Local time: 18 May, 21:00
Location: Camp 2
Altitude: 6500m
Weather: Warm in the morning, but lots of snow in the afternoon.
Hi it’s Paul at camp 2. Coming to you a bit late because it’s been an evening of high drama here.
We eagerly awaited the weather forecast and when it came it had a few surprises. The weather for May 21 is the same as last night’s forecast, but the weather for May 23 is very good. Meagan, Attila and I had a long discussion about what to do, and in the end Attila and I decided to wait for the 23 and Meagan will continue as planned. There is a front coming through on May 21, with a 180 degree change in wind direction. Based on the forecast it’s possible that we might be able to get up and down before the change passes, but also the change might come early. Also we think that it’s uncertain exactly what will happen when the change passes, so we would rather be down here than up at 8000m. So far the forecast has been very accurate, we shouldn’t start ignoring it now.
This is eerily similar to last year, when Fiona and I waited here at C2 and then most of our team mates continued on up. Most summited and then we felt like the official welcoming party when they came back to C2. But our wait was worth it, because we had perfect weather conditions.
I am really disappointed about not going up tomorrow, but then when I think of all the training and money that I have spent, waiting a few days is nothing. And the 23 was good to us last year, so maybe it’s meant to be.
Oh yeah, the climb up to C2 was pretty straightforward, although we left a little late, took lots of video and photos, so got hammered by the sun. But have fully recovered and are rearing to go, but it kind of feels like we are tied to a big rock at the moment.
Your Messages
Thanks for all your messages yesterday – it was really great reading them in my little tent at C1.
Hi Carol, I think Pat is timing things pretty well with the weather, and he looks really well, so he is in with a great chance.
Hi Liane and QECVI, Yes I have eaten all the maple candy – it was really great. Thanks for all your support.
Ray, It would be just under a mile from C4 to the summit.
Hi SurferBill – We did the same number of trips last year – only two.
Hi Sonja, Rudi has left for C3 today, so I couldn’t pass on the message.
Hi Jac, We had no problems at all with other people last year. There really aren’t that many people here – I would be surprised if there are 20-40 people on the same day as us.
Hi Brad, Great to hear that womow.com.au is going well. I have told a lot of people about it here and there is a lot of interest in the concept. Many Americans are familiar with the US organizations.
Paul.
Hi Paul,
I was born on the 23rd so it was a lucky day for me, and anyway what’s the hurry, you’ve come this far you may as well enjoy the view for as long as you can.
Looking forward to the next update.
Steve
PS – I emailed my mailing list today and brought them up to speed with your climb so there is a whole bunch more people tuning in.
Hi Paul
How frustrating to be waiting….the days must seem long in a small tent on the side of the mountain, however the wait is bound to be worth it. Here’s hoping the change is brief and good weather returns when you want it.
You make the walk to camp 2 sound easy, but I’m sure it takes a lot of effort.
We are avidly watching your progress from London.
Rose
Sounds like you are making a smart move. Why mess about with an ustable forcast. Like you said a few days after all your time and expense are nothing. Hope to see a photo of you sitting safely back at base camp with your own chocolate cake and a tired smile on your face.
Ray
To: Paul,
My birthday is the 24th of May. I was wondering if you could send a little birthday greeting.
From: School Girl =]
hey Paul
since you are going to spend more time there now, how about a picture of a nice view form where you are at…
thanks…
I hope the weather will hold out for Meagan. As in life, climbing Everest is also about making decisions, some trivial and some important. That is part of climbing big mountains. Wishing Paul and Attila a great weather window. May 23rd sounds like a nice day to summit!!!
The best, MC
“Let your vision be your guide. Let others inspire you but always stay true to your vision.” mc
Hi Paul,
Glad you are taking the forcast to be accurate and hope that your window will be absolutely perfect!
We love the photo, always that bright, cheery smile!
Best, Ann and Graham
Good Luck Paul, go all the way on 23rd! Here in Noosa it is 26′, off to the beach! Thinking of you freezing up there! Paula & Adrian Good (friends of John & Mary)
Sounds like a good decision to wait. As you say, a few days’ wait is nothing in the overall exercise. Best of luck for the 23rd.
