Not too much to report when it’s a full rest day down here at EBC and we are likely to enjoy the same relaxed indulgence tomorrow. Perhaps a hike up to Pumori Camp 1 to get the legs moving.

Our entire team is back together with our Lhotse climber finishing his first rotation this morning and coming back safely through the Khumbu icefall to rest.

We’re busy watching the weather, taking hot showers, oh and EATING!

What else should one do on a rest day but EAT? Kumar has us covered and no kidding the meal plan for that last few days has been:

• Real Bread Crumbed Chicken Cordon Bleu with Fresh Ham and Cheese, Potato Croquets & Fresh Vegetables
• Cheesy Potato Bake, Spaghetti Bolognese & Vegetables
• Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, Omelets and Breakfast Sausage
• The Best Cake (seriously it’s up there with the best we’ve all ever eaten, we can’t even describe it – except it was the perfect mix of light, moist, fluffy and sweet)
• Loads of fresh fruit including Pomegranate, Nashi Pear & Green Grapes!

Surely Kumar’s cooking makes up for the dehydrated meals that are a necessity up high on the hill. Zac’s favorite – Cheesy Enchiladas that may or may not have turned into slop (It sounded better on the packet apparently) It’s always a bit luck of the draw once you’ve poured that hot water in as to how they turn out – I think Clint won that round with a delicious rehydrated Chicken Pad Thai! What do you think?

Good food is one of our secrets to success up high. Nutrition and eating healthy, hearty meals down here at Base Camp is key. At altitude the human body actually struggles to digest in the same way it does at sea level and when it doesn’t have enough fuel, the body tends to metabolize muscle before fat up here. The answer to staying healthy and energized – plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and carbohydrates served in a really palatable way so you feel satiated all the time and you want to eat.

We also bring some familiar foods from home to supplement as sometimes it’s easier to eat more of what you know and like. The Sweet Baby Rays and real Maple Syrup are taking a hiding!

Yesterday was ANZAC Day in Australia & NZ (A national day of remembrance that commemorates and honors all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations) and a treasured packet of Tim Tams (the world’s best chocky bickie in Aussie slang) appeared from some kind Aussie friends down the valley and were quickly devoured!

We’ve got good food and lots of it… Signing off with happy, albiet full bellies! CTSS Team