Rubber Chickens, Climbing up, Skiing Down!!
Last year it was the rubber chicken carried up to the summit that made me smile. This year it is Tomas Olsson skiing down from the summit on the north side. He actually did it!
Himex put another 15 on the summit yesterday after their 12 on Sunday. That broke down to 10 clients, 2 western guides and 15 Sherpas . But their most famous member, and an incredible feat, was the summit of double amputee Mark Inglis.
Several other teams are now in a position for
north side summits with Adventure Peaks and EverestMax at the top camp.
The south teams continue to make great progress with IMG, AAI and AC will go over the next couple of days. Paul and Fi have started their move.
This is one of the most "interesting" moments of an expedition - the days and hours just before the summit bid. You feel every emotion in the book: excitement, fear, joy, sadness, and more. During the climb to the top camp you cover familiar ground - and it feels easier yet harder. You know this is the last time you will climb UP to the camp - the next time you may go right by on your way down. The top camps are new. For the vast majority of climbers they have not been there before. But if you had, then the feelings are very strong. You know this may be the last time you attempt the summit - ever.
Lying in the tent you close your eyes but check your watch every five minutes. You are horribly tired yet cannot got to sleep. Most likely you are one of three people in a two-person tent. You can hear every breath and feel every movement. But you don't care. You are going to climb Mount Everest.
Congratulations to all the summiteers thus far and safe climbing to the rest.
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