6 a.m. Moving up the Mountain!
Paul and Fiona have asked me to let you know in real time what is happening.
Weather Forecast
Although the weather forecast normally comes in by 11.30 ish pm, last night’s didn’t come in until nearly 1 a.m!. When it finally came, it talked of mid to high level winds-approx 20-40- knots for Everest. It also said they were not expecting any major snow, just light snow ( me…a good thing). There would be a few clouds but not a lot. While the weather forecast was coming in I could hear a dog barking in the distance. This is the first time I have heard it since I have been here-maybe it was Mallory wishing them “good luck”!
Leaving Camp 3
Paul and Fiona checked in this morning at 6 a.m. and said they were just leaving Camp 3 on their way to the South Col (Camp 4) They have their two wonderful Sherpas, Dasona and Mingma with them. The weather here at Base Camp is cold but beautiful. We had a light dusting of snow last night which softens the harsh look of the rocks on which Base Camp is “built” – rocks on top of a glacier-the only flat areas are where the Sherpas have piled the rocks up so the tents, both sleeping and communication, storage,cooking and dining can be erected!
The sun is just beginning to rise over the mountains around here (you cannot see Everest from Base Camp) and it has the feel of a very special day.
Updates
I will continue to do regular updates over the next 24 hours or so as I receive them from Paul and Fiona. (and yes Damien, I am using the little stylus-no fancy keyboard for me!!!) They hope to reach Camp 4 by lunchtime, rest and then if everything is going well, go for the Summit later tonight.
Happy Birthday
My big sister Sue- Happy Birthday. Just as well we had your party last year or I wouldn’t have been able to make it!
“Stay tuned” to your computers – I will let you know how things are going as I hear.
Cheers, Mary
Mary, Thankyou for keeping us all up to date. It has been an amazing journey so far and it feels pretty special to be able to follow Paul and Fiona all the way to the top. Liz
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Mary, now you rock too!
Thank you for the timely update, I’ll be checking the ‘puter regularly for more. Knowing that Fi & Paul are on the move to the South Col, right now and in real time as I type this….wow, it gives me chills. Sending all my prayers towards the Yellow Band and the Geneva Spur and the South Col…..
Go Fi & Paul! Go, go, go!
Blessings,
Mark R
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Thank you, Mary!
Well…this is it! Let the weather gods smile down on Sagarmatha and all her climbers as they make their way to the absolute top of the world. I am assuming that Dennis is with Paul and Fiona. Wishing them and their Sherpas a safe and eventful journey!
MC
p.s. I am sure it was Mallory in the background wishing them success!!!
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Hi Mare, just to let you know you have half the planet waiting on your next few emails – but don’t feel pressured.
Take care.Johanna and Leo
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Hi Mary
I am Jacci’s mum, Barb. Thank you so much for your update on Paul and Fi’s progress today…we are all on tenterhooks waiting and wondering how things are going and it was great to get a “real time” report. It is just awesome that you are there giving them so much support – I admire your effort tremendously and the fact that you are there giving them so much support. Can’t wait to get the next update – take good care of yourself.
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Hi BC Mom, Great news, and your doing a great job. I will call The States late tonight,so it is first thing on Monday morning over there to get extra money put into the sat. phone account. If I deal with a computer it takes longer, better to wait until someone is in the shop and it can be validated immediately. Apart from many calls from your friends all in as normal as could be expected under the circumstances.The Herald Sun did a nice story on them in this mornings paper,Take care Mare,love John
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Hi Mary,
Thanks for the update. We just hope all goes as well as possible for them. Let’s hope the weather holds up for the next 2-3 days, and that the forecast winds have been exaggerated at 20 – 40 knots. We’ll be continuously watching for any further news.
Love, Mum & Dad H
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BC Mom:
A huge thank you for the updates regarding our loved ones! Over the next few days I will be watching and waiting faithfully for any news you have to offer.
With heavy anticipation………..
Tam
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Hi Mary, it’s great you are there keeping us up-to-date and also to welcome the climbers back down, as it seems returning from the summit is almost more difficult than the last of the climb up. Is this the first summit for Dasona and Mingma? I was wondering with Fiona’s description of the 10 step/breath pattern and many ‘puffing’ stops – does this apply to the Sherpas or are they so acclimatised that they just walk up without much effort? And the Sherpas are rarely in the climbing photos, so are they actually close to Paul and Fiona or do they come up behind or go on ahead? Any way – fingers crossed and all the best from Dave and I for the last burst of uphill – as I said in an earlier post, I can already see them waving to us from the top. Love and hugs – Rosemary & Dave
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Thank you BC Mom for the update. All of us down here near the equator have candles burning for Paul, Fiona and Dennis. We’ve got the approximate times for climb and summit bid translated to our time, and incense, candles and prayers are set to go. Paul, Fiona and Dennis….climb strong, climb safe and reach the top of the world…we are all with you in heart and spirit! We’ll be glued to your website…thank you Mary!
Jim, Jane, Alex, Pete, Meade, Franc, Sue, Amado, Joe, et al from Bonaire
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Thanks for the update Mary.
All the Desmyth and Oma, wish Paul and Fiona a safe climb. We are watching the web site daily for updates.
All the Best,
Roger, Carol, Oma, Michael And Danny.
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To Fiona and Paul – from all your friends and colleagues at Melbourne Business School: Very best wishes and good luck today as you reach the top of the world! We are all following your adventure daily and are amazed by your skill, determination, commitment and ability. Bravo and best wishes…and we are looking forward to seeing you back here in Melbourne to celebrate your success…and to hear all about it in person.
With best regards…and admiration…
John Seybolt
Dean, Melbourne Business School
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Dear BC Mom. Along with the rest of the world I sincerely thank you and appreciate your dedication to Paul and Fiona’s successful climb. You are a real trooper and we enjoy your reports. Now we will be checking the computer everytime we walk past it. We can’t wait for more news!! We are sitting on the edge of our seats, sending nothing but positive thoughts to the entire climbing team. Stay safe and strong, both physically and mentally.
Safe journey to the top—Valerie & Rummy
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The excitement is becoming unbearable! P & F, wish you all the best luck with the weather. Be smart and get back down safely.
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As I read each report from you guys and then read on through all the supportive messages it seems as if one large heart is beating as we are all on the edge of our seats, tuned into the excitement and watching for each update. A superb achievement so far, may all the followers of your journey be the wind beneath your wings as you conquer the awesome challenge ahead. Best wishes and love Dee
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Hi Paul and Fiona,
Dave and Stephanie from Minnesota here again, even though we don’t know you personally, we feel like we do!! We wake up every morning excited to read these updates! Mary—defintely keep sending them as much as you can!! We can’t believe your at Camp 4 already! GO!!! You guys have come SO far and endured SO much there is no doubt you can do it!!! Gosh we are so excited for you!!!! Fiona–I read an Australian paper that you are only the 3rd woman from Australia to do this—you should be so proud!!!
Go guys—everyone’s with you 100%!!!! Dave and Stephanie.
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