We are having terrible trouble with our radios this morning. We are able to talk to Dorjee at Camp IV but not to the climbing team. We have tweaked everything we can think of with no success, but at least Dorjee is able to relay messages when he talks to Lakpa (all in Nepali, and I get a translation through Ong Chu). This is very frustrating, but we're doing the best we can. So. . . . as of a little after 7:30 am the information we have is that Willi and Jeff have turned around as Jeff "wasn't doing well." I don't have specific information at this time about what that means and probably won't have until I can talk to Willi when they reach the South Col. As far as I know Willi is doing fine and is coming down to assist Jeff. We think that there are no Sherpas coming down with them, which would indicate that whatever it is must not be too serious. If it was anything too bad they would have one or two Sherpas coming with them to assist. I am trying to get a visual confirmation of this from Dorjee.
Meanwhile, the entire rest of the team is just below the South Summit at 8:30 am. This is right on, or slightly behind, the schedule of last year's team, which had everyone on the South Summit at 8:30 am. The first people last year arrived at the true summit at around 10:30 am. This year's team is climbing in good time and at this point there would be nothing to worry about "turn around" times. We also hear that Dave Hahn's team is ahead of our team, and are now going up the Hillary Step.
The weather continues to be good with blue skies and no clouds. We have no wind at Base Camp, and it looks like not much up high. I'm hoping to get a more complete report when Willi and Jeff arrive at the South Col, and will relay any information I get at that time - possibly even an audio cybercast.
— Ellie Henke, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent