Wednesday 20 May 2009

The final push to the summit is on..

Another update from Adrian Ballinger by satelite phone (May 20th).

Our team of 10 climbers, 3 guides, 1 Discovery Channel cameraman and 11 sherpas are now getting a few hours of rest before their summit attempt.
The members took between 4+1/2 and 6 hours to climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4 at the South Col, experiencing some delays on ropes as they waited for descending climbers who had summited yesterday, but no significant problems.
The present plan is to leave Camp 4 at 11:30pm tonight (that’s 18:45 UK time) for their push to the summit. Although the last two days have seen a significant number of people summiting, there are still plenty of others who — like our team — plan to make their bid tonight. Adrian has seen the team from Asian trekking, Henry Todd’s team, and teams from Asia and Russia. His best guess is about 65 people, plus the 25 from our team. It’s going to be a busy time on the ropes. To increase our margin of safety, each of our climbers will have 3 bottles of oxygen. That’s enough for 24 hours, so if a log-jam occurs somewhere they can wait it out without difficulty.
The weather is perfect, not too cold and no wind. Our thoughts are with them, hoping for a fast ascent and a safe and easy descent back to Camp 4. As well as the primary Discovery Channel camera, 4 of our team are wearing helmet cams, so there should be plenty of footage when they get back down! We will report as soon as we can.
Adrian Ballinger by Sat Phone.

7 comments:

pscott said...

Chris
I've never waited so intently for a blog. Praying that your safely on your "descent".
PNAL

Justin B said...

Dear Chris,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your fellow climbers and sherpas.
I know it in my heart you will be fine, and are in very good hands. Very much look forward to hearing of your adventure to the ultimate "penthouse",
Gods speed and best of British,
Justin

Dover said...

I am sitting here watching the price of gold rising steadily - and I hope you are by now also climbing steadily with nobody delaying you. My heart rate has quite literally quickened thinking about your summit climb. Good Luck mate.

Remember -Get to top, take a bow and get the F&&K out of there!

Big hug

Dover

Tina said...

Good luck...take lots of care! Tina

Paul M said...

Hope this finds you well Chris.. From all the reports I'm very hopeful that all went to plan.. I cannot wait to hear the highs and lows, however it all worked out.. Paul, Linh and Julian xx

Linh said...

Hi Chris. I feel exactly the same as all the comments before mine except for Francisco's. I've checked your blog like a stalker the last 24 hours and calling Paul when I'm not home as he's always on the computer. I've thought about finding Russ' phone number in that white pod to say 'HELLLO???? Pregnant woman needs to know!' Hoping first and foremost that you are safe and well. Hugs, P, L, J

Anne P Smith said...

Just heard this morning from Kim! WEll done. I have climbed every inch this last week, then down again and now you are safe I am one v. relieved MUM!!! Can't wait to give you big hug. The sunrise must have been wonderful. Have put something more into the donations as a birthday present. Can't wait to see pics. Enjoy a big party. Lots and lots love and I am v. proud. MUM xxxxxxx