Date: 9pm, 23rd May 2007
Hi everyone,
As per the last brief post, I was finally able to speak properly with Paul around 6pm tonight.
A Long Wait
After hearing that Paul and Attila were off last night for their summit bid, Reny and I decided to bunk down in the dining tent for the night where had access to all the radios (and a heater!). We expected to be getting radio calls throughout the night – or at least as the guys reached the Balcony, South Summit and Summit. We were especially concerned as we knew the winds were probably on the border of what is considered safe to climb in.
We both slept very lightly and every time a radio so much as crackled, we’d jump up, don the boots and down jacket, and head outside to a slightly higher vantage point where we usually found good reception. Alas, we never heard a word from Paul, Attila or the Sherpas they were climbing with.
By 5am, Ptemba and Meagan were both up and around 5:45, Ptemba received the muffled call saying they were on the South Summit. We huddled around the small gas heater and drank copious amounts of tea while we waited for their summit call. Again, Ptemba received a very brief call from one of the Sherpas, saying that they were on the summit – at 6:50am. This is a great time – especially considering the conditions were less than ideal. We were all very excited and relieved for them.
We then waited. And waited – expecting Paul and Attila to get on the radio. But after an hour had passed, we had to presume they were on their way down. (Even in good conditions it would be unusual to be able to stay up there that long.) Finally, I got a call from Paul around 10:45am. I was extremely relieved to hear that he was back at Camp 4, but was quite concerned about his eyes. Speaking again around and hour later, he said that he’d decided to continue on to camp 2.
And then we again waited, and waited. I thought that normally this descent would take him around 5 hours, but at 6pm I still hadn’t heard and couldn’t contact him.
During this wait, I tried to read and chat to people but it definitely seemed like one of the longest afternoons ever. I just couldn’t (and still don’t) understand why we couldn’t make radio contact when we’d been able to on those same stretches on the way up.
Around 3pm I downloaded all the messages posted to this site. I was extremely touched by everyone’s well wishes and concern, and as I read them in my tent, I realised just how anxious I was getting to hear from Paul.
Safely Down to Camp 2
When I finally spoke with Paul just after 6pm, he said that he was fine. His eyes have gradually improved – better vision and only some mild stinging now. However, he has started some antibiotics for a chest infection which seems to have struck. (Fortunately this didn’t hit when he was up high because it could easily develop into HAPE which is very dangerous.)
His voice actually sounded a lot better than when I spoke with him at camp 4 but he said he was extremely tired (hence why I am writing this rather than him).
When I asked about the climb and the summit itself, he said that there had been several mishaps – and again, concerning oxygen (unfortunately an anniversary in more than one regard). He gave me some information about it all, but on the radio I was only catching every second word so I’m not sure that I got the correct story. Anyway, he’ll explain more later, but because of this, he only spent around 10 minutes on the summit as he was not confident that he had enough oxygen left (and knows only too well what it feels like to suddenly be without). He took a few photos, admired the spectacular views, unsuccessfully tried to radio me at base camp, and then headed down as fast as he could.
He said he was very glad to get off the high reaches of the mountain without any serious problems and could now understand why I didn’t want to do it again.
So Deserved
A few people mentioned it in their messages, but of all people, Paul so deserved this summit and I’m just so glad that he got his chance today. Since we were here a year ago, Paul has been so diligent with his training and preparations – literally leaving no stone unturned. He was definitely one of the strongest and best equipped climbers on the mountain this year. If the situation had of been reversed, I’m not sure I would have had the fortitude to do it all again.
Even still, with the best physical preparation, good health, equipment, mental preparedness, (and of course, support team!), Paul’s experience today shows that climbing Everest is something that can never be taken lightly.
Tomorrow
Paul and Attila (who is also at camp 2) intend to leave fairly early tomorrow to cross the icefall for the very last time (ever!!). They should arrive at base camp sometime before noon (will of course let you know). As you can imagine, I’m looking forward to having him back down on this side of the icefall.
