Good morning everyone and a blustery one it is. The weather forecast called for the jet stream
to move close to the mountain today with winds up to 70 knots and it
looks like it is indeed doing that.
We just talked to Lakpa at Camp II
and he says they just about lost one of the tents to a big gust of wind
(with someone in it) but they saved it just in time. Last night they had
a big confab to come closer to deciding a final plan. It was a big
decision point whether to stick to the original plan and take a rest day
in Camp II today, or to push on up to Camp II. They decided at that time
to take the rest day and it looks like it was the right decision.
So
today they are tucked in tight. By tomorrow the winds should be backing
off and they will plan to move up to Camp III, then on to Camp IV where
everyone will spend a full day before attempting the summit, leaving on
the night of May 24 and hopefully summiting on the morning of May 25. We
will get daily weather reports and adjust accordingly if needed.
Talking to Willi last night, he says everyone is feeling strong, well
acclimatized and ready to go.
Ong Chhu says 'Namaste.' More news tomorrow or as it comes.
Ellie Henke, Alpine Ascents International Base Camp Manager and MountainZone.com Correspondent
EMAIL THIS STORY TO A FRIEND