Today is a very sad day for all our team as we are loosing Patrick. He has been sick for the past couple days and is helicoptered out of base camp to Kathmandu.

Patrick has been the coordination leader of our group of four guys, has done an awesome job liaising with Adv Peaks and sorting out many details or issues with Adv peaks. Patrick has been the connection between all the expedition members. He knew Glenn from his Mera peak climb in 2013 and I met Patrick through Lars (Cathay colleagues). So Patrick leaving is a hit to all of us and we will miss his jokes, outgoing spirit, talents for diplomacy dealing with organisational bumps along the way and his great friendship always ready to help out, share his knowledge of gear and mountain.

After the med-evac helicopter call in the morning, the day goes by expecting a roaring helicopter sound from the valley. We enjoy our last moments with Patrick who finds the energy to crack a few jokes despite his illness. Around 3pm a black ‘Manang Air’ helicopter lands close to base camp, the blades do not stop chopping the air, a few bags come out and a few gear bags are thrown in. we all say our goodbyes to Patrick, it’s a very emotional moment, he runs to the helicopter and a few moments later they take off and disappear in the valley.

It’s a quiet evening, dinner is served early.