Hello MountainZone! We received a radio call from Lakpa on the South Summit at about 8:20am. He reports all members have just reached the South Summit. Apparently all team members are feeling good and going strong. The climbers will take a break for a snack and rest, and then will continue up the ridge towards the Hillary Step and then on towards the TOP!

Their rest is well deserved; at this point most of the team has been climbing for 10 hours, with the first team going for more than 12! From the South Summit, it is about an hour climb to reach the summit.

On the way up, Lakpa had to wrestle through fairly deep snow below the South Summit, but the conditions improved as he climbed higher. He now reports excellent snow conditions, low winds and clear skies. Sounds like an excellent day to stand on top of the world!

Lakpa reports that the National Geo team is just ahead heading upwards part way between the South Summit and Hillary Step. The solo Italian climber is also ahead towards the Hillary Step.

Two months of hard work and determination have led up to this next few hours. We now have nine Western climbers and eight Sherpa on the South Summit ready to make the final push. Stay tuned for the latest news as the Alpine Ascents Everest 2002 expedition goes for the top!

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

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