Autumn 2003: International Mountain Guides 8000 meter Coverage

Dispatch Nine

Current Expedition Time

Dispatch Nine: Thursday, September 18, 2003 8:30pm Nepal time 

IMG expedition leader Mike Hamill has phoned in with an update following the IMG team's rotation up to Camp 2. The first group, led by Mike and Justin with climbers Jim, Mark, Nacho, Lindon, and Peter, successfully made the climb to Camp 2 for an overnight.  They returned to Advance Base Camp Wednesday night and began their pre-summit bid rest days. The second group, led by Chris and Garrett with climbers Lanta, Nancy, Tamara, Bill, and Adam, reached Camp 1 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Garrett, Adam and Lanta attempted to reach Camp 2 but were forced to turn around due to worsening weather and they rejoined the rest of their group at Camp 1. They all returned to Advance Base Camp by Thursday evening and also began their pre-summit bid rest days. 

Mike reports a plan for the entire team to rest for the next couple of days before mounting a summit bid together in one group. If the weather forecast proves accurate, they will all climb to Camp 1 on Sunday the 21st, then to Camp 2 on Monday, to Camp 3 on Tuesday, with a possible attempt to the summit on Wednesday the 24th. Ang Jangbu will climb to Camp 1 or Camp 2 in support of any climbers who decide not to move up to Camp 3 for a summit bid. 

Mike again acknowledges the super helpful spirit from the AAI and Himalayan Experience teams sharing their sat phones with our group. So far the team's health remains steady and spirits are high as they anticipate their next big push toward the top! Mike will check in with us on Friday or Saturday to confirm the group's ability to rest and prepare to leave ABC early on Sunday for the team's summit bid, weather permitting.

—Erin Simonson
International Mountain Guides

EverestNews.com coverage will include dispatches from the IMG Cho Oyu Expedition along with exclusive dispatches from Nancy Norris as she warms up for Everest 2004, when she hopes to attempt to become the oldest American woman (at age 60!)to summit Everest.

Eric Simonson, veteran expedition leader, Everest Summiter, author and motivational speaker. To book Eric