Local time: 6 May 19:20
Location: Camp 3
Altitude: 7300m
Weather: Clear in the morning, cloud in the afternoon, now clear. Zero wind.
Hi its Paul at C3. Yes, we made it up here and have been resting this afternoon, enjoying breathing oxygen for the first time.
Weather and summits
The weather is the main topic on our minds and this morning it dawned fine and clear. When I woke I learnt that Meagan made the summit in really fine conditions. I am so happy for her, because I know how much hard work she put into this, both physically and financially. On her way down, Meagan also helped a sick Nepali climber who had collapsed below the Balcony.
An enjoyable climb up to C3
Attila and I left just after 6am, and took our time getting to C3, enjoying the fine weather and wonderful views of Nuptse, the entire Western Cwm back to base camp, and the remainder of the Lhotse face. As we climbed up we met a few people coming down from the summit – you can tell them from the totally exhausted looks on their faces. It felt great to be among the first of many people to offer them our congratulations for reaching the highest point on Earth.
For us it’s definitely feeling closer now. The weather forecast is still looking good for us – 4 knots forecast at 18Z tomorrow night, which is about 10pm Nepal time.
Tomorrow we plan to leave here around 5:30, to give us plenty of time to get to the South Col and then rest up for the big night ahead! Very excited!
Your Messages
Hi Cas, Thanks for your support. It was great getting to know you for the few short days you were at BC. I think you should definitely give this a go sometime.
Ken, There was a change forecast for today, and it came through this afternoon, but now everything is quiet. This change was the reason we didn’t go with out original plan for a summit attempt today, as we were unsure what would happen. As it turned out it was very benign. Yes, we are eating very well, and I think it’s helping.
Hi Luke, Thanks for helping out with the site while I have been away. It’s really appreciated.
Hi Helen, Thanks for your messages and story.
South Col tomorrow!
Paul.
Hi Paul
I also hope to do it one day…BTW I can hardly believe how relaxed you look sitting there on the face, modelling your jett jacket. Picture could be out of a mountain equipment catalogue. By now i have said this many times , so its old news, I’m with you every step from now and hope all goes well for both of and Attilla.
Fiona.. if you get too nervours waiting at the bottom of the hill ( 😉 ) you might be able to get a job at the bakery to keep yourself busy…Joking aside although I dont know exactly how you feel at this moment, I’m sure you are just as excited as Paul…keep your fingers crossed and don’t have too many apple pies before Paul is back.
The boys and Grazia also send their best wished. Thanks again for letting me play a small part in your adventure
Cas
Hi Paul,
Super excited for you – all coming together nicely. Enjoy the next few days.
Cheers Marc and Em
Paul & Fiona:
We will be hoping for an anniversary date summit for Paul! We will have the candles burning throughout the day and night with heartfelt thoughts for Paul. It sounds like a perfect weather window for the final push and we know that Paul is in perfect condition to be successful.
Best of luck………We will be with you every step of the way!
Climb safe, climb strong,
Den-n-Tam
Jill, Dallas, TX
Just want to add my encouragement! I will do something special (don’t know what yet) from the time you get to the South Col until you are safely BACK down the mountain – just to remind me to “help” you in spirit! I will probably light a candle(s) and keep it/them burning as a constant reminder that “we” have work to do!
From Gabor, Hungary: good luck for the climb, to both to you and Attila! We had a failed attempt on the other side of Mt., 2 climbers of Hungary reached 8600m without bottled oxygen yesterday, one of them will try again tonight as he descended only to 8300. I really do wish to best to you to reach your goal! And the same to Attila. 🙂
Great going for you both enjoy the views..drink plenty of fluids on the way to your Summit View and don’t forget the sunscreen, though careful application to minimize contact through perspiration with the eyes as you well know.
wp
To: Steve or BC Paul’s party
Congratulations Steve Giesecke on summiting. Good show. The old folks at home await your word. Let us hear from you and that you are safe back at base camp. Love from Olympia.
Hi Paul,
Last night about 50 people came to my house for dinner. Each one of them held a vision that you and Lhakpa would be successful in your climb and return safely to base camp. From all of Lhakpa’s friends and family in California, Texas, Colorado, Utah and Washington, DC, please let him know we’re cheering you on and looking forward to seeing him in a couple of months. big hug. paula.
Enjoy every moment you can. This is truly a spectacular achievement. We won’t relax until you’re safely on your way back down to Base Camp and Fiona.
With you every step – your Canadian family……
Paul and Attila
So far so good. Beautiful photo of Passang Sherpa beside his tent on the edge of the Lhotse face at sunset. I love that shot.
Good for Meagan, helping a Nepali climber who had collapsed below the Balcony. I hope to hear more about that.
Well, continued success!
MC
Listened to your interview yesterday with Lindy Burns , you sounded amazingly fit ready for your summit. Good luck from all the students at Lara Lake PS and Sue and Randall, we have been following your progress each week in our ICT lessons.
We are breathlessly watching and are very proud of you!
Cathy Genton and household
Fi,
I’m looking at Paul’s track between the 2 camps & see that either his gps tacker took an excursion or he did. Do you see what I see? Why was that? He sure sounds good.
Steve D
Hi Steve,
I guess I know the answer, read the description of the picture (under it) 😉
it says: Paul’s track up to camp 3 on the Lhotse face. (Ignore the track heading briefly up the SW face, this is from an in-correct GPS plot). Image from Google Earth by Nick Grainger.
Mira
Hi Tic, the interview sounded good, and as Rosemary and Dave said in a earlier post you do not seem to be puffing as much as last year. Is this because your feeling better … or ? Glorious day here, bright and sunny,but not very warm. We are all getting very excited here, and our Tibet flag is waving strongly! Love Dad and Mare.
Hi Paul,
Beautiful pics! Also Attila posted the best of his shots today (about Lhotse face and as you are looking down from his tent you can see the top of Pumori and Cho Oyu behind… )
I was wondering you are still enjoying not just the view out there, but the Australian-Hungarian salami and cheese?;)
I am holding my breath for the next 48 hours:) as – I guess – many of us here
Can’t we travell in time ahead?;) I know we can’t – and you have to live this wonderful experience.
Enjoy your time and stay safe,
Crossing fingers,
Mira
Ps. Also heard that Dawa Steven Sherpa, the son of the owner of Asian Trekking alo summitted! Congratulationss
Hi Paul and Attila,
You’re nearly there! All your hard work and planning is now paying off. We’re all excited about your excellent progress and we are eagerly looking forward to the anticipated celebrations on 23/5/7. Keep safe.
Craig and Anna, Melbourne