Mt Everest 2006: Mt  Everest Fantasy Ridge 2006 Expedition: Dave Watson reports in -50 at ABC at night with ice on the mountain

Second half of Fantasy Ridge: Crevasses were observed at this altitude but an alpine style will be almost certain the choice of ascent.

Update: Dave reports they were the first and only non-Sherpas up the ABC. It was -50 at night, ice on the mountain, with little to no snow. Skiing everest in 2006 will be interesting if no snow... Dave was back at base camp.

Earlier Update: Dave reporting in live (click here)

Earlier Update: Dave has called in a couple of times. All is well. They are headed up to Base camp and then they will go back down. Nothing too exciting, everyone is carrying loads. Dave says only a few people have arrived so far on the North Side....

Dave Watson, Mountain Guide and Everest Summiter:

Previous Update: Hey EverestNews.com, Hello Everyone, We are in Nylam and feeling great.  The drive from Zhangmu was really pretty.  There was snow in places we have never seen before.  Avalanches had blocked the road last week and the locals did an amazing job clearing the road.  There were two spots in particular were the walls of snow on the side of the road were 20 ft tall!  The food is so much better here than in 2004, so were eating lots and often.  Last week 10 ft of snow fell here!  Winter is still among us.  Although the snow is melting fast in the blazing Himalayan sun there is still plenty to ski.  Today I pulled the skis out of the truck and headed for the hills.  George came along to shoot some video.

It was a nice way to get some exercise and acclimatize a bit.  We went up to 15,000 ft and then the clouds came in around us so we started the descent.  The snow was really wet and heavy, a bit rotten, so turning was difficult without speed.  I tried to be cautious because of random rocks lurking beneath the surface, but the conditions demanded speed.  I was happy to oblige.  Leaving Vermont in prime ski season leaves me with the feeling of unfinished business.  It felt so good to speed downhill.  Tomorrow we leave for Tingri and will finally be able to set eyes on the mother goddess.  I don't think there are any internet cafes in Tingri so I will most likely be talking to you again from Base Camp when we get our electronics rolling.  Hope your all having fun, we are! Dave

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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