As I mentioned, hopefully Paul will write more about his summit climb tomorrow.
All the best,
Fiona
PS – Thanks so much everyone for all of your messages. Way too many to mention individually but I know Paul will be smiling as he reads these tonight lying in his tent at Camp 2.
Hi Fiona,
I can understand your relief at the news they are OK, and certainly about the last time down the icefall. Am still following today as I am on night duty (as ICU nurse) and can! Is concerning about the O issues but I guess that ultimately thee success and safety will overshadow them. However for the sake of others will be good to try and understand what and why. Again congratulations to Paul and Attila, and a safe journey down to BC tomorrow. Phil M
Thanks for the recap, Fiona. I am thinking of both you and Paul – what an exciting time, but also exhausting! I am sitting tight hoping the winds are not going to delay Pat from reaching the Summit. Havent heard much lately – so am trying to be patient. I am sure Carol was watching your posting and trying to stay calm.
I wish you the best as you reunite with Paul at Base Camp
Bonnie
I won’t breath a final sigh of relief until tomorrow when they climb through the icefall for the last time but I’m mightily glad they have made it safely back to C2 and that Paul’s eye sight is improving. No one has mentioned the Sherpa who was also suffering snow blindness…hopefully he is improved as well. Thank you Fiona and Nick for keeping us updated even when there was little to pass on…..we all appreciated your efforts and felt for Fiona waiting at EBC. Safe climbing tomorrow….can’t wait to hear the details and see the photos.
Fiona
Nice to see you smiling in the picture , but as Ptemba likes to say…No Worry , Chicken Curry….No idea why i find this so funny, but I’m sure he will say it sometimes tomorrow when the boys are down safe through the icefall….not that I know what its like 🙂
Please give him Ptemba. my best wishes and again thank him for his hospitality.
BTW when is the big Party at home ?
Dear Fiona,
We met briefly at Lobuche when you and your support team were on your way up. I just wanted to offer my congratulations to Paul and indeed his and your whole team for the summit and the surrounding efforts. I am sure there will be more to come….
Warm Regards
Brett ( Aussie solja)
I have been following this endeavor since last week, when Ward Supplee, a family member of mine, reached the summit. I am not a climber, but I have such respect and awe for what you do! I have prayed for you all and enjoyed the updates tremendously (so much so that I am neglecting my work at the moment)! At any rate, congratulations to all of you. Truly, you’re most inspiring!
How exciting! How tremendous!
We pray for Paul’s complete safe return and await news of the journey.
-Cathy and clan
…and i cant wait to read his post, and later on, see a picture of him finally signing his name at the Rumdoodle… 😉
Fiona:
We are so glad that Paul is safely back at camp 2 and that you are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. What a long 24+ hours this has been for the two of you! Thank you so much for the detailed update. We are looking forward to Paul’s safe return to BC and hearing his version of the summit adventure. It definitely sounds like it was an extreme experience. We have our fingers crossed for one final trip through the Icefall!
Cheers from all of us at QECVI!
Liane
fiona.thanks for the update.may the rest of the descent be uneventful!well done to you all.cheers!!! [ken.nz]
Hi Fiona, I just still cannot believe it… :)) imagine a huge smile. thanks for your message, Nick sent me directly confirming that Attila also made it. We were sitting similary as Paul’s Mom and Dad and Nick did around the table and eagerly kept refreshing our browsers.
What an unforgettable night and day and night again… hope they can descend safely through the Icefall and tomorrow you can close Paul into your arms and celebrate together. Just a year ago you made it – Well, congratulations to you on for your first anniversary – I guess nice to be on the mountain and have an opportunity to celebrate there, this time together with Paul. Thinking you guys a lot, best
Mira
Thanks Fiona,
This has truly been another great adventure to follow day by day. Now that your journey is almost ended, our prayers go out to you and Paul for a safe return home. I don’t know how you’re going to top this one!
