Judy and i talked to Anders for about 30 minutes early this morning. He was in good spirits and excited to get on with the task ahead. His mild cold seemed to be better and he was just finishing up the final preparations for the summit push.
They plan to leave around 4 or 5 am on 5/6 (Nepal time), which is in just a few hours. They'll make the long climb up to Camp 2 after once again traveling through the Ice Fall. This is a big effort and they plan to spend two nights at Camp 2--the second day essentially being a full rest day.
On 5/8 (Mon) they don their O2 masks and tanks and make the shorter climb up the lower Lhotse Face to Camp 3, where they will spend the night for the first time.
Tues, 5/9 they make the big push up to Camp 4 at the South Col, the "valley" between Lhotse and the Southeast Ridge of Everest. I'd expect them to be there for 8-12 hours resting and then go for the summit late on the 9th or early the 10th. The 10th is the current target for their summit attempt--this would put them there later in the day on the 9th in the East Coast.
If you've got some great prayers and want to direct them towards Anders' well-being, now would be a good chance to do so.
I just received a nice note from Brent, Anders' guide, which I'm taking the liberty to post part of here principally to reenforce how blessed we feel to have Brent as Anders' guide and wingman:
"All is well here and it's the night before we head up for a summit push. Since we acclimated so well on the first two rotations, I thought it best that we take advantage of the first window in order to get ahead of the crowds. Madison mountaineering will have updates and of course Anders has a satellite phone to call and keep you up to speed.
The day was filled with the usual packing and deciding what to take and when not to take. Or small team is in great spirits and I think quite ready and fit for this next push. There is always a bit of excitement and trepidation when it's finally time to move forward with intent.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed working with Anders. You and Judy have done something remarkable in producing such a fine young man. He has such a wonderful balance of strength, intelligence, and humility - a rare combination. I trust that as my boys take the next steps into adulthood, they will possess some of the qualities that Anders displays in spades. Know how seriously I take the responsibility of keeping Anders safe in this environment; I will treat him as a would one of my sons.
I promise to have Anders call from the top of the world.
Your friend,
Brent"
Climb strong and safe Anders and Brent (and John and Geoff)!
Onward and Upward....
They plan to leave around 4 or 5 am on 5/6 (Nepal time), which is in just a few hours. They'll make the long climb up to Camp 2 after once again traveling through the Ice Fall. This is a big effort and they plan to spend two nights at Camp 2--the second day essentially being a full rest day.
On 5/8 (Mon) they don their O2 masks and tanks and make the shorter climb up the lower Lhotse Face to Camp 3, where they will spend the night for the first time.
Tues, 5/9 they make the big push up to Camp 4 at the South Col, the "valley" between Lhotse and the Southeast Ridge of Everest. I'd expect them to be there for 8-12 hours resting and then go for the summit late on the 9th or early the 10th. The 10th is the current target for their summit attempt--this would put them there later in the day on the 9th in the East Coast.
If you've got some great prayers and want to direct them towards Anders' well-being, now would be a good chance to do so.
I just received a nice note from Brent, Anders' guide, which I'm taking the liberty to post part of here principally to reenforce how blessed we feel to have Brent as Anders' guide and wingman:
"All is well here and it's the night before we head up for a summit push. Since we acclimated so well on the first two rotations, I thought it best that we take advantage of the first window in order to get ahead of the crowds. Madison mountaineering will have updates and of course Anders has a satellite phone to call and keep you up to speed.
The day was filled with the usual packing and deciding what to take and when not to take. Or small team is in great spirits and I think quite ready and fit for this next push. There is always a bit of excitement and trepidation when it's finally time to move forward with intent.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed working with Anders. You and Judy have done something remarkable in producing such a fine young man. He has such a wonderful balance of strength, intelligence, and humility - a rare combination. I trust that as my boys take the next steps into adulthood, they will possess some of the qualities that Anders displays in spades. Know how seriously I take the responsibility of keeping Anders safe in this environment; I will treat him as a would one of my sons.
I promise to have Anders call from the top of the world.
Your friend,
Brent"
Climb strong and safe Anders and Brent (and John and Geoff)!
Onward and Upward....
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