Mt. Everest 2005: Big Green Everest Expedition: at high camp and expected to head up for it

Update June 1, 2005: "Big Green", as they appear to be known on the mountain, arrived at high camp yesterday. They ere expected to try to head up with the others, last night...

Update: Update 05/25: Advanced Base Camp - Monday, May 26, 9:45 AM (Climb Day 43)

Yesterday Greg and Dan climbed Lhakpa Ri, a 23,000 foot peak across the glacier from ABC. At its summit they had a good view of Everest and the Northeast Ridge.  Snow plumes streamed off the of Everest indicating high winds. Nonetheless, their forecast for lighter winds starting May 28 appears to be holding. BGE plans to move up to the North Col today or tomorrow.  If the weather continues to improve they will move up the North Ridge and position for a summit bid. The team's health remains good.  The are rested, ready and eager to get on with it.

Earlier Update: Advanced Base Camp - Saturday, May 14, 9:30 AM (Climb Day 33)

Greg and Dan made the trek to ABC on May 13 (CD 32) arriving late in the day.  They met with Ang Mingma and Mingma Dorjee, BGE's Sherpas, who had just come back from their carry up the North Ridge.  The Sherpas had planned to take oxygen and equipment up to Camp 3, the highest camp, but were turned back by high winds.   They made it to Camp 2 only to find BGE's equipment tent destroyed by the wind.  Thanks to Greg no equipment was lost; he had the foresight to tie down the equipment inside the tent before they left on May 1 (CD 20). Ang Mingma and Mingma Dorjee will rest a day or two and then go up the Ridge to replace the tent at Camp 2 and take the oxygen and equipment to Camp 3.  Dan and Greg will stay at ABC. They have learned it is impossible to keep up the near super-human Sherpas.

BGE plans to sit tight at ABC for now. Their Sherpas will need a day or two rest when they come down from the Ridge. The next possible summit window is forecast for May 19 - 22.  BGE will be ready.

Advanced Base Camp - Monday, May 16, 8:30 AM (Climb Day 35): Ang Mingma and Mingma Dorjee are back at ABC after completing their carry to Camp 3. They reported difficult conditions due to the high wind. Other Sherpas are making equipment carries to the North Ridge camps, but no one is moving up for a summit bid.  Teams remain at ABC or BC waiting for a summit window to open. BGE is as eager to summit as anyone, however, they are resolved not to move until a solid summit window opens.

Dispatches

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