Best regards,
Monette, Florida, USA
I’m heading out to go camping for five days so I won’t hear the final story until Monday night, but I just wanted to say “Well done” to both Paul and Fiona. I’m hoping Pat Hickey has success as well as he is scheduled to summit tonight. (It’s killing me to have to leave before this is all over.) I will be thinking of you all. Woo hoo! Way to go, Paul!
Shanda
Wow, Fi, I can only imagine what that long day of waiting must have been like. The anxiousness and nagging fears must have been nerve-wracking, as minutes turned to hours thru the day. But, what a relief, the joy you must have felt when you finally talked to Paul from Camp 2! I am so very happy for the both of you, I don’t think I can express it in words properly. It has been a privilege to follow along vicariously last year and this, shadowing you the entire way. Your generosity and openness in allowing us along for the ride are inspiring. Thank you so much.
Last night I found myself checking into various trekking companies’ websites and the Everest Base Camp treks they offer. I want to do that trek now more than ever, thanks to you two! We’ll see where fate leads.
Here’s to a safe descent down thru the Icefall, and a joyous reunion in Base Camp — I have a hunch that first hug will be a huge one!
Blessings and prayers to you all,
Mark R
Guys, great to hear the news that Paul’s safely back at C2 and his vision’s ok. Just can’t imagine what a massive effort it took to get back there after summiting. We were really relieved to see this news when Chris pulled the laptop out from under the bed in the middle of the night where it’s been living the last couple of nights to check on updates!
Fiona, I was wondering yesterday which 23 May you found the hardest – summiting yourself or being at BC while Paul does … I think your post nearly answers it! Well done on getting through a tough day.
Paul, looking forward to hearing that you’re back at BC soon. The HUGEST of congrats to you and also to Lhakpa and Atilla. Bridge & Chris
Greetings Pal and Fiona,
So glad to hear Paul is at Camp 2 and the eyes are better and sorry about the cough. I followed your climbing last year and am happy that you’ve made the summit and down safely this year. One more trip through the icefall and we’ll all be breathing sighs of relief. Thoughts and prayers for good health and safety as always.
Jean
Thanks for your post Fi – I can only begin to imagine how awful the wait was yesterday. I would have been a wreck!
We are so glad that Paul has achieved his dream. It’s such a shame that it wasn’t as smooth sailing as hoped (and as he deserved) but no doubt all of his hard work and commitment made all the difference given the challenges thrown up on the way. Even though you couldn’t talk to him, I’m sure your support was invaluable.
We feel so privileged to have shared this journey (and last year’s) with you guys and can’t wait to see you on our return. We are actually relocating to Zurich from September so we will have to make sure we catch up before then.
With much love
Maddi and DP
Hey Paul and Fiona,
thanks for the regular updates on the journey. It has been very exciting reading over here in Argentina.
Paul, CONGRATULATIONS and may your journey back to base camp be uneventful and safe.
Take it easy guys,
Tuck and Kath Desmyth
Hi Paul
Fantasic news about your summit and safe return to camp 2. Must feel amazing and ensure you take the time to enjoy this gift from the universe.
Aaron and Megumi
Just a heck of a job Paul. Congratulations. So when do you start preparing for next year? ; )
Hi Paul
Well done – it must be an amazing feeling. Take time to savor this gift from the universe…
Aaron and Megumi
Hi guys – so thrilled for Paul and this achievement. So relieved for you both the waiting game is near over. Enjoy your reunion this afternoon and plenty of Michelin-Man cuddles! Lots of love – can’t wait to have you home. Dave & Janet.
Great news Fiz – thanks. Looking forward to reading his post today/tonight. So glad about his eyes. Come home safe now please.
Hi Fiona, Paul, Attila and Nick
I wasn’t sure if I should title this message “last trip through the Icefall” or “longest night and day”. I had a similar experience with my brother in ’05. On summit day, there were radio problems (north side) and we did not hear a word for approx. 36 hours!! He had spent an extra night at C-3 (8300m) before summiting due to very high winds and the winds had not died down much on summit day. It was a long 36!
