Mt. Everest 2005: Big Green Everest Expedition Advanced Base Camp

The North Col ©EverestNews.com

Update Advanced Base Camp - April 20, 9:45 AM (Climb Day 9)
Yesterday, April 19 (CD 8) BGE made their first climb to the North Col. They made it in under 5 hours with 35 pound packs, an excellent time. Their Sherpas made it in 3 hours with 50 pound packs. The route was icy with less snow than normal.  Climbing was not difficult (no ice axes required) except for a 10 meter ice wall that was nearly vertical. This year the  North Col is covered with heavily canvassed ice and little snow. BGE staked out their tent site, unloaded gear, and descended to ABC without spending the night.  They plan to rest today and tomorrow at ABC and then climb to the Col again on April 22 (CD 11). They will spend the night and, conditions permitting, climb a short distance up the North Ridge the following morning.  In the afternoon they will descend to ABC, stay the night and then move back to BC on April 24 (CD 13) for rest at a lower altitude.  This routine of conditioning at high altitude and rest at low altitude is important. Climbers must get used to working high on the mountain, but can not stay to long as the altitude saps strength quickly.

Greg and Dan feel good, fewer headaches now. The two of them share a four man tent at ABC and they have a separate mess tent.  The wind has subsided and the sun is warm during day. It gets cold quickly once the sun goes down. Sunrise is 5:30 and sunset is 6:30 Nepal time. They wait until the sun warms the tent before getting out of their bags.  There are more teams at ABC now. Head count is about 200 including support staff.

Dispatches

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