Location: Everest Base Camp
Altitude: 5350m
Local Time: 17:00, May 16
Weather: Warm in the morning, but cold and snowing in the afternoon. min -2C
Hi Everyone, It’s Paul here.
This morning Fiona and I checked the weather and the spell of low winds looks set to continue into next week, so we decided to continue with our plan of leaving for our run up to the summit tomorrow.
Weather
The weather forecast looks great, although they say that after May 21 the winds will start increasing. It also says that they think that the jetstream winds are unlikely to return to the Everest region this climbing season, which is great news. Our tentative summit date would be May 21, leaving the South Col (C4) on the night of May 20.
The Plan
Tomorrow we plan to go to C2 in one long stint, and then the next day rest, and rehydrate. This will be the last time we have liquid water on hand, after C2 we will have to melt snow. The following day, May 19, we will climb to C3, then the next day C4. That night we will leave for the summit. This is all highly weather dependant, and as we have plenty of time left, we are not in a hurry and will wait for good weather if need be.
Packing and getting ready
We packed up our food today for camp 3 and camp 4. One night’s food for C3 and two for C4 (in case we have to wait out some bad weather for a summit attempt).
Most of our summit clothes are at C2, but we are bringing up some more chemical warmers, socks and spare gloves. All the batteries of our boot warmers are charged, as are our camera batteries. We are taking lithium batteries for our head torches, as these work better in the cold. At $20 for four AA batteries they are expensive. Both Fiona and I had showers and I had a shave. This is very important for ensuring that the oxygen mask makes a good seal around your face.
Our Sherpas are back
Dasona and Mingma are back from visiting their families in Pangboche and Phortse. They said everything was well at home.
Mary
Mary has been issued with a radio so that she can keep track of our progress. She is settling in well at base camp. Tomorrow we are getting up at about 3:00am, with breakfast at 4:00am and aiming for a 4:30am sharp departure. Mary says she wants to get up with us and walk to the crampon point in the icefall (where we put on our crampons)!
Your Messages
Thanks to everyone who is putting their state and country after their name.
Hello Rita, We have the choice of individual tents, or a shared tent and then a gear tent. Its pretty quiet at night, but everyone is very considerate and there has never been a problem with noise. Up higher in the mountain most people share a tent.
Hi Steve, No we didn’t do much research on cameras before we left. Most of the pictures on the site have been taken with a Canon S80 camera. Happy with it so far. As far a non climbing items we are taking to the summit, we are taking Gu, some sponsors flags and that’s about it.
Hi Alan Arnette, Thanks for your message of support. I hope things are going well for your Broad Peak and K2 climb this year.
Hi MC, We think we are right on schedule too! We feel really strong & healthy at the moment.
Hi Tam, Always great to get your messages. Passed on.
Dear Barb, No response to the wedding invitation??
Paul and Fiona
Accept with pleasure,
the kind invitation of
Barbara and Frank Johnston
to the wedding of
their daughter, Jacqueline
and Luke Jones
to be held at
Potter’s Cottage, Warrandyte
on
Friday, 30th June 2006
(Hope that’s sufficient!)
Jo, Mary is my stepmother and she has come all the way from Australia to support Fiona and I in the crux of the expedition.
Hi Raz, Great to hear everything went well on the Kokoda Trail. Well Done!
Hi John (The Vet), Thanks for your message. Good Question. Camp 3 is where it is because its too far for us to go from C2 to C4 in one day. We could do it, but then we’d be too tired to go further, and as C4 is in the death zone at 8000m, it’s impossible to recover. It’s very difficult erecting C3 tents, and it’s prone to avalanches, so we would all rather it wasn’t needed. Unfortunately there is no other option.
Hi Vic, Great to hear from you and say Hi to Gay and the kids.
Hello Tanya. Fiona read your email, but in the message we saw it didn’t have your maiden name and Fiona was unsure who you are! Maybe she was having a high altitude moment! Sorry.
That’s all for now,
Paul.
PS. Only two more trips through the icefall!
