Entries By jess wedel

Monday, March 24, 2025 - 6:02 pm PT

Hello to all our friends and family!

Today we had a rest day in Pheriche but it wasn’t your typical rest day because we still went to over 16,500ft!

I challenged our team to help acclimate by taking a more active rest day. So we woke up early, had a quick breakfast and headed uphill to a peak behind Pheriche called Nangkartshang.

The weather has been a little unsettled with clouds, wind and snow so we said we’d just climb until it didn’t make sense but we got so lucky! Clear skies and insane views greeted us the whole way as we ascended from 14,000ft to over 16,000ft.

I prepped the team before the final rocky summit block, “it’s always windy and cold on top so we won’t stay long and make sure to add all your warm layers” but when we got up there it was so still with no wind at all and the sun beaming down on us. What a treat! We took our time, took lots of photos, and breathed in that thin air.

After stressing our bodies just enough, we headed back down. But let me say, this crew took the spirit of the Himalayan tahr with them and SAILED DOWNHILL. I could barely keep up and we were back in Pheriche in time for lunch.

After lunch, we all rested, read books and relaxed in the warm sun.

A near perfect rest day in Pheriche! Everyone is doing so well.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

Tashi Delek!

We made it to Pheriche and we’re officially in the Khumbu valley. That feels good to say.

We had such a special day with a stop at the Pangboche Monastery - it’s one of the oldest monasteries in the region and was founded in the early 16th century.

We were lucky enough to receive a blessing from the llama (Tibetan word for monk) and we all agreed it was a really memorable experience. Sitting on the floor surrounded by intricate woodwork, murals painted centuries ago as the llama chanted and made offerings for our safe passage in these mountains. Pangboche and the monastery is a haven of ancient wisdom and natural beauty with Ama Dablam beaming in the background.

After we received our katas (traditional white scarves) conveying wishes for a safe journey from the Llama, we said goodbye to Pangboche and made our way to Pheriche. Ama Dablam and the big mountains shining all around us the whole way.

We’re at 14,000 feet now and we’re feeling the altitude a little bit as our bodies are working hard to acclimate. Good news for us is we have 2 nights here to help that process!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

P.S. how could I forget? We also got our first views of Lobuche. Ooooo, she’s looking so pretty!

What a day! What a day!

We seem to have settled into the trail life, finally leaving the jet lag and nerves surrounding what to expect on the trip behind and walking with ease.

We climbed to the top of Namche this morning and traversed along a winding trail. Patchy clouds stuck around from a little snow last night but we still had some beautiful mountain views.

Nawang, one of our Sherpa guides, spotted two Himalayan tahr - a type of mountain goat - below the trail today. What a lucky sight! We all would have walked right past them even though we were keeping our eyes out.

The clouds got more dense as we left our lunch break for the big hill climb to Tengboche. Soon after, it started snowing. It was a peaceful and quiet snow and we mostly climbed in silence just taking it all in.

We made it to the top of the hill and the ancient Tengboche monastery. It was so special to be there and spend some time learning about the sacred site.

Soon we found ourselves descending to Rivendell — our teahouse for the night. While the snow continued outside, we stayed cozy in the dining room playing Farkle and Bananagrams! Some of us kept track of our score on our phones and some of us *cough cough David* kept track using almonds and pistachios. I guess the almond method worked because he beat us all.

The snow continues outside our windows but we’re all tucked in under sleeping bags and ample warm blankets.

Sweet dreams from the Himalayas!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

The goal for today was to take care of ourselves and do what we needed to do to be ready to go higher tomorrow.

We had a couple options for the day but we all chose to take a short hike to the top of Namche to see views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam! We stood in the sun, talked about the routes and conditions on the mountains (it’s been a very low snow year so they all look a little barren) and then headed into the museum next door to learn more about the Himalayas and the people who live here.

We spent the afternoon exploring the shops and cafes around Namche Bazaar and having lunch at Eat Smart (think yummy sandwiches, fresh juices and warm soups). Some of us got pampered with a $7 hairwash and blowout - who would guess we’d have these amenities over 11,000 feet in the middle of the Himalayas?

With full bellies and clean hair, we headed back to our teahouse just in time for an afternoon snack of tea, yak cheese and crackers.

Ah, the life of a rest day in Namche. We lived it up! And are ready to keep heading uphill tomorrow.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 5:10 pm PT

The daily life is rewarding out here and part of that is how simple it is. We woke up in Phakding this morning and had a delicious breakfast. The dining room was cozy and heated by a stove in the middle of the room. Soon, we said our goodbyes to Nawang (the owner of the teahouse who smiles with his whole face) and started the hike to Namche.

We meandered along the side of the Dudh Koshi river, so vibrant with its blue rushing water.

We crossed many suspension bridges, one time we even made it half way across one before a big mule train faced us down from the other side - we backtracked! You never challenge a mule on a hanging bridge.

Soon we found ourselves at the base of the Namche hill - we slowed our pace and moved together one step at a time. Halfway up, we saw a glimpse of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and that was the boost we needed to keep going.

