This post from 2010 describes Melissa’s preparation for her first trek to Mt Everest Base Camp. My how things have changed!
There’s only a week to go until Mel leaves for Nepal, and some of us got a shock this week when we gathered around Mel’s desk for the daily unwrapping of her latest internet shopping haul. Expecting another pair of boots “I’ll wear every day for years” or sequined shawl that will “really unlock my wardrobe”, we were HORRIFIED to watch her unwrap a unrine bottle. Yes, a bottle in which one pees (avoiding one’s new $800 boots, presumably). And it wasn’t designed by Philippe Starck either. This thing must have been the ugliest object Mel has touched in years. (Stop thinking that!)
In addition to a pee bottle, apparently there’s a whole bunch of strange equipment one requires for a sneaky trip to Everest Base Camp. This includes “expedition weight underwear” (light or heavy, one wonders) mittens, gloves that go inside mittens and glove liners that go inside gloves.
Mel’s been instructed to “pack light”, but the concept of clothing serving as protection from the elements – and not a vehicle for daily self-expression – is one she’s struggling to grasp. Parkas have been purchased in a range of shades, and one hopes that Mel’s supporter (the term “Sherpa” is no longer used as it describes an ethnic group and not an occupation) has been taking his iron.
When not shopping, Mel is trying to get fit and reminding us on daily of the location of her will. Wonder who’s getting the pee bottle?!