Dear Fiona and Paul,
I have keenly read your climbing updates every day so far. In my opinion you two seem to have thought through every decision very carefully and always seem to be very thorough in your preparation towards the execution of your dream. If anyone deserves to get there in the next few days it is you two. I really am very impressed with the way that you have gone about preparing yourselves both in Australia and at Nepal. If you do not make it (and I am sure that you both will) there need not be any selfdoubting as you have done everything humanly possible to stand on the summit. All the very best especially for the next few days and you will certainly both be in my thoughts in this time.
God Bless, All the best
Anne
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Once you are above C2 and needing to heat snow for water, what will you do for water & hydration while climbing, as far as keeping the liquids from freezing, especially on summit day? I assume the two sherpas that are with you will go to summit also, correct? What about the rest of the IMG crew? Take care and thanks again for your hard work.
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Paul & Fiona-
Best of luck to both of you both, Dasona, and Mingma. As you now know, you are in good hands.
One question; what time do you plan to leave the South Col?
Keep your camera handy (and warm) on summit day as you’ll treasure the “up high” shots the most. Also, try to take a movie clip from the summit (I believe the S80 has that capability). Perhaps the Hillary Step also if you have a chance (hope you do not encounter a queue there).
Climb safe & enjoy!
Joseph Acero
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Hi guys,
really enjoying following your progress, good luck with the final assault. Hope to see you both back racing your bikes soon – no doubt the altitude training will have some other benefits!
Mal Sawford, CCCC
Vic, Aus
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Be well my Friends – wishing you a safe climb, and safe return. May Chomolungma allow you both to stand on her summit. I am with you in spirit.
Namaste
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Paul & Fiona
I have followed your journey with great excitement and envy. My dream was to summit Mt Everest. I am looking forward to your success: go for it!
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Paul & Fiona,
My husband & I have been keeping track of the IMG Everest Expedition through IMG’s web site along with Dave Hahn’s Great Outdoors web site. We just stumbled upon your site 2 days ago & have been sucked in! We wanted to keep track of Tuck since we (along with 8 other Minnesotans) climbed Kili this past January with him. It was our first high altitude climb/trek and we are hooked! Nothing like that feeling of standing on top of a mountain. We may not be quite as serious as you both are, but the more we read about your adventure & all the other seemingly endless awesome treks around the world, the more we want to do. As countless others have said, thanks so much for sharing your adventure & dreams with us. It is truly amazing the technology available to be able to have up to date information regarding your trip. Also, could you please say hello to Tuck from Curtis & Lori J. & tell him we hear the lady bugs like the altitude! Best of luck, travel safe, and enjoy attaining your dream! We look forward to “hearing” all about it. Lori J.
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Good luck guys and don’t relax on the way down. Hope the weather hold for you.
Cas
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Great to hear your voice, and pleased to hear that you are going up with all your communications gear to continue your daily reports. How would the 1000’s of daily readers get along without our “fix”.!!! Good luck, good climbing and lots of love, Dad XXX
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Hey you two!
Really wanted to wish you both the best of luck, karma, fortune and anything else positive for the upcoming days. We’re all anxious but know that you’ve done so well over the past 10 months. Keep your brains switched on and go for it. With love always, Jacqueline.
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Good luck as you climb onwards & upwards. No matter how high you get to you have achieved so much on this trip and we are all so proud of you both. It was wonderful to speak to you on the weekend & we look forward to our next chat – you don’t seem very far away when we can talk so easily & clearly. Even though the climb will be difficult try to enjoy it as well. We all love you and wish you all the best as you reach for your goal. Love always Mum & Dad xx
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Hi Guys,
We are sooo excited for you! Best of luck with the last bit of your adventure!!! Cant wait to read the updates as you go! Keep safe & hope all goes well. We are always thinking of you.
Fi & Mark. xo
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Paul & Fiona;
May you have the best of the weather and the best climbing conditions we are thinking of you both.
Hi Mary don’t get to enthusiastic and go with them,
Love Judy and Max
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Paul and Fiona,
Thanks so much for your updates! Totally awesome to be “in touch”. All the best on the final push. Please relay to my friend Dennis that he like all of you are amazing and to be strong, Godspeed and MOUNT everest!
