Everest 2003: Romanian Mt. Everest Expedition North Side
 

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Update 5/8/03: After one week storm on Everest, with very low temperatures and extremely strong winds (up to 200kms/hour on Saturday night), the Romanian expedition continues its climbing program. The climbing members are now in the Advanced Base Camp (6400mts) and each of them has already gone two times or more to Camp I (7050mts) and also to the North Cole (7500mts).

Coco Galescu and Lucian Bogdan carried some equipment to Camp II also. Towards the end of the week, the Romanian climbers intend to set Camp II and Camp III with all the