Mt. Everest 2005: Mountain Madness Expedition: Working together

Update: Hello (once again) from Everest Base Camp!

Team leaders and Sherpa Sirdars met today to discuss how we will plan our summit attempt in the next week or two.  A plan was made in case the remaining groups went for the summit on the same day.  Double fixed lines will be added in bottle neck areas such as below the south summit, SW ridge and the Hillary step to allow for climbers to move faster through these sections.  In addition, the sirdars met to organize a group of Sherpas, to fix from the balcony to the summit.  The last remaining section that still needs fixed rope in place to climb safely to the summit.

Our team is doing well.  Dean and Eric went up half way to camp 1 today for exercise.  A few of us went bouldering again.  Keeping active is a good way to stay healthy and keep our heads into the game.

Currently the weather reports do not indicate a good weather window in the next 5 days.  Our current plan is to climb up to camp 2 on the 25th of May.  We will monitor the weather while at camp 2 and make a decision for what day we will attempt the summit.  We can spend several days at camp 2 to wait out the weather, since it's not too high and it's still very comfortable.  We can eat well here with a dedicated cook making  good healthy meals.

We will keep our fingers crossed for a break in the winds!

Cheers, 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 for Spring 2010 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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