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Hi Paul and Fiona!
We are all SO excited for you as you head out for the summit! Please know that you will be in our thoughts every day – we are climbing with you in spirit! We will be checking the website daily for updates and cheering you on from Canada. Your expedition has been such a bonus to us while we are reading our Everest novel. Thank you for adding a personal dimension to our studies, and for answering our questions on your website. To a group of inner-city students with limited life experience, your adventure has been eye-opening! Good luck and best wishes for the coming days. Your friends in Canada
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My heart rate has gone up. I can feel the adrenaline flowing. I am feeling butterflies. I’m feeling a little breathless! ALL as a result of “heading out” with you tomorrow. One question – isn’t the summit VERY littered with all the “things” people leave there? God Speed, my friends
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Dear Paul and Fiona and Dennis: The candles are burning down here on Bonaire to wish you all Godspeed and a strong and safe climb to the top of the world. We are all wishing you “warm” thoughts and prayers for your summit and safe return. Dennis, the “mountains” of Bonaire await you!!!!! Love and strength to all of you. Jim, Jane, Alex, Pete, Meade, Franc, Joe, et al.
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Hi to Fiona, Paul and Dennis,
What a wonderful exciting time for you!All the luck and enjoyment in the world
to the whole team. Be careful and enjoy yourselves. All the family is pulling for you. My prayers and hope are with you. Aunt June
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Good luck to you both, and the rest of the team! I hope you make it, and I’ll be following the updates from home.
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Paul, Fiona and Dennis:
You’ll be taking off in about another three hours and my wishes, thoughts and love are with you. Happy climbing. Dad
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Hi Fiona and Paul
MAY THE WEATHER GODS SMILE UPON YOU!!!
While you are climbing to the top of this magnificent mountain, Sagarmatha, if you feel a slight encouraging lift, it is all of us wishing you onward and upward.
I admire your courage, your strength, your drive and your “good hearts”. You deserve to live your dream; to stand on top of the world. And I hope you will enjoy the moments getting there.
Sending you “heaps” of positive energy. MC
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Dear Fiona & Paul,
Now don’t go weepy on the following:
We speak for the millions who have wished to have the heart & the means to summit Everest. Godspeed to you & your party that all come back safe & sound. Take care of each other going up & down. We feel certain the mountain will give you a fair go & you’ll be able to revel in this success for years to come.
And, finally, thanks for letting us share in your venture. It’s been a wowser….
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Love,
Paula & Steve
Hi Paul, Fiona,
Go for it! A big thankyou from me for your wonderful updates. Hope all goes well for your summit of this epic mountain! Enjoy it! It’s your dream… I am in awe of the inspiring challenge you are about to face and can’t wait for the next installment. Hey there Mary… the Brighton Baths brrrr… water is getting colder… great to hear you OK and enjoying life at BC.
> Phil
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Dear Mary, fabulous photo, we’re so proud of your achievements and how wonderful for Paul and Fiona to have you there as support. Was great to catch up with John but he didn’t eat all the chocolates! Thinking of you all, especially as Paul and Fiona begin the final part of their amazing adventure. Love from Debbie, Melbourne.
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Hi Fiona and Paul,
I hope everything goes well for your upcoming summit push. You have many people thinking of you and sending you their best wishes.
Hi Mary at base camp…I hope your ipod is working!
Have a great climb and stay safe.
Gavin
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
I have been following your site since the beginning and am loving the updates. Each day I can’t wait to login and see your updates. I feel like I know you both! I have been reading up on everything to do with Mt Everest for many years and would love to one day reach Base Camp. You are both an inspiration.
My daughter, Keely, who is 2, loves climbing hills….even a speed hump is a hill and her motto is “to infinity and beyond”. Yes, she has just started watching Toy Story.
Take care in your Summit bid, we will be thinking of you.
Stephanie
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Hi Fiona, Paul
What a terrific effort so far – and it can only keep getting better if your well-wishers around the world have any say in the matter.
