November 30, 2012
Resting with the boots off (Phil Ershler)
Spoke with Mike Hamill late yesterday afternoon. Weather was reasonable where they were (C1) but he had the crew out reinforcing snow walls. Winds were unreasonably high for a move to C2 and the forecast is for wind to continue for at least a couple more days.
The comfort level at C1 is much nicer than at C2 when weather is bad. You can easily see the winds blowing snow up high when outside the tent at C1. As long as you see those plumes, why bother going up? The team has made their carry up high and they’re right where they should be. 48 hours of reasonable weather and they’re on the summit. Mike and team are playing this just right. As soon as the winds die, they’re off.
Phil Ershler