Camp 3

Bart arrived at Camp 3.  He sounded good, although he has a little sore throat and, of course, was exhausted.  They started hearing reports from their Hybrid and Classic 2 groups of those who had summited.  I was excited to hear that Mike and Emily, two of our guides from last year, had made it.  I am so happy for them!  Some in the group were turned around at the South Summit, because they didn’t have enough oxygen left to get them to the top.  The reason for this is usually because they were too slow.  My heart goes out to them.  IMG provides the climbers with the amount of oxygen that should get them to the summit.  If you want to have an extra tank it will cost you $6,000.  The tanks weigh about 16 pounds each. The Sherpa have to haul all of these tanks for all of the climbers up to Camp 3, so you can imagine what an effort it takes.  Bart did purchase an extra tank as a safeguard.  I won’t hear from Bart again until he arrives at the South Col (Camp 4), which will be at about midnight (our time).

Bart: Though I had very little energy leaving Camp 2, I knew if I would will myself the hour and a half to the base of the Lhotse face, I would find a way to get to Camp 3.  Once there it was “game on” again, and I made my way slowly but steadily upwards with a renewed excitement for the summit push.  However, I arrived at camp totally exhausted and was so light-headed I was on the verge of passing out.  I was soon in my tent and on oxygen and began to feel much better, especially after eating something.  Johnny made sure I had a tent to myself, setting me up for the summit attempt, which I really appreciated.  He was feeling poorly himself, but wanted to make it up to me after our prior experience there.

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