May the weather gods, the mountain god and your guardian angels be with you all the way to the summit.
All our love
Jo & Leo
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GOOD LUCK GUYS! Can’t wait to hear your updates over the next few days. We heard that a NZ double amputee climber summited Everest yesterday in perfect weather, so fingers crossed it continues for you guys!
Much love
Maddi and DP
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Fiona & Paul,
Have been enthralled by your adventure & look forward each day to your next update. Best of luck for the last leg. Enjoy the moment & be safe.
Best wishes,
Sally & Michael.
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
Well I guess by now you would have left for the start of your journey. We both wish you all the success and luck that you may need for this epic adventure – you two are so well prepared, so as long as the weather is kind to you, I think everything should fall into place. Looking forward to the updates along the way.
Good luck & I hope the 4 leaf clover does its job! (I assume you are taking it up with you?)
Love Lou & Chris xxx
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Fiona and Paul, our thoughts and prayers are with you for the coming week, if positive collective thoughts could get you to the top you would have no problems you would fly there, good luck and have a safe climb to the summit
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Hi Paul & Fiona,
My name is Daniella, I work with Amelia! (Carrick Kellow Smyth, Commercial Lawyers) Just thought I would send a quick message and say that it’s great to see both of your high spirits adventuring along!! Amelia has told us all about you two attempting to climb Mt Everest! We’ve been following your climb on the website and even all tuned into the radio to listen to your interview a few weeks ago! We here all wish you all the best in reaching your goal…it’s been absolutely outstanding!
P.S Just to let you know Amelia’s doing well, she fitted into the team as soon as she walked through the door – she’s great and we all enjoy her presence.
All the best!
Regards,
Daniella Papa
Legal Secretary
CARRICK KELLOW SMYTH
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I’m picturing colourful figures slowly but surely moving up the iceflow, with Mary waving you off from below. Now I’m seeing you already on the summit waving to us all – so in my mind, you’re there already and you look fantastic! Look forward to hearing about how it all felt way up there in the freshest of air. Much euphoria to you both, from Rosemary and Dave
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We have both been lurking in the background since before you left Oz and reading with great anticipation of your exploits. We are both in absolute awe of your tenacity and grit. Keep up the good work and absolute best of luck with the weather gods for your summit attempt. To Mary, Hi from Delderfield and we are also so inspired by your efforts so far. Go for it, girl. We are barracking for Paul and Fi to get to the top of the world – enjoy the moment. In case you don’t remember us, Jacqui said to remind you she made Paul hot chocolate one cold winter morning at Knebel kitchens showroom. Paul was probably about 8 then. We are also old friends of John and Mary.
Take care of each other on the way up and also on the way down. Climb safe but seize the day. I have nothing but admiration for your effort and drive.
Ian & Jacqui
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Hey Paul and Fiona.
All the best for the climb. The weather will hold out for you 🙂
-Deza
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Hi Paul and Fiona
Your updates have been absolutely compelling reading each morning as I psych myself up for another day of work. Thinking about your amazing efforts provides excellent motivation for my morning runs. Best of luck for your summit attempt, I will be looking forward to reading all about it early next week.
And while I will be in London by the time you get home, I will look forward to hearing about your experiences in person at some point – perhaps at Bridge and Chris’s wedding !
Good luck !
Kate C
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dear Fi and Paul
Go for it guys! The WWW cheer squad is with you all the way. nice to know that you will both look (and smell!) your stunning best on the summit after the preparatory shave and shower! Enjoy the culmination of all your hard work and planning.
love & best wishes, jan
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Hi Guys,
Like everyone else I’m excited for you both as you prepare for the summit attempt and wish you all good fortune with the weather. I have no doubt your meticulous planning will pay dividends. I know you will both be pragmatic with what lays before you and hope you do not feel increased pressure to reach the summit with all this support! We’re with you all the way, either way.
Enjoy the journey, Rich.
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Heya gorgeous ones,
We’ll be following your summit attempt with love and prayers – all four of us. *smile* Matilda Faith Hart arrived last Friday 12th, at 11.55am, NATURALLY!, after a 13-hour labour. (Which, I have to say, um, hurt. Hee.)
