Mt. Everest 2005: The Singapore National University Team and The Singapore Premier Taxi Everest Expedition: Update

Robert Goh

Update from the University Team: The air was filled with excitement and apprehension, and some relief, that finally Group 1 members -- Lindley and Ernest -- were due to leave for its summit bid the next morning. Arrangements were made for an early morning wake-up call and breakfast for a 6am departure.

Then after dinner, Lindley gave the latest weather forecast: Contrary to previous forecasts, wind speeds on May 21 and 22 were expected to be high. The targetted summit day of 22nd didn't seem like a good window after all. After some initial frustration and disappointment, the decision was made to postpone the summit bid. A couple of other teams were leaving the next day nevertheless, but it was a risk our team was not willing to take.

The weather forecasts, from both MSS and other sources obtained by other teams, have shown unstable conditions, and sometimes uncertain weather patterns. It is almost more an art than a science trying to determine possible summit windows. As the month draws to a close, there is optimism that a fairly long window will open up in the final week.

Video Crossing the Khumbu Icefall, Nepal from the National University of Singapore 2005 Everest Expedition team. Click the picture

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