Location: Camp 2
Altitude: 6425m
Local Time: 16:30, May 20
Weather: Clear in the morning, snow in the afternoon, fine in the evening, -11C
Hi Everyone it’s Paul here.
Last night we waited up till 11:30pm (a late night for us) to get the latest weather report. The news was good. The winds are predicted to decrease over the next 5 days and there is expected to be less snow.
New Plans
We will wait up for the forecast tonight and assuming that there is no dramatic shift, we will leave for C3 tomorrow morning. The next day we plan to go to C4 and that night, head for the summit. A few other teams are leaving tomorrow as well so that’s a good sign too.
Getting Organised
Today we re-checked gear and packed our bags. We also cut up a bamboo wand and made some sharp sticks for clearing ice from the oxygen mask. Some people returning from up high have said that this would have been very helpful if they had it on their summit climb.
Hopefully coming to you from C3 tomorrow,
Paul.
This is wonderful news!!
Brilliant idea to use a stick – imagine something so low tech making life so much easier during a climb!? I am surprised one on the many climbing gear companies have not produced a devise of this kind – maybe something you could ‘invent’ upon your return! You could make a mint off it! 😉 I know i could have used something on several of my climbs.
Wishing you the best of luck over the next few days.
Climb on!
Liz
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Hi, maybe the delay has been a bonus … you get immediate, relevant, and inexpensive hints! Checking the inbox each day in awe. Best wishes.
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Good luck to you both! I’m sure you’re both keen to get on with it. Can’t wait see you both soon.
All my love, Lea Lea xoxo
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
I was wondering how many days of supplied do you still have with you? Can the teams coming down the mountain resupply with their excess? Good luck in the coming days. Keep up the patience.
Tim.
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Hi Fiona & Paul
Your photographs are so beautiful! Suck it all in guys as when your back, Im sure you’ll say, how did we get back here so soon. I wrote to you yesterday re my family in law, it takes them 3 walking days to base came in Tibet, so hearing your update enlightens me with the mountains. Hey did you try a khumbu potato pancake, I still crave for it here, whilst your there can you get a recipe??? Plus the sauce they put on it!!!step safely,
Rebecca & Sonam Topgyal
Mount Martha Victoria Australia
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Please pass on to Dennis that we are all praying for good weather and an easy summit attempt. We love him and can’t wait to hear that he has accomplished his goal. Love, Kathy
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Is someone putting wands periodically along the trail in case the snow gets so deep the trail is lost, maybe especially in the Western Cwm? Are avalanches a bigger concern now that it has snowed more?
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Hi Paul and Fiona, We are all on tenderhooks here;hooray, so glad the weather update is positive..you are both fantastic,more warm wishes from Jennie and Geoff D
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May the Gods be with you! Waiting anxiously to hear about the summit. My love to Dennis. June
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Hullo Mare, gosh Mary, just logging on makes me cold, let’s go to the tropics next time! Such fun reading your updates, nearly as good as coffee at The Deck! Johnny popped in yesterday to give me a computer lesson, he looks great and his exercise program has stayed right on track; you lot are making us all feel guilty! Thinking of you with good weather at last.. love Jen xx
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Paul, Fiona and Dennis – Great news on the weather. Stay safe and know that we are all praying for you. I’m sure the pictures you take will be awe-inspiring and we can’t wait to see them. God speed, rest well and have a safe climb. Jeff & Laura
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Hi Fiona & Paul,
Great news about the weather! All the best for you both when you choose to make your attempt. Am still holding on tight in your back packs. Will wait with baited breath.
Good luck and God speed and keep you all safe!
Phil M
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Hi Paul & Fi,
I’ve been following you guys every day since the beginning of March and i am wishing you the very best of luck over the next few days, although i don’t think you’ll need it! You both sound primed and ready to take advantage of the upcoming window. Everest is in my sights for next year so hopefully i’ll be able to get some tips from you down the track! Climb strong 🙂
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Paul and Fiona, as you know I am not what you would call a spiritual person, but if I can feel the energy, excitement and anticipation in the messages from all the people willing you on, it must just be inspirational for you.
So as you sit it out in the cold and wet, struggle in the snow, or cling to the rock face, remember you have this growing world wide community that think about you many times every day, all wishing you safely to your goal.Take care, love Dad A.
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YOU GO GUYS! SO glad to hear that it looks like the weather will cooperate. I was worried about you both yesterday! It’s amazing how many people have and are summiting! Best of luck and take CARE!
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Paul & Fiona:
As you read this we will all be hoping that you are settled in at C3,preparing for your experience at C4 and, ultimately, THE SUMMIT! To both of you, plus Dennis, Mingma, Dasona and Phinjo …… you continue to make us proud! Den, you are the wind beneath my wings! Ya know I love ya!
Climb safe, climb strong.