Jemimah is just delighted to have a little 6 pound 4 ounce (2.8kg) sister and keeps stroking and patting her, even though all Matilda does is eat and scream. *chortle*
Can’t wait to see you guys again – but reckon you might have a reasonably significant goal to achieve first..? To paraphrase a great Kiwi climber (wonder who?): good luck “knocking the bastard off”.
Stay safe. God speed, God bless. We love you both.
Kyna, Mal, Jemimah, Matilda, Tank-girl and Pegasus Bay. (Hm. We might need to get a boy dog or something…)
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Now for the finale! We will be thinking of you every step of the way.
You have all of us as yourinternational support team willing you on -so go for it.Your success is assured.
Love and warm thoughts,
Sandy and John
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Go do it Guys!!!! get it done!!!!
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Paul & Fiona
Good Luck and happy & safe climbing. I have been following your journey enthusiastically and think you are both FANTASTIC and extremely courageous. You must be feeling very excited. Mary – I hope all is well with you and am looking forward to your safe return. It must be wonderful for Paul and Fiona to have your support. Good Luck to you all. Rose
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wow – you guys are extremely popular today!! At the risk of repeating everyone, we really are all behind you and thinking of you and barracking for you and wishing you all the best. looking forward to sharing your memories and achievements when you are back home.
hi to mum!!
love meals and danny
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Berkeley, California.
Best wishes for your Summit Experiences energetic positive journey and beautiful weather for your visions.
Om
wmp
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Fiona this is sensational have been following your progress last few days. Good luck always thought you to be stronger than Leah and Jacqui.
All the best and all the rest your ex-maths teacher.
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All the best to you both and our hello to Mary holding the all important job of “communication officer”. We have looked forward every morning to your updates and the photos are especially good. A special hello Paul from your grandmother who’s also thinking of you and Fiona. Safe journey!
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fiona, the interview was amazing!! congratulations
good plug of the website!
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Hi Fiona and Paul
Listening to 774 (Melbourne) whilst walking home from work I was fortunate to hear the interview with Fiona. Imagine a girl from Hethmont making their way to the top of the world.
Loved the bit about peeing into a funnel, set up some visual images that I’d rather forget.
Good luck and keep safe. Hope the weather is kind to you.
When you are ready you might like to tell me what you think about the current state of climbing on Everest. It often sounds like it’s Bourke Street up there. Do you ever think about what it must have been like say 20 years ago?
All the best
Ian
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Gday Fi & Paul,
Just heard your broadcast. I can only wish you all the very best for this wonderful challenge. I have every confidence that I will hear of your success all over the media very soon! Reading through your messages is like old home week.
Congratulations on getting there and best wishes for you to get where you want to go.
Sue Beckwith
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Fabulous Fiona!! Great interview, and you sounded great, the web site “lit-up” after your interview. Keep safe, Love to you all, Dad/John.
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Hello Fiona,
Just heard you on 774 radio with Lindy Burn.
Good luck when you and Paul begin to climb.
Message for Mary – water temp 14 degrees but clear, we all miss you so we will keep swimming for you.
Lesley Bailey
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You guys have worked so very hard and are so well mentally and physically prepared to make it to the summit. (remember all the 6 am mornings, the ride around the bay, the countless hiking trips and the 40 degree day 70 km bike riding trip!) You guys are the only super human people I know that could do all that and more! Remember to enjoy and savor every moment…and take heaps of photos!
Thinking of you always. Love Beck
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Adding my best wishes for your success (from steamy Bangkok).
The local paper had a picture this morning of a double amputee who sumitted in the past day or so. It was impressive seeing his steel legs with the crampons attached. I presume he had no issues with insole heaters 😉
Go get it!
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Paul and Fiona,
Fantastic watching you edge closer to the summit and our thoughts are with you! (would prefer to be there and not at my desk ha ha ha)
Wishing you all the best and can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.
Kindest regards,
Kirstie Marshall
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We love reading of your amazing journey. Our thoughts will be with you over the coming days. Good luck, as your dream comes true!
