Traversing the trail along the highest geographical feature which was directly in the middle of the valley that the thunder and lightning above somehow seemed to just lap over and beyond wherever it was I stood....where I stood with a pack on my back supported by two metal stays and holding in each hand...Metal ski-poles.  After two days of weather and absolute physical abuse The Greek and I reached our base camp soggy, dusty, and with smiles on our faces. 

April 21, 2002 – Mike Olson

Today is a rest day after two days of carrying loads to Camp One. Everyone is taking the day to rest including our Sherpa climbing crew. They have been pushing the route for us and have done a fantastic job. Just accessing the ramp which allowed us to skirt the icefall was great work. Yesterday they made it to Camp 2 and scoped the way to Camp 3. We now have a plan to depart tomorrow for Camp 1 and then carry loads to Camp 2 and Camp 3 spending five to six days up high then we will return to Base camp to rest again.

We have one of the strongest Sherpa crews in all of Nepal and with their help and luck with the weather we should be able to make good time towards our goal. The boys are having fun and I think they appreciate our help in carrying loads so as to allow them more time route finding and fixing rope in critical areas. Last night people partied a bit and Pasang even danced some! Again, hats off to Lhawang, Pasang, Dawa, Lhakpa Nhuru, and Zangpo!

Kitchen crew also - Ang Dawa, Pemba, Nima and Ura.

Thanks –Follow the Kushi Batto (Happy Trail) 

Mike Olson