We set off from the Pyramid Hotel near Lobuche at 7:30 AM, aiming to reach Everest Base Camp by 2:00 PM. The hotel also functions as an atmospheric, seismic, and air quality research facility, and the manager graciously gave us a tour before our departure.
The trail was bustling with fellow trekkers, mules, horses, and yaks, requiring patience and camaraderie as we navigated the narrow paths.
A memorable stop at Gorak Shep, the last village before Base Camp, offered a buzzing atmosphere and a chance encounter with Kami Rita Sherpa—the world record holder for the most Everest summits (30 as of 2024). I first met him in 2023 when he had summited 25 times; his achievements are truly inspiring. We snapped a picture together.
We shared the trail with new friends from Australia and Spain, including Javi, a seasoned traveler and digital content creator who has explored over 100 countries. Together, we reached Base Camp at 1:30 PM, capturing a team photo with our guides. A final 45-minute hike led us to the Mountain Professionals campsite, nestled among a vibrant community of over 500 climbers and 3,000 support personnel. We were treated to an amazing lunch and dinner in a large heated dome tent with ample internet.
Finally, my outreach to nationally syndicated iHeartRadio DJ Michael J paid off— he called me live on the air from his Baltimore studio to discuss our trek and the upcoming summit attempt. Michael generously offered to help spread the word about Hopecam’s mission: connecting children battling cancer with their classrooms and friends during treatment. His support during my 2017 Race Across America was instrumental in reaching our $1 million fundraising goal.
Grateful for the journey, the connections made, and the adventures ahead.
Today we trekked for Hopecam child Annabelle. Annabelle loves to use her Chromebook from Hopecam for long-distance meetings/appointments with medical staff and to watch America's Funniest Home Videos for some laughs! She told me “Mr. Len- you should know that my favorite color is the rainbow, and I hope you see one on your journey!”.
