September 20, 2013

Mike Hamill reports that the Cho Oyu climbers did an oxygen clinic this morning and got packed up this afternoon for their next rotation up the hill. During their rest days there has been a bit of snowfall at ABC, but not much has fallen up higher.  Today the Sherpas finished fixing into Camp 2 and they report good snow conditions.  If the weather is good tomorrow the team will head to Camp 1 tomorrow and Camp 2 the following day.

Eric Simonson

September 19, 2013

After some nice hiking up at Rongbuk Base Camp, the Tibet Trekkers have now reached Shegar (Xegar).  This is the famous old Tibetan town with the old Dzong (fort) on the hill above. The British expeditions of the 1920’s and 30’s came through this town on their way from Kalimpong (India) as they trekked around from the north to get to Everest.  Next stop tomorrow for the trek team is Shigatse (Xigazê).

Eric Simonson

September 16, 2013

Ang Jangbu reports from Kathmandu: “I talked to Phunuru this evening (Nepal time). Mike and team went up towards the ice cliff on practice/acclimatization run and everyone did well. The fixing sherpas fixed the ice cliff with two lines. Sherpas going up tomorrow will finish fixing to camp 2.  Sounds like from IMG team we had Mingma Tenzing go for fixing today and Karma Rita will go tomorrow.  Rest of the sherpas are carrying to camp 1 tomorrow.   Phunuru said Mike reported it was windy night last night at camp 1. Trekkers are in Tingri this evening.  We will talk to Nawang tomorrow and get an update on their trip up to Rongbuk.”

Ang Jangbu Sherpa

September 15, 2013

Phunuru reports from ABC that Mike, Peter, Mingma Dorje, and the climbers and trekkers made it up to Camp 1 today at about 20,500 feet.  The weather was good, and they are all set to start the climbing tomorrow.  The trekkers returned back down to ABC with Phunuru.  Tomorrow Phunuru will hike with them down to Intermediate Camp, for the handoff to Nawang (from CMA) and their jeep driver who will take them down to Tingri tomorrow night.  Then, the next day, they head for Rongbuk (Everest Base Camp).

Later this afternoon Phunuru joined a fixing meeting at ABC with the different teams.  He reports that there are currently 12 different teams at ABC, and together they have contributed a total of 2,800 meters of rope and enough pickets, screws and pitons to fix the route above Camp 1.  Also, some of the teams (IMG, AAI, AC, Kobler, Amical, and also the Chinese team)  have also agreed to contribute sherpas to move up to Camp 1 tomorrow and start working on the rope fixing.  So, it is great to hear that these teams are working well together to get the work route work done.

Eric Simonson