Mt. Everest 2005: Mountain Madness Expedition: Camp 1 was avalanched

Update Greetings from C2!

Today we had quite a bit of excitement and a reminder of how hazardous the mountain can be.  Camp 1 was avalanched at 5 a.m. Many different expeditions helped with the rescue. Fortunately only 7 people were hit by the avalanche and as we know there were no deaths- good news in a bad situation that could have been much worse.   Two out of the seven had severe injuries though and were taken to base camp to be flown to Kathmandu. 

In our group, Kay LeClaire flew to Kathmandu due to health reasons today- she will be missed. Willie remained at base camp with Kay until her helicopter arrived.   The rest of group is doing well and resting at camp 2.  Willie is expected to join us this afternoon. It's a busy season for all, as it always is.

Our plan is to climb to camp 3 tomorrow and sleep one night there before returning to camp 2.

All The best, Christine

Dispatches

Since 1994, Mountain Madness has led 29 team members on successful expeditions to Everest's summit.  This year's Everest expedition will approach the mountain from the Normal Route--ascending through to the South Col from the Khumbu Glacier, and continuing to the summit via the Southeast ridge.

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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