August 23, 2011
I talked with Jangbu a while ago, and he reports that all the members, Sherpas, and luggage has all reached Zhangmu! This is great news, and it means that everything is proceeding on schedule. Just getting to Tibet is no small feat, and it sounds like the team had some issues en route. Jangbu said the rain started in Kathmandu and was constant all day.
They ended up waiting three hours at the landslide (before Kodari) before it was finally cleared. After crossing Friendship Bridge and entering Tibet, the team transferred to their Chinese vehicles (3 trucks, 2 jeeps, 1 mini bus) and they are now all at the hotel (about 8000 feet). Tomorrow the plan is to move on up the rugged valley to Nyalam (about 12000 feet).
Eric Simonson