Author: Caroline

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@rob.lea and I have spent most of past six weeks above 17,000’ (5,181m). The first few weeks of the altitude were simulated in our @hypoxico altitude training tent. We’ve also spent one third of our last year sleeping in the tent, first training for Cho Oyu, and then for Everest/Chomolungma. Needless to say, we are feeling really good at 17,000’ and are getting ready to move up when a good summit weather window presents itself! Also, I wanted to remind you that you don’t need to be a woman to advocate for gender equality. We need all hands on deck! We would love if it you’d support our climb and women’s leadership by using the hashtag #climbforequalityPhoto: @louisarevalo

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in my life:My mom, my future mother in law, @pccindy, grandma Joyce, my sisters who are mothers to my nieces and nephews, all my friends who are mothers and everyone else who plays a mothering role! We see you and we recognize all the unpaid labor you do to keep our families and society running! To my mama, I love you so much and I promise to be safe! Can’t wait to celebrate when I get home.

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

I’m honored to be on this #climbforequality with @carla.perez.ec, the first South American woman to summit Everest without supplement oxygen. She is one of the mountain guides on the trip. Two days ago, as we were approaching the north col, she stopped me from being blown away by the wind (no joke). The wind was so strong, it swept me off my feet and she ran over to me and braces herself as I clung to her leg. After the gust subsided, we crossed the frozen ice field arm in arm. It’s been a challenging trip so far and I am exhausted from spending seven nights at 21,000’ (6,400m). More to come! Stoked to be sharing this mountain with such a rad group of #himaladies and #himaleias! #everest2019

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After almost a week of acclimatizing at advanced base camp at 21,000’(6,400m), we tried to make the move to camp 1 (23,000’/7,000m – the north col) but got shut down by the winds. Here’s a little taste of what we were dealing with. The wind knocked me down and I almost slid across the ice field, but @carla.perez.ec noticed, and came and stood in front of me in a brace position. I held on to her leg until I could stand up, and we walked in locked arms until we hit the fixed lines. It was a moment I’ll never forget. We’ve had some challenging weather but I’m optimistic that a summit window will open towards the end of the month. @rylo #storiesthatmove #climbforequality

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

The hike to advanced base camp on Everest’s Northside is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes I’ve ever done. It took us two days to cover the 13 mile, 4500’ distance ending at 21,000’. Arriving at abc, I felt awful. It’s amazing that the body can bounce back and recover. We had a super chill rest day up here today, and tomorrow, we’ll go for a light walk. There were meltdowns along the way and I forgot how much I hate the feeling of being at such high altitudes. I have to fight the homesickness and remember I chose this and that the feelings of discomfort will pass. #everest2019 #climbforequality