Forty-five minutes later after finishing his inventory, he gathered his team for introductions. “Okay, everyone,” he said, carrying his water bottle and heading to the center of the circled tents. “I have a few folks I want you to meet.” He pulled Tembe next to him and put his arm around the Sherpa’s thin shoulders.
“This man here is Tembe. He’s your camp cook and he’ll be the most important person in your lives for the next six weeks,” Frank said, and with a playful but serious tone, he added, “Cross him at your own risk.”
Lanzo and Toby chuckled and there were smiles all around as Tembe bowed politely to them. “Namaste, Namaste,” the Sherpa said.
Frank then turned to the group of rugged, hard-bitten Sherpas standing behind him. Dressed in faded jeans, tan woolen shirts and down vest j
