Big Hello from Us at Base Camp

Hello All!!! We’ve finally managed to get online thanks to our French friends and the services of Windhorse Trekking. Although it has been impossible to read through all of the comments in the last 40 days, we are absolutely delighted to see the number of comments and support from so many of you out there!!! I have to sincerely apologize for not having been able to put any photos online, but don’t worry we promise to make up for it once we reach civilization again. So, again thanks so much for all of your support, it’s truly a great honor to be climbing for such an excellent organization.
For the quick update: We are still back in base camp resting up for what we hope to be our final push up the mountain. I can’t say enough how much better the sleep quality is here at 17,000 ft vs. the 21,000 ft. of A.B.C. Although we are becoming annoyed with the 28 mile roundtrip walk (which I am about to do for the 4th time), it is more than worthwhile in terms of overall rejuvenation. Many of the other members of our expedition are starting to rap things up and so it is finally beginning to feel as though the expedition is coming down to the wire.
So, our plan is to leave here on the morning of the 19th, rest one day in ABC, and then move onto the upper mountain. This time we will not be exposing ourselves to the intense sun, and so intend to climb to camp 2 at approximately 26,000 ft through the night arriving in the morning for a full morning of rest. Then we will move to the high camp at 27,000 ft. for a few hours of rest, but mostly to just boil water. So with any luck we should be reaching the summit on the morning of the 22nd. However, as always our plans are extremely flexible and constantly subject to change. Katie and Rachel will be doing voice dispatches from ABC to keep you all informed during our summit bid!!
Well, that’s all for now, thanks again for all of the support, and especially to Halle, Andy, and Chris for your diligent postings.
Happy B-day Melinda!!!!