving On Up

Baxter and crew (Adventure Consultants Team) are now on their second acclimatization hike through the Khumbu and resting at the base of the Lhotse Face. Their goal for the week is to spend a couple nights at Camp 3 (23,500ft) on the Lhotse Face without oxygen, and then descend to a more oxygen rich environment prior to their summit attempt.

Last week, the climbers were relaxing and enjoying the “thicker” air at Everest Base Camp, after taking a four day hike up to 22,500 feet. Their environment is extreme and there are continuous avalanches and shifting of the icefall, which can look very different going up as it does coming down. In addition to the acclimatization, the team also has “normal” ailments to contend with, including, colds, flu, cough (sometimes severe enough to crack ribs) and just the general intestinal bugs that come with being in a foreign country. It is incredible they manage these issues while continuing to climb and power through the conditions.

Baxter has mentioned the gear on several occasions and it is so incredible that everything is exactly what he needs. As many outdoors enthusiasts can relate, a person is setup for failure if they don’t have the right equipment. From his Marmot 8000m pants and jacket (which he sleeps in at Camp 2) to the Petzel ascenders that keep him from falling off the Lhotse face, he wouldn’t change a thing. I even found that a “short” trek still requires a North Face Base Camp Duffel to fit all the gear.

I am fortunate enough to be leaving the Wasatch today to join Baxter in the Himalaya for his trek back home. We will continue to provide the updates from the road as the adventure continues.

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17,600 - The Magical Everest Base Camp Number

17,600 is the magic number. It is where Everest Base Camp resides and where the trek ends, but the true climbing begins. It is where you move forward in your journey to the top of the world and where there are so many adventure stories written about and a person always wonders about - well Baxter made it there!!

It is Wed, April 11, 2007 in Nepal and Baxter and the climbing team are sleeping snug in their tents at Everest Base Camp. By "snug", I mean, they are listening to the creaks and cracks as the glacier moves and the sound of avalanches through the night remind them where they are. Apart from the noise, its also a searing 16 degrees IN the tent at night, and Baxter said his water bottles froze, even with the wrap-around insulators he got from Backcountry.com. The altitude at EBC is 17,600, so they are once again acclimatizing. Everyone is healthy and moving on, so that's a great start.

While the trekkers who have been following Baxter's climbing team head back to Kathmandu, the climbers will attend a Puja ritual. The puja is a spiritual ceremony where the team asks permission from Chomolungma (the Buddhist term for Everest) to climb her. Also, the llamas bless the climbers, their gear, and their climb. It is great experience because everyone participates from the sherpas, to the climbers, to the Base Camp staff.

The next few days will involve an acclimatization hike up Kala Pattar, where they can enjoy the spectacular views of Everest. They will also begin adjusting to the unusual terrain of the Khumbu Ice Fall and crossing the crevasses with their crampons and the down suits which will be a new experience for most. In the weeks to come, there will be new adventures on a daily basis and it should be exciting to hear all the tales.

More to come as they reach the higher camps and hopefully the summit!

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Journey to the Top

After an eventful flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, including a "go-around" on the foggiest day the guides have ever seen planes fly, the Adventure Consultants Team arrived in the Khumbu. The Adventure Consultants Team made it to Namche on Monday where Baxter was able to do some shopping for a few last minute items, like a Tibetan rug for the tent floor (every tent has GOT to have a nice rug!!) and some prayer flags to leave at the top of the world. The team also got their first crystal clear view of Everest from Khumjung! Boy, did it look slightly windy at the top.

They spent a couple rest days in Namche, where they were able to acclimitize to the higher altitude as well as get to know each other. The team includes a variety of people from all walks of life and places around the world, so its interesting just to hear all the individual stories that brought each person to this place in the world at the same time.

From Namche, they will continue the trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) which will include several days of 6 hour hikes until they arrive at 17,600 ft. They have quite a bit on their mind with the climbing still ahead and its great that they have each other as they continue to build on their skills and acclimitazation.

We will get more updates as the team moves up so be sure to check back!

Next stop Everest Base Camp!!!

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