We survived the half -hour flight from smog-filled Kathmandu to Lukla, home of the world's most sphincter-puckering airport. 72 hours later we're in our digs @ Phortse, sipping chai and gearing up for the 3rd annual Khumbu Climbing School.

We are here for two weeks; it's off-season, a veritable ghost town except for the 80+ Nepali students itching to kick some ice. I am guide. WHAT ? I am a guide? That's right - I get 8 students and they get tutelage from climbing's version of Tommy Boy. Luckily the Radster paired me with Seth, a pro equipped with sharp screws to balance for the loose ones I brought.

"Team Yeti" became our group tag, "chillin' with my homies" our rallying cry, and ramen and chai our lunch. We fostered memorable friendships, taught the Magic Knot and shared in a profound appreciation of exchanging wisdom, safety, and laughter.