Tam
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Oh, my goodness!! Your ultimate climb may be near. Again we wish you safe climbimg and descending. Our fingers are crossed for a safe journey. Thank you so much for taking us along with you. You have countless angels willing you onwards and upwards. Safe climbing–Valerie & Rummy
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Great news about the weather, I wish you the best of luck and I wish I could be there. Good luck to your both! I can’t wait to hear about your summit attempt. I’m sure you’ll make it.
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Paul and Fiona,
Best of luck. Following the expedition and wish you a safe climb. Good luck to all.
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Hello Paul and Fiona
Great MacGyver move, cutting up a bambooo wand and making sharp sticks for clearing ice from your oxygen masks. Very ingenuitive of you! Echoing Tam, “climb safe, climb strong”. MC
Quote
As you climb higher and higher on the mountain, each and every step becomes more valuable, each and every breath becomes more cherished. Always live your life as if you were up high on the mountain. mc
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
Way to go you 2! Great weather and a wonderous conclusion to your dream about to unfold. Enjoy!
Good luck to all.
>Phil
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Hi paul and fi
good to here from you hope you make it to the summit i’m going rock climbing today
bye for now
paige and tahlia
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Hi Fiona,Paul,Dennis and all from the Florida Keys,
We wish you a Godly experience on your quest for the summit of MT. Everest, which seems to be imminent.
May the Light shine on all of you throughout the remainder of your journey.
Hugs with Love,
Larry and Marianne Benvenuti
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Paul and Fiona, Go, Go, Go, God Luck and safe return. Ron Bendigo Australia
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Dear Fiona and Paul, I have been following your progress from Eumundi (near Noosa in Queensland) with great interest. The build-up to reaching the summit is exciting for me; can’t imagine your anticipation. Just keep safe; carpe diem! Regards, Sam.PS Fi, I worked with your dad @ Melb Uni.
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Hi Guys,
Great to hear that the weather has improved, wishing you all the best of luck on your way to the summit, I have enjoyed reading your updates and following your progress. Stay safe
Regards, Jono – Tanya’s husband
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Hi Mary,
You need to be impressed by John sending me a birthday email- how organised can you be….
By the way its about 24degrees here in sunny Brisbane today, glorious day. Best of luck with the weather there and have a a great journey Paul and Fi.
Love Lee and Ralph
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Ready, steady, go! Wishing you a safe journey to the top of the world. Love from Ron and Anne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Paul, Fiona and Dennis et al,
We lit a candle for you tonight at church. St. Anthony helps one find things. We pray and hope that you achieve your dream. The Summit, the top of the World! We have asked our angels to look out for you all. We are surrounding you with white light and energy. It will be our greatest honor and privilege to journey to Australia to meet you, Fiona and Paul. We already have friends in Brisbane so we will have another reason to travel to your continent. We look forward to meeting you when we join Dennis and Tam on their quest to conquer Mt Kosciusko (SP?) in Australia. God bless you all and keep you safe. We will celebrate your success when we meet at Den’s Dong next Friday, May 26. When Den comes back, after a proper interlude with Tam, Larry is planning a world tour of beers to celebrate Den’s return.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all………Larry and Marianne Benvenuti
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Paul & Fiona.
Thanks for your good wishes, feeling good since spending day with John Adler.
Canterbury Primary keenly awaiting summit.
Good luck Tony Julie and James
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Paul and Fi,
Kyna told me about your site and I’ve been following since you left. Wishing you a safe journey to (and from!) the summit – the final leg of an awe-inspiring adventure!!
Cam.
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hi guys I am wishing you a good trip and please reply i want to see how you are going good luke.
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Dear Fiona and Paul,
Images like “The Lhotse Face at Sunset” will surely inspire and energize you all the way to the top. (And will inspire others to be as strong and dedicated as you.)
With continued best wishes,
Dena Lasater
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We are thinking of you all the time and our hopes are that you will both make the summit while staying fit and healthy. Last night we went to your place (with Robyn) and had a beautiful dinner put on by Beck and John – chatted over some reds too. Zoe & Zac are back at home now after their visit here and an interlude at Blairgowrie – Zac really loved chasing the possums at night!! We miss you very much but we want you to fulfill your dream. Take great care – both up & down!! All our love Mum & Dad xx
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Dear Fi and Paul
Your world wide fan club is with you every step of the way! Wishing you fair skies, a gentle (or no!) breeze and a sure-footed climb to the top of the world!
Love and best wishes, jan
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Hi Fi and Paul,
We have enjoyed your day by day reports, stunning photos and live broadcasts during your climb to “the top”. What an inspiration you have been to future climbers all over the world. I feel joyful about your future, so keep up your dreams, hold on to your faith, stay confident and secure. Have a great journey! Best regards, Monette Roberto
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