Hey Cybernauts, six inches of the white stuff and it's still coming down in Base Camp. We are very happy to be down on our rest stage right now. Being trapped where there is plenty of oxygen, good food and even an occasional hot shower is a blessing.

Rumors of shredded tents and high winds are filtering down off the mountain. Avalanche danger is increasing with each new flake. Yet here we are trying to decide which condiment would be most appropriate on our cheese popovers. Did I mention that Ong Chhu is the best cook in the Khumbu. Still we can't help but think of other climbers hunkered down above us and hope that they are able to ride out this tempest unscathed.

Just before the storm hit, several of us went for our normal acclimatization hike. It typically consists of a three-hour ramble over glacial moraine through some of the most fantastic mountain scenery in the world. Yet today, with ominous dark clouds threatening, we completed our tour in record time. So it is obvious to me that we are starting to adapt to this altitude.

Now that it's snowing and blowing, we pass the time reading and listening to music, and spend hours getting to know one another through rather insane conversations. That said, there is a strong sense of camaraderie developing amongst us and we seem to be gelling quite well as a team. This bodes well for our future for it will be important to be able to act together in the days to come.

All of our climbers are in good health and possess great attitudes. This is very important because 80% of this climb is mental. Despite the fact that Everest is one of the most physically challenging things a human can undertake, success depends on one's ability to stay focused and determined. We have that determination within our group so I look forward to the opportunity ahead of us.

Ciao for now!

— Vern Tejas, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent

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