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Post a comment | Return to Weblog Subject: Despair at base camp Posted by Rob on 23 May 2005 12:47 GMT+1 17:32 NST Across all the teams at base camp, which include 180 clients and sherpas that want to reach the summit, there is a strong feeling of despair. The weather is not cooperating, the jet stream is over Everest and the Monsoon too far south. So there is no summit weather window for the south before 29/30 May. That is the end of the forecast, so that is not certain. There are a lot of frustrated people here and several other expeditions have now run out of time and are going home. But the veterans are confident that the weather will change and we will get a summit window. So I, and all the rest of our team are hanging in here. We might be a few days to a week late home, but after 2 months, it seems wise to wait a bit longer. We're about to go back down to Orsha (4000m) for a few days rest, chicken dinners and other such food. The people that tried for the summit the day we came down didn't make it. The wind was too much and some got frostbite. This is probably the latest for many years that no one has yet made the summit. Hence a lot of worried people! As before, I'll let you know when I get back to base camp. Rob

Comment #1 Author: Jon Aylett (jaylett@intapp.co.uk) on 23 May 2005 14:13 GMT+1 18:58 NST Hi Rob Bad news ! We are all rooting for you here at IA, and I am sure your luck will change soon. Looking forward to seeing your pics of the summir when you return ! Jon

Comment #2 Author: Stan Bush (sbsbush@aol.com) on 23 May 2005 15:16 GMT+1 20:01 NST Hi, Rob - While you're waiting how about a note for the ARP Bulletin?

Comment #3 Author: Diana Milne (dianasewalive@att.net) on 23 May 2005 17:45 GMT+1 22:30 NST Plans change. My plans have changed from Kona to San Diego for the Marathon - June 5. I am training better than ever and ready for 26.2 miles. Hang in there as long as you can, you never know when a change can be a blessing. You are an inspiration to me at this time. Is this bydand? abiding? I'm not sure. At least, listen to the inner spirit. Love, Diana

Comment #4 Author: V.Milne on 24 May 2005 22:53 GMT+1 03:38 NST What have you done to it? Never mind. Patience is a virtue. Sherpa very bouncy. See you, V

Comment #5 Author: Monica (monica.casabayo@esade.edu) on 25 May 2005 10:40 GMT+1 15:25 NST You perfectly know that mountains decide when they want to be climbed..My thesis is almost the same!!! Keep on wainting! keep on trying!!Keep on enjoying!! Keep on smiling!!WE WILL KEEP ON ENCOURAGING and THINKING of you all!! Monica

Comment #6 Author: Austin Tate (a.tate@ed.ac.uk) on 25 May 2005 13:06 GMT+1 17:51 NST Pity, but fingers crossed it will work out. Get us a photo that actually has Everest in it will you :-)