Maureen & John
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Hi Paul and Fiona,
Great news that you are heading up hill again. I’m aiming to head to sea level to coincide with you at the top of the world. That way I can take a few deep breaths for you! I’d be interested to know if there is a “common” age for most climbers or is the age range fairly spread out? On your way back down, how long will you take? Do you catch up on a few zzzz at C4 or descend further? I’m on tenterhooks already and can’t wait to hear how you are progressing over the next few days. Good climbing!
Liz.
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Paul and Fiona I wish you all the best and hope you make it on Sunday. I am sure you will. Paul you should adopt my old school motto ‘Seek higher things” Fiona I heard your great broadcast today Wednesday. Love to you Mary.
Ron Munro Bendigo Australia (Mary’s Dad)
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Paul and Fiona and Mary of course
It is like watching a movie, the climax is approaching and we are all squirming in our seats wishing you the very best. Our thoughts are with you and good luck for the final leg.
Love to all
Sue
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Oh how marvellous to be back from my week in New Zealand in time for the pointy end of your climb! In NZ, on my sister’s farm, we experienced big problems down-loading your newsletters, so today I’ve done all the catching up…Along with all of those others’ messages you’ve received, Ronnie and I add our strongest wishes for your continued success!! Johnnie is coming for tea tonight, so I daresay we’ll be mentioning the names Paul, Fiona and Mary fairly often! Loads of love to each of you. Anne, Melbourne, Australia
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Hi paul and fi
hope your doing ok i will watch your progress with interest and tell my school friends and teacher
i am 9 on sunday hope you make it.
from mt martha primary in victoria australia
bye and goodluck
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Hi Paul and Fiona, Hope you have got our other messages of encouragement. We wish you the fulfillment of your dream, happily, safely, and most importantly, warmly! Went to the caravan show today to try and find a safe heater for inside the van in cold temps i.e. 5 – 8C Thinking of you Love Liz and Bill
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Hi Fiona and Paul,
I don’t think this is asking too much is it? Would you mind getting this climb over before Sunday when Rach and I leave for Fiji. I just couldn’t bear it if (after following you half way round the world and avidly reading all your exciting updates) I were to miss the finale!! It would be too cruel. So, I for one, will be willing the weather to be kind and hoping that everything will go as you’ve planned. Good luck and best wishes to you both.
Jan Laing
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Hello Paul and Fiona,
I’m a family friend of Jennie Downing and she informed me of your journey. Just wanted to wish you all the best.
Regards
Mitch
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Hi Paul and Fiona
You have achieved so much already. Our best wishes to you both for this next great challenge on your journey.
Stay safe and enjoy yourselves
Love, Glenda and Colin
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Hey guys good luck for the big climb!
Stay safe and healthy
Kate
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Wow!!
I’m getting nervous (and excited) for you two!!
Good luck, and stay focused! (But enjoy yourselves as much as possible!)
Donavan
Burbank, CA
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Dear Fiona & Paul
It’s been great reading of your progress on Everest! I’ve found your accounts to be the most interesting and well written of any I’m reading and I look forward to them every day.
I’m full of admiration for your dedication to your fitness and preparation for your Everest attempt. I’m sure you’ll do very well on your summit attempt, I’ll certainly be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best.
May the weather gods smile on you. Get to the top and come back safe!
Sending you warm, warm wishes 🙂
Candi
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Hi Mary
Well Paul and Fiona have me spellbound with their progress and being able to see the pictures of the their tents,the icefalls and their daily life in general makes it all so interesting for us at home watching the adventure unfold. Of course I am interested in your part of the adventure as well, so nice for them to have you so close by. I went to the baths late morning today and the water was crystal clear and calm like a mill pond, which made the swim sensational and a million miles away from your present existance. We are so lucky to be living all around the world and following all these adventurers as they live there dream. so far from the communications of Sir Edmond Hilary’s climb long ago !!
It is also interesting to see where all the messages are coming from. all quite incredible. I wish them all the luck for a safe and successful climb to the top. Cheers from Jan Tozer
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