Hopefully as you read this Paul and Attila, you will be safe and sound at BC. Paul, I am sure you are very grateful that the chest infection did not start high up on the mountain. Also, I am so relieved that your eyes are better. Looking forward to a TR and pix.
Fiona, thanks so much for your diligence in keeping all of us updated as soon as you got word…I was thinking about you also. And I have to thank Nick for all he has done to bring Paul’s expedition to the world.
The best,
MC
Thank god we can now all breath again, so relieved to hear that Pauls eyes seem to be improving, as you say Fiona he has worked so hard for this not only the past year but for 2 – 3 years, but also he could not have done this without your support and help, so again congratulations to you Paul now you deserve a good long holiday and also to you Fiona well done Marlene and Ray Trenerry
Congratulations Paul on such an amazing effort and congratulations to you Fiona for being able to wait it out at BaseCamp with no communication from Paul. It must have been really harrowing for you.
I gather from your remarks that you may share my opinion that Duncan Chessell is some sort of lunatic!! Why would anyone do it TWICE!
Mind you, I don’t even cope with a Melbourne winter so the thought of trudging through all that ice and snow (let alone actually climbing) leaves me cold (pun intended!)
We will be looking forward to hearing more details of the climb when Paul returns to base Camp. I hope his eyes heal quickly and that you have a safe and leisurely trek back.
best wishes
Jan and John Laing
Hi Fiona and Paul,
We are so happy that Paul and his team mate have reached the summit! But out of it all we are relieved that Paul is healthy and feeling good, we hope the eyes keep getting better as he lowers to Camp 2!
Congrats!
Ann and Graham
Hi Paul and Fiona,
Fi, thanks for the update. It is so great to hear that paul is almost back. It is so hard waiting to hear things and not quite knowing what is going on. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you at base camp – knowing the likely timeframes and not having heard from paul. Anyway, it seems like he is doing amazingly well (no real suprise there!!) and will be back with you soon. We had dinner at mum and john’s last night – mum, john, lou, chris, mama and me. Even mama wanted to see the photos on the website and hear all the news – now that she knows Paul is safe she wanted to hear all about it!! We can’t wait for Paul to be back home and look forward to hearing all about it!!
congratulations paul, love meals and danny
PS I have had lots of calls from people who heard the news on channel 9 news – the media are loving it!
pps Mum and john got heaps of calls and texts when we were at their place for dinner – apparently the rule about not answering your phone or taking texts at the dinner table doesn’t apply when someone has summited!!!
Susie Dwyer (Belinda Dwyer’s mum) asked me to pass on her congratulations to you Paul. She sent me an email saying she had heard the news on the 774.
meals
Paul, Fi, Attila, Nick and team,
Great to hear that Paul and Attila are back safely at camp 2 and I can’t wait to hear all the details of the events that have transpired. What an anxious 24 hours – Fi I don’t know how you were able to sleep at all!!
To Paul – all of the hard work, preparation and dedication to this amazing goal has paid off. You’ve achieved ‘your everest’ and you are truly inspiring
To the rest of the team – congratulations and well done… without your loving and support this would nearly be impossible.
Safe travels thru the icefall one last time. Congratulations to all. Jordan
hey mate i hope you had a good time was it fun was it cold what did you eat. some day i would like to meet you from Taran berwick secondary college.
PS do you wish you had a snow mobile and could you ski down the mountain
Hi Paul & Fi,
I have also had many congratulations from people having seen you on the news and on the radio. I was talking to Dad yesterday and he asked me to pass on their congratulations as well. And as Meals mentioned Mama is also very excited, and she is even using the correct terminology – even using the word summit! She seems to understand the whole concept (well most of it anyway) and I’m sure she’ll be informing all the other residents of your accomplishments.
