Well, we're tucked into our communications tent with a nice propane lantern and a propane heater. At the moment both are turned on, but we think just the lantern may be enough. We are awaiting a radio call from the climbing team as they prepare to head up the mountain, but so far we are only hearing Ong Chu on our other hand-held radio giving a send off to the Sherpas. I'm sure we'll hear from the English speaking team soon. Waiting for radio calls will be the name of the game for us tonight.

It is 8pm and it sounds like things are busy at the South Col. At this time the early team is pulling on boots, parkas, and headlamps and heading off into the night to the cheers and encouragement of their teammates.

The first team is leaving a little earlier than the second team because they are expecting to be a little slower. This team consists of Al Hanna, (who at 71 is trying to be the oldest person to reach the summit of Everest), Joe Leroy (Sacramento businessman), and guides Vernon Tejas and Willi Prittie, along with our Sherpa sirdar Lakpa Rita and high altitude Sherpas Tsering, Kami Rita (Thapkee), Chewang, and Ang Passang.

Our juniper fire is burning and the prayers have started for the safe return of the climbers. We will report again when the second team starts out at about 10pm.

Namaste,

— Ellie Henke, Alpine Ascents International Base Camp Manager & Bryce Brown, Expedition Doctor, MountainZone.com Correspondents

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