Piers, Party, Packing    25 May 2005
The collective mood took an abrupt turn for the better this morning -- a long-range forecast hinted at a weather window towards the end of May.

You couldn't see members for glacial dust a

Vegas baby    24 May 2005
The day kicked off with a meeting dubbed 'Meteorology 101'. Now members can analyse the various complicated and thus far summit-unfriendly weather reports that dictate our movement on the moun

Waiting continues    22 May 2005
The waiting game continues....
Today's meeting among team leaders illustrated one thing, no one has any idea what to expect next. The forecasted winds for this side remain high, and yet, the n

Let the monsoon begin....please    21 May 2005
Today has been a big day at base camp for members and guides alike. As the traditional climbing season for Everest moves into its final weeks with limited success, we discussed our summit day strategy

Base Camp Deliberations and Booze    20 May 2005
While waiting at BC for summit attempt one is constantly on weather watch and assessing the progress of other teams. How strong are the winds aloft? Is the forecast accurate? Has today's forecast

Reuniting at Base Camp    19 May 2005
Today Piers and Phil returned to BC from their down valley sojourn in Pangboche. Piers has become a great advocate of the 'drop back': relatively thick air; sun soaked grass meadows to lie in;

Telegram from Mongo    18 May 2005
Rest day BC, no new news on weather or changing scheduling. Downvalley members are on their way back to BC as early as tomorrow. They have left me in charge of dispatches while they are gone or busy.

Viva Basecamp Vegas    17 May 2005
Rest days....hydrating, eating...and...gambling?! That's right, an ancient game from Tibet called Sho. This game involves dice, coins, and actual seashells as part of the traditional game that tra