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Subject: Still waiting...

Posted by Rob on 15 May 2005 11:52 GMT+1 16:37 NST


The wait continues. Although the weather is pretty sunny here at base camp, it is still very windy up the hill. It is expected that the 16th will have light winds, but not for a long enough time to go for the summit. So right now the sherpas are going to the South Col to fix ropes to the Balcony in the one day of good weather. The sherpas do a fantastic job of doing everything. Carrying O2 to the Col, getting all the food and tents up, etc. We really just cruise along on the back of their hard work. And in spite of the hard work, they are always cheerful.

I've been keeping busy going for walks: down to Kala Pata, the famous viewpoint and yesterday up to Camp 1 on Pumori. It is a lot safer to go there than up the icefall again.

On another day, we had a game of Australian Rules football on the moraine with a group of Australian Police from Victoria and TV crew. A bit lethal, but no one got hurt. I'm told there is a picture of us on www.vicpoleverest.com.au or something like that. Be warned, I was on the 'skins' team! [click here to see the pictures]

Rumors are everywhere at base camp that there will be good weather before long, so it is a matter to watching the forecasts, waiting and trying to keep the fitness up. Amazing how many rest days we have, but acclimatisation is the main goal.

ATB,

Rob