Return to Everest 2009

My last 24 hours at Everest Base Camp were a blur. After guardedly muscling my way down the Khumbu icefall for the last time, I immediately began thinking about what it would take to get back home. I knew that once I began the trek out, each step I took would finally be one step closer to home.

Keith Cowing 10:53 pm EDT: I just got a satphone call from Scott Parazynski at Everest Base Camp. The word I'd use to describe his mood is "contemplative".

Otherwise, Scott is Scott, and he just always seems to be able to find a positive way to look at things. He was cheering me up!

Scott had to halt his ascent of Everest the other day when stabbing back spasms made it impossible for him to go ahead. Had he done so, he'd said the felt that he'd have run the risk of eventually needing rescue - and placing his fellow climbers at risk as they carried him down.

IMG Leader Ang Jangbu reports that our IMG climbers reached the summit of Mt Everest at 6:55am. Congratulations to Justin (#2), Dean, Jaroslaw, Mingma Tenzing (#4), Tsewang Lendu (#2), and Passang Nuru. The weather is holding and they are starting their descent now.

IMG Leader Mark Tucker reports on the sat phone that Justin, Dean, Jaroslaw, and the Sherpas have just called down on the radio and they are on the South Summit (about 5:30am Nepal time). The weather is clear and a little breezy. They are all together and will be starting the traverse to the Hillary Step soon.

IMG Leader Mark Tucker reports on the sat phone that Justin, Dean, and Jaroslaw left the Col at 9:18pm. Climbing with them are Mingma Tenzing, Tshewang Lhendu, and Pasang Nuru. It sounds like there was some snowfall this afternoon, but now the clouds have dropped, and the wind is calm. Sounds like a nice night to go climbing!! We'll keep our fingers crossed and not expect to hear from them until they get up by the Balcony.

IMG Leader Mark Tucker reports that Chip, Vance, and Joe with their Sherpas went all the way down to C2 while Adam and Kurt elected to remain at the Col and will come down tomorrow.  Justin, Dean, and Jaroslaw are at the Col ready to start their climb this evening.  Tim, Ryan and Serge, Val & Hamill are at C3.  Rohan went back to C2.  Casey, Ari, Bob P, Scott, Bob L and Monty are down at base camp.  Dave and Nicky are at C2.