Being close to nature, having a great community with this team and having a goal each day to enjoy the moment we are in - this is the simple life but it feels like pure happiness.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche team

There were perma-grins on our face today as we flew into the Himalayas. We got so lucky with nearly perfect weather and amazing views of the highest mountains in the world.

We got an early start and after landing in Lukla headed to the Sunrise Teahouse. We sat in the window-filled dining room and enjoyed tea, coffee, and our first (of many!) teahouse breakfasts. We watched the planes and helicopters fly in and out. Met our incredible Sherpa team - Dawa, Kala, Jangbu and Nawang and eventually began our trek.

Even though the trail can be described as “sometimes up, sometimes down” today was mostly trending down. We crossed our first suspension bridges and breathed deep in the peace of the walking.

We learned yesterday about the importance of enjoying the moment you are in and we definitely did that when we walked to the bakery this afternoon and enjoyed fresh cookies, cakes and bread.

It feels so good to finally be in the mountains.

RMI Guide Jess Wedel and the Lobuche Team

Namaste - we made it to Kathmandu!

The Lobuche climbing team has all arrived in country. We hit the ground running today with our first team meeting followed by a round of gear checks.

Before we knew it, it was time to head out to experience the sights and sounds of Kathmandu. We loaded the van and were propelled by the honks, horns and beeps from the cars and bikes around us as we made our way to the Boudhanath - our first of two UNESCO world heritage sites we visited.

We strolled around the gleaming white dome and visited an ancient silk Thangka painting school where we learned more about this vital part of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and took in the detailed and vivid paintings.

Next thing we knew, we were at Swayambhu also affectionately known as the “monkey temple”. We reveled in the views over the city and snapped wayyyy too many photos and videos of monkeys being cute as heck. Don’t worry! We kept the proper distance and no phones, water bottles or snacks were snatched by the smart little guys.

The jet leg started to hit about then so we headed to Thamel - a vibrant area of town full of shops, restaurants, trinkets and treasures galore. We powered through an early dinner, picked up some last minute gear and headed back to the hotel.

We’re all doing some final packing before we fly to Lukla early tomorrow morning. Cross your fingers for good weather!

RMI Guide Jess Wedel

We did it! Everyone made it to the top (and safely back down) of Pico de Orizaba  - what a day! We climbed for the third time this trip in perfectly calm, bright conditions and then got to watch a storm build from a single wisp of a cloud.

100% on top for all three very difficult mountains is not normal. I wish I could say it’s good guiding but the reality is it’s the character and determination of this crew.

It’s not been smooth sailing, have I see the biggest blister in my guiding career? Yes. Have we depleted the Imodium reserves? Also yes. Did we have not 1 but two pairs of boots break apart in seemingly unfixable ways? Why yes, yes we did. (shout out to duct tape and voile straps)

But it speaks to the resilience of every person on this team. I see in each of these team members an understanding of what it’s like to go to the depths of pain and suffering and move in it and through it with grace. 

As we talked about at the beginning everyone on this trip has a connection to the American Lung Association - we climbed every step for the loved ones we’ve lost, for the hope of something and some cure someday. And in the midst of it all - pain and suffering - we found hope and a belief in ourselves that we could make it through - just one more step, just to the next break. Moment by moment we live in the mountains and in our lives - keeping hope alive for what’s to come no matter how we feel in the now.

Thank you to each of you at home that donated and supported these 8 team members to believe in something bigger than themselves (a world with clean air, a world where there is a cure for all lung diseases) and to have the chance to do something hard along the way.

And thank you to mis Chivos (I know you all are reading this!!) it’s been a trip of a lifetime getting to know each of you, your incredible stories, your compassion and care for each other (and every animal we came across), your willingness to let loose and laugh on playgrounds and your trust in Josh, Allan and I to push you and challenge you in all ways in the mountains.

With so much gratitude,

RMI Guide Jess Wedel

UPDATE: Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 8:52 am PT

We received a quick note from RMI Guide Jess Wedel this morning: 

100% on top. We just walked off the summit of Pico de Orizaba. Beautiful clear day, but snow and clouds are on their way.

They will check in later today when they off the mountain and are back in Tlachichuca.

Congratulations to all the ALA climbers!  Nice work everyone! 

Friday, February 28, 2025 - 5:20 pm 

Checking in from just over 14,000' on the side of Pico de Orizaba!

We said goodbye to cutie Puebla this morning and drove to Servimont (our local outfitter) headquarters. 

We were greeted with big smiles by Dr. Reyes adn team We reshuffled our gear (one duffel to the mountain, and one duffel stays behind), had a delicious lunch and then loaded the 4x4 vehicles for what would be an adventurous drive up to Orizaba base camp. 

Everything was going as smoothly as possible while on the wildest 4x4 road until it wasn't. The steering on hte truck we were in snapped and next thing know we were standing on the side of the road coming up with a new plan. Some of us started walking toward camp and some of us waited for the new truck. It was there before we knew it and we were off. We picked up the walkers along the way and finally made it to base camp. We got the tents set up, dinner cooked and ended with a summit talk about what to expect for the climb.

Everyone is doing well and we are all excited to see what the mountain has to offer tomorrow.

RMI Guides Jess Wedel, Josh Geiser and Los Chivos