Everest 2006: Fi and Paul: The Balcony

The Balcony: As you can imagine, it is very difficult for either Paul or Fiona to have any sort of conversation with Base Camp as they are wearing oxygen masks and really concentrating on their climb.

Their Sherpas have radioed in that they have both reached "the Balcony" and things are fine. I am sleeping (very lightly) in the Communications Tent, so will pass on news when I hear it. Mary

Earlier: I spoke to Paul and Fiona a little while ago and they sound terrific. They have had plenty to drink, dinner (would you believe Mediterranean Chicken!) and a good rest. They said the weather was good and the wind was dropping.

They have now decided that Fiona and Mingma will leave at 9p.m. (about 25 minutes from now!!) and Paul and Dasona will leave at 10 p.m.

TONIGHT!!!
I am spending the night in the Communications tent as the reception is better on the bigger 2 way. They will radio in as they go, probably as they stop to rest and so I will update as often as they do.

Thanks to everybody who sent those messages today - I know how special each and everyone of them are to Paul and Fiona and I loved hearing from you too.

All I can say is "stay glued" as we are so privileged to be able to share in history in the making!

John topped up my phone today (thanks J) so I can now keep going all night!
cheers for now,
Mary
PS GOOD LUCK PAUL AND FIONA

Updates

Millet One Sport Everest Boot  has made some minor changes by adding more Kevlar. USES Expeditions / High altitude / Mountaineering in extremely cold conditions / Isothermal to -75°F Gore-Tex® Top dry / Evazote Reinforcements with aramid threads. Avg. Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz Sizes: 5 - 14 DESCRIPTION Boot with semi-rigid shell and built-in Gore-Tex® gaiter reinforced by aramid threads, and removable inner slipper Automatic crampon attachment Non-compressive fastening Double zip, so easier to put on Microcellular midsole to increase insulation Removable inner slipper in aluminized alveolate Fiberglass and carbon footbed Cordura + Evazote upper Elasticated collar. Expedition footwear for mountaineering in conditions of extreme cold.  NOTE US SIZES LISTED. See more here.

A cold weather, high altitude double boot for extreme conditions The Olympus Mons is the perfect choice for 8000-meter peaks. This super lightweight double boot has a PE thermal insulating inner boot that is coupled with a thermo-reflective outer boot with an integrated gaiter. We used a super insulating lightweight PE outsole to keep the weight down and the TPU midsole is excellent for crampon compatibility and stability on steep terrain. WEIGHT: 39.86 oz • 1130 g LAST: Olympus Mons CONSTRUCTION: Inner: Slip lasted Outer: Board Lasted OUTER BOOT: Cordura® upper lined with dual-density PE micro-cellular thermal insulating closed cell foam and thermo-reflective aluminium facing/ Insulated removable footbed/ Vibram® rubber rand See more here.

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