5/04/06

Doug reporting from Base Camp

Hello, this is Doug Tuminello reporting from Everest base camp. Dirk Stephan and his partner are climbing to Camp II for their second acclimatization climb. All other expeditions are in base camp, resting up for the days ahead.  Matt, MG, Will, Juli and I are making final preparations for our final acclimatization push.

Our tentative acclimatization schedule as is follows:

May 4 – Climb to Camp II

May 5 – Rest in Camp II

May 6 – Climb to Camp III

May 7 – Descend to Camp II

May 8 – Descend to Base Camp

Current summit plan:

Current reports call for summit weather clearing through approximately May 15. We hope to be in base camp resting up for our summit push by May 11. Of course, all of these plans are subject to logistical factors.

Team health:

Roger Coffey, our base camp manager, has experienced mild stomach complications. Roger is being treated with Cipro and otherwise conducting normal activities. I have a pulled back, treating it with Tylenol and stretching – and otherwise conducting normal activities.

Today’s activities:

Today we will take care of the basics such as: laundry, hygiene, and logistical planning. Besides that, the team will only engage in light activity and get rested up. In addition, today is Sherpa rest day.

Logistical focus:

Our immediate logistical focus is to locate, hire, and pay two replacement Sherpas. Our Team Sirdar, Apa Sherpa, and I are working with our trekking agency to resolve this issue quickly - as it greatly impacts the timing and success of summit attempts.

I would like to extend many thanks to my partner, Lanny Anderson, who is spearheading efforts to establish a foundation to assist the families of Dawa Temba and Lhakpa Tseri Sherpa. Our team member, Larry Rigsby, is heading down to the village of Thame. Larry is in good health and good spirits – he will be greatly missed.