Everest South Side Expedition: American Commemorative Expedition

 Current Nepal Time

American Summitteers Return Safely to Camp 4 May 26, 2003

My heart jumped as the phone rang at 3:25 a.m. in Belmont on 26 May (about 4:55 p.m. 26 May in Nepal). It was Angie Morey in Base Camp with the WONDERFUL news that Tom Burch had arrived back in Camp 4 and that Bob Hoffman, Bob Boice, Brian O'Connor, Mimi Vadasz, and seven Sherpas, were close behind!

Everyone is well and safe, thank Heavens!

I can't even imagine how incredibly exhausted they must be, having left Camp 4 about 22 hours ago, but it has been a very successful summit day and I'm sure we will hear more of the details when everyone has had a chance to catch their breath - if that is possible after such a feat!

Team member Brett Shepard, who stayed at Camp 4 is also well; I'm told he was just too tired to attempt the summit.

So that's the latest we have heard from the mountain. We may not have more news for a day or two while everyone returns to Base Camp, but you can be sure I'll pass on any updates as they arrive. Will we all get a chance for a little sleep now? Thanks for continuing to follow this exciting adventure! -Sue Hoffman

Dispatches