GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — A Greenwood Village 13-year-old spent her Thanksgiving doing something few people accomplish in their lifetimes — trekking to Everest Base Camp.
"It's absolutely mind blowing. I'm still kind of in shock a little bit," her mom, Michelle Evans, said.
Elsie's sister and brother, Lila and Dan, said they're beyond proud of her.
Thursday, they all got a text and a photo from Elsie's dad.
"Happy Thanksgiving from Everest Base Camp," he said in the text. "This is how Elsie and I started our Thanksgiving."
At the base, it was below freezing last night.
"It hit minus 20 and their water froze; their sleeping bags froze," Michelle said.
Elsie has been training since this summer, practicing with Colorado's 14ers. While it hasn't been easy, this family hopes Elsie's story inspires others to do hard things and get outside.
The dad-and-daughter duo plan to return Dec. 7. Elsie is excited to see her friends and drink Starbucks again.