Here’s hoping the rest of the climb down is successful and safe for you and that you and Fiona can finally be reunited again once you are through that dreaded icefall.
Looking forward to seeing you both once you’re back home.
Love Lou & Chris xx
Sara (Maggie Island)
I am so pleased for you Paul and also so proud. You really did deserve this! Celebrations all round!
Well done Paul!! Your triumph has inspired us to try new things.
From Vedat
Well done Paul im so glad to hear that you’ve made it to the top you must be so happy with your self.
P.S i saw you on the news last night
Rob
Well Done on your climb i saw you on the newz i think its pretty cool for some one to climb to the top of mount everest. What is your next challenge?!
From Mark
I was very happy to hear yesterday night on the news that you have completed yoru climb of everest. We look up your website every class and you have enspired our class to aim for new hights. Thank you and good luck. Jarrod
You have no idea how much your own description of the last 24 hours has helped us all! Thank you and my heart goes to you for your own anguish and finally relief to have connected again with Paul. Mt. Everest IS a dangerous place.
jeannette genton
vancouver island
Paul
sincere congrats mate
i knew that your determination would get you through
look forward to seeing you back in melbourne – have a safe trip down
best wishes to you, Fi and Margaret
Daryl
What an ending!!!! I shed a couple of tears with happiness, relief and pride hearing that he’d made it. Thanks Fiona for the update and insight into Paul’s climb. And I agree with you…Paul DID deserve this. He slogged out all of his training for this year’s attempt solo and remained so focussed throughout. I felt sick when I first heard about the snow blindness (also because I knew nothing about it), and I’m so relieved for him that it seems to be resolving. Looking forward to having you guys back at sea level. Love, Jacqueline x
Paul – Way to go to you on a successful summi bid. I am truly impressed with your preparation and perseverance; you are a true mountaineer. You and Fiona should continue in this sport as role-models for how to ‘do it right.’ I hope your infection clears quickly and that your eyes are OK; I missed that there’d been a problem there, and I am sorry. I will continue to follow you on your journey as long as you continue to write and maintain this excellent site. Safe travels down and out – might you ever climb in the Himalayas again, now that you have tackled Everest?
(Before I end my post, I do have a question for you. I don’t want to overshadow your triumph here, as that is what is most important now. But I was wondering a few weeks ago and never got around to posting: how does climbing in such high altitude affect high blood pressure, if at all? I just wonder, as this is a pretty common condition. I know you have done extensive consideration of materials and equipment and general health awareness, so I was wondering if you knew anything about this aspect of high altitude climbing. Thanks! And again, congrats!)
Jo, WI, USA
Fiona,
Tell Paul congratulations. I was so happy to hear he made the summit. My guess is he is on his way back to BC as I write this message at 9 pm here in the states.
I enjoyed meeting you two last year. I am glad Paul decided to go back for another try at the summit.
I was on Everest in the spring 05 and 06. I miss the adventure of being there but it has been nice to see all the flowers blooming this spring and I sure enjoy tele skiing in our mountains this time of year.
I’ve been following you and thinking of Paul as he was on his summit push. Congratulations. You guys are the best.
Julie Smith – Olympia WA, USA
ps- please say hi to Lhakpa for me.
Hey Paul,
I’ve been following your adventure and am truly happy for you! I hope I see you out on the bike in the next few months so I can hear all about it.
Take care getting back home.
Cheers,
Wade
Hi Paul and Fi,
Yeah! so good to hear that you’re on your way back to base camp. Here in Melbourne, we have been on the edge of our seats since Monday … not much got done at work on Wednesday morning as we waited for news. We are so proud of you – such a gutsy effort by you both. lol jane and Michael
Awesome stuff Paul! Congratulations thoroughly deserved. It’s been fantastic following your journey, well done on the website to you and your team. Congratulations to Atilla, Pat and Meagan too, you are all inspirational. I guess Fiona gets to truly celebrate her summit last year now too. Enjoy!
Craig W.A.