My God, Robert--yes, yes--that was me!!! I vaguely remember several people passing by on the trail and offering to help. And thank you for helping to direct the pilot to where I was. When he reached the plateau, he flew past us and went to a group camping farther away. Matt was so frustrated by all the delays.RobertKay wrote:Did this happen on the afternoon of October 26, 2015? I was leading a group that crossed the Renjo La heading to Gokyo on that day and we came across a lady in the exact circumstances you describe. We offered assistance but had nothing to contribute beyond what was already being done for the person. We did point the way to the helicopter pilot as he was heading up valley from Gokyo trying to find the person (you?) in trouble. I have no idea if he saw us or could figure out what we were trying to communicate. We heard that the person survived and were so relieved. That is a very remote place with no nearby medical help. Thank God for satellite phones and helicopters.
Regardless of whether or not we crossed paths on that day, I am happy to know that you are well and enjoying the mountains again.
Do you remember seeing a woman, probably sitting on the rock where I was, with a blue jacket on? I heard from her on the one-year anniversary date. After I descended from Gokyo Ri and seeing the Milky Way, there was an email from her saying she was so happy I'd returned. And also to let me know she and her partner, Bob had climbed the pass after Matt and I took off, and he proposed to her on the pass. (She said yes!)
Also, when I returned last fall, the sirdar of the group I was with, Dawa Sherpa, was the same who had the oxygen mask. He also had heated water to put under my sleeping bag to help keep me warm. One of our guides, Chonggba, had been there the previous year as well, and helped carry me into the helicopter.
Needless to say, adding you to the list of those who were so caring brings even more emotion to the memory of that day.
Thank you, thank you, Robert.
