The trail from base camp wanders lazily upwards through an expansive valley.Our route is bordered by ridges that will shortly sound with the peaceful echoes of yakbells. Winter has now given way to a tentative spring and moisture from the south invades daily, obscuring our views in a tantalizing and frustrating way. Despite the clouds, we know what exists at the valley's terminus: 6000 feet of rock, snow, ice and altitude, our peak of Cholatse. While beautiful and alluring this mountain's sinuous ridges and enormous West face are unquestionably daunting. (From Pete's Dispatches from the Himalayan Cataract Project Expedition)

Meanwhile, in basecamp, we have just been graced by a Puja ceremony given by a local Monk. The Lama began chanting as a juniper branch fire was lit and continued to smoke throughout the ceremony. We were given beer and told to drink up, for the ceremony's potency relies on creating happiness. In ritual fashion, the Sherpas raised a tall pole of prayer flags and stretched out long strings of prayer flags to either side of the chorten, creating a solemn, happy and moving spectacle presiding over our tents. (From Abby's Dispatches from the Himalayan Cataract Project Expedition)