PAW Patrol: Pups on Mount Everest

(C8) Footprints in the Snow

As Ryder began to walk through the streets of Kathmandu, he couldn't help but think about the long, perilous journey that was ahead of him, especially with how, far off in the skyline, he could barely see Mount Everest. The same mountain he had travelled all this way to summit. When he was in the plane that flew him and many others here from Adventure Bay, he had already seen the mountain, and of course, had done extensive research before coming here, but nothing compared to seeing it while on the ground in Kathmandu.

Looking away from the skyline, Ryder checked his pup pad to remind himself about what he still needed to buy. Right now, he had to focus on the core essentials, anything else would likely just waste the very limited space he has for equipment and gear that will help him survive this journey.

"Let's see..." Ryder began talking to himself as he scanned the list he had made through hours of careful research. "I still have a lot that I'll need to buy, and I still have a week until the company I'm working with on this summit expedition is beginning our climb. I've got time to buy everything I need." Ryder said as he began to read the items he still needed to buy aloud to himself.

"Okay... Crampons, climbing ropes... an ascender, a pulley system to help move gear, trekking poles to reduce fatigue. An oxygen tank, satellite phone, a solar charger, food that is lightweight and high in calories, a water filtration device, a headlamp, sleeping bag and tent. That's a lot that I still need, but I'm sure the locals or other climbers can help me find everything I need and give recommendations for the specifics." Ryder said as he turned his pup pad off and began looking for everything he still needed. He knew he had ample time until the climb began, but with how challenging and dangerous this is inevitably going to be, Ryder knew that if he doesn't prepare enough, he'll die attempting to reach the summit.

With that, Ryder navigated the bustling streets of Kathmandu, the vibrant colors and diverse sounds of the city forming a stark contrast to the daunting presence of Mount Everest in the distance. The weight of the upcoming climb pressed on him as he approached the local markets and gear shops.

As he delved into the sea of mountaineering equipment, Ryder couldn't shake the realization that each purchase he made was not just a transaction but a step closer to the unforgiving slopes of the world's highest peak. The hum of activity around him seemed distant as he focused on the essentials listed on his pup pad.

"Crampons, climbing ropes..." Ryder muttered, his voice blending with the ambient sounds of the market. The items on his list became a mantra, a checklist etched in his mind. He sought out the expertise of local climbers and shopkeepers, absorbing their insights into the specific gear needed for the challenging ascent that awaited him.

An ascender, a pulley system—each piece of equipment became a lifeline, a means to navigate the treacherous terrain that lay ahead. Ryder's eyes darted from one item to the next, his determination unwavering despite the gravity of the task before him.

"Trekking poles to reduce fatigue," he continued, his thoughts aligning with the physical demands of the climb. With each purchase, Ryder envisioned the arduous journey, mentally preparing for the hardships and triumphs that awaited him on the slopes of Everest.

"An oxygen tank, satellite phone, a solar charger," Ryder recited, acknowledging the critical role technology and life-sustaining resources would play in his success. The practicality of each acquisition underscored the gravity of the endeavor—a journey not just of physical endurance but of strategic preparation.

As Ryder moved through the market, engaging with seasoned climbers and locals alike, he realized the significance of the community that thrived in the shadows of the Himalayas. The exchange of knowledge, the shared understanding of the mountain's challenges, forged a bond that transcended language and culture.