Neil
Hi Paul,
Good luck with the wait – sounds like the wisest decision. So what is the plan from here? When do you leave camp 2 and head higher?
May 23 sounds good , same day as Hillary and Tenzing all those years back !
JB
Hi Paul
Fingers crossed for clear and calm conditions. Best wishes for the days ahead.
With you all the way – Dave&Janet.
Hi take it easy – the summit will wait for the right moment. Use your wise judgement and you’ll succeed. We leave katmandu for the airport at 11.00 so we won’t hear anymore news until melbourne – look forward to updates then.Love always
Marg xx
Hi Paul & Fiona,
Great to hear you are safely at C2 Paul. This will be our last msg for a while as we hop on the plane to Melbourne in a couple of hours. Once again, good luck for the 23rd and may the weather do exactly as you hope.
Will be logging back on and eagerly awaiting further news when we get back to Oz on the 20th. Safe climbing.
Hi Fiona, hope you are keeping entertained at basecamp. Have you enjoyed a massage (or two) yet? Our foot at Rum Doodle is still there and Julia took yet another photo of us all!!! Take care, thinking of you both.
Denise & Liz.
Hi Paul,
Good to hear the climb’s gone well so far. We’re of course hoping for great weather conditions for you. Hope you don’t get too bored or uncomfortable waiting at C2.
Weekend going well so far in sunny Sydney. Geelong just beat Freo (which we had to listen to on the internet such is the paucity of AFL coverage up here), and Chris just got back from a bike race. He hadn’t raced for a few weeks and tried to sneak his way into B Grade, but had to stay in A. He dropped off with a few laps to go but still enjoyed it.
Fiona, hope things are ok at BC. Wish we were there to hang out and pass the time with you. We’ve been reading the Lincoln Hall book, and though it’s about the north, gives an insight into the energy and focus required to climb. It’s written in a really understated and unhyped way for a mountaineering book, which makes it a good read. Stay warm….
Bridget and Chris.
Hi Fiona and Paul,
Just thought we’d check in to let you know that we are thinking of you every day. Hard to believe that you’re way over 5 km (and more) up there in the clouds. We have our fingers crossed for good weather on the mountain over the next week.
Here in Melbourne the skies are grey. It has been raining all week and it’s turning cold. Was out on the bike this morning to Mornington and faced a unrelenting Northerly on the way home. I’m racing at Dromana tomorrow. Had a latte at Cafe Racer yesterday with my friend Sheena who rode her bike to Everest. Wishing you guys well.
Go get it!
Lots of love
Jane and Michael
Hi Paul and Fiona,
Hang in there Paul – I like your thinking, you were smart last year and your head’s in the right place again. What’s 2 days when you’re contemplating an ultimate goal (and safety!). Hang in there Fiona…enjoy hot water and anything else that helps pass your wait. Mum’s back tomorrow so it’ll be great to speak with her. With love and continuing support, Jacqueline x
Hi Paul , Hi Fiona
I arrived back in London a few hours ago.All went really well and am just about to go watch Chelsea v Man U in the FA Cup Final ( Denise will know what that all means ) The girls must have just started their flight back home. We all think we were dead lucky getting out of Lukla and making our flights…but now that we have done that all our thoughts are with you PAUL and you Fiona. Will be glued to this until its all in the bag. Fiona be strong …Paul I wished I was there with you…
More soon
Cas = +1
paul. hope this finds you fit and well. whats your latest on the weather. some ‘net ‘ forecasts are predicting gales on the summit by monday whilst others don’t.how many groups are there now at c. 2 ? i presume pat and his team have arrived.kind regards to you all.[ken.nz]
Hi Paul and Fi
I am so pleased you are waiting for a clear weather window. It is the end of May and yet in north Queensland we are watching a potential cyclone. My thoughts -as always – are with you.
Lots of love Sara (Maggie Island)
Hi Paul –
Waiting a couple of extra days will give you more time to enjoy the anticipation! Good luck!
Luke.
Hillary and Tenzing summited on May 29, 1953, not the 23rd. But I still think 23 has a lucky sound to it. 😉
Shanda