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Post a comment | Return to Weblog Subject: The jet stream moved! Posted by Rob on 21 May 2005 12:24 GMT+1 17:09 NST There we were at Camp 3 (7200m) in bright sunshine and no wind (20 May). Down suits on and bags packed to go to the South Col for the summit attempt. Then we got the latest weather forecast which said that part of the jet stream would move soon from south of Everest to north of it. The meaning: high winds up high. So summit attempt called off and back down to base camp. So the night of 20 May was spent having chicken at base camp rather than a night at the South Col. So we wait some more, at least until the 26th it now looks like. The problem is that the main jet stream is still south of Everest. The monsoon needs to build and push the jet stream north - that leads to the needed stable weather. So it will be at least another week of waiting and staying fit. Except for an occasional cough, I'm fit and healthy and ready to go. The wait for the weather is not easy! I attach a photo of the start of the Lhotse Face at 6700m. A sheet of ice with fixed ropes. The summit of Lhotse is above and the yellow band up to the left. Everest's summit is way left out of the picture. I've accumulated 15,275m of ascent so far! So patience a bit longer... Rob [click image to see full size]

Comment #1 Author: Tom and Nancy Bruch (TNBruch@mchsi.com) on 21 May 2005 14:00 GMT+1 18:45 NST Rob, Too bad about the weather again. Patience doesn't work at that altitude I bet!!! Nancy and I have been following your progress, Will keep Uncle Al updated this weekend.Hang in there... Tom

Comment #2 Author: Val Milne on 21 May 2005 16:09 GMT+1 20:54 NST Hard luck. I'll keep my version of on top of the world for another week or so. Love

Comment #3 Author: Dick Milne (santa.milne@worldnet.att.net) on 21 May 2005 16:56 GMT+1 21:41 NST Great picture! Bet you could slide downhill pretty fast, don't try this at home type. Just thinking about your first time you went up into the mountains around Col. Springs. Now one can appreciate the long wait, and getting in condition is all about. All your exprience is now why you must wait till the right time. Keep safe and we'll watch for the 26th. Want a wee taste of Haggis and some single malt? We're with you every step. Dad

Comment #4 Author: Dorothy Milne (santa.milne@worldnet.att.net) on 21 May 2005 17:48 GMT+1 22:33 NST Hi Rob, Yesterday I was pulling weeds in 90 plus weather (and got a sunburn) and thinking about you being up in the ice and cold, and winds. Sorry about the delay, but glad you're all safety conscious. When the window does open, you'll certainly be ready to go! ... a little adrenaline after sitting around. Take care, mom

Comment #5 Author: Ken Crocket (ken.crocket@dsl.pipex.com) on 22 May 2005 10:13 GMT+1 14:58 NST Rob, So it goes. Would you like me to send you some work!!! Aye, Ken

Comment #6 Author: Bill Taylor (bataydov@btinternet.com) on 22 May 2005 10:33 GMT+1 15:18 NST Never mind, Rob. I'm sure you'll not have much longer to wait. I'm a bit worried about this fitness, though. It was difficult enough keeping up with you before!! Bill

Comment #7 Author: Greg Schroer (gschroer@msn.com) on 22 May 2005 00:47 GMT+1 05:32 NST Hey there Rob: It been about 30 years since we talked last! If my memory serves me right, it was on a climb we shared on a beautiful Colorado craggy mountain under some afternoon thundershowers? I had always been wondering were your wonderlust has taken you, and now after all this time we are linked up once again - you on the worlds highest mountain and me in the Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific. Nice technology that you have there! May the Mother Goddess nuture your health and enlighten your spirit during your climb toward her lonely, beautiful summit. Nemaste, Greg Schroer Mariana Islands