Camp 1 is a long climb from Basecamp and it is steep as I have previously noted. Our strongest climbers have made the one-way trip in about 3 - 4 hours gaining 800m or 2600'. C1 is perched on a rock stubble and it is very hard to find a spot to pitch the tents. It takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to climb to C2. I am taking a rest day for acclimatization and rest purposes today. I continue to feel extremely fatigued and have a fairly strong headache today. The other climbers are doing about the same or better with some very impressive exceptions who are making the 8000m mountain look "easy". But one thing we all share is the incredible views of the glaciers, K2, Metier Peak and more. The weather continues to be unbelievable. Perfectly clear days (almost too hot) to cold nights that justify the heavy sleeping bags. Occasionally we experience some strong wind gusts and snow squalls but nothing organized or sustained. Last night 10 of us at C1 prepared our dinners and turned in about 6:00 PM! I enjoyed my homemade meal of couscous and chicken. The best part was taking only a few minutes to melt enough snow. Each climber has to melt three to six liters of water for their own use and it takes about 15 minutes per liter at this altitude on our gas stoves. So lots of time is taken up staring at water and you know what they say about staring at boiling water? Tomorrow to C2 for me or another day here if I don't feel better. Climb on! Alan