Update from Everest Base Camp

After much analysis of a variety of forecasts, we have decided that a window of lower winds starting May 19^th looks like it will be hopeful for a summit attempt. We will be checking that every day for any changes, but it looks good. So the whole team is off tomorrow morning at 4am for Camp 2. We are planning a couple days there to rest and reacclimatize, then move up to Camp 3, Camp 4 and the summit. Right now it looks to be the 19^th. But no promises as the weather has been fickle and the forecasts even more so. Everyone is ready, healthy and happy to be on the move. We will post more over the next few days, but for now everyone is excited to be heading up and doing some last minute packing in preparation for our 4 am departure tomorrow.

 

 

Scott Woolums reporting from Everest Base Camp.

 

Crazy Wind Storm at Camp 2!

Lots has happened in the last few days. Irek, Newall, Gregg and I made our way pu to Camp 3 at 24,000 ft. on May 6^th in perfect weather. A very enjoyable…and difficult day. Spent another rest/acclimatization day in Camp 2 before coming down this morning. Last night after quite a nice day, the winds kicked up..and up. One of the bigger wind events I have seen at Camp 2. It blew 50-80 all through the night and even harder this morning. We are fine, our team lost 2 tents in the wind storm. We are luckier than most as I would guess over 30% of all the tents in Camp 2 were destroyed. A little excitement this morning. All team members are now here in Base Camp and we are planning a short rest/recovery from spending the last 6 nights at and above 21,500 ft. Off to the small village of DIngboche in the morning. Bills team left this morning so we will reunite with all tomorrow. Its getting closer. This last wind storm illustrates the risks of earlier summits, possible, but not always safest or most successful. Now we will watch the weather closely to make our rotation back up the hill and onto the summit!  After a few days rest!!

 

Scott Woolums reporting from Everest Base Camp.