Winds

Winds on the summit are forecast to 50 knots for May 19-21st. Twenty-four hours ago these dates had been looking good for the summit days of our three groups.  I was particularly interested in May 20th. It will be our 39th wedding anniversary!  Since Mother Nature has thrown us a curve, it’s back to the drawing board.

Expedition leader, Greg Vernovage, will be carefully monitoring the ever-changing weather maps to determine possible summit days between now and the end of May, which is also the end of the climbing season, as summer monsoon weather moves in making climbing Mt. Everest far too dangerous.

Several groups were able to summit over the past couple of days on the heels of the fixed line finally being set to the summit.  Though as many as eight or nine IMG climbers would have been capable, Greg determined it too risky. If for some reason like weather, or health of the fixing Sherpa, the fixed lines are delayed getting set; those groups following close behind are forced to retreat which can be problematic.

As for me, I’m on the mend but still not 100%.  My lungs still need several days of healing before I feel capable of climbing back up through the Icefall to the higher camps above.

Thanks to all who have indicated confidence in my ability to make this happen and for all the thoughts and prayers that go with it.  I have to say the hardest part is waiting.  Patience has never been an attribute of mine, and what very little I have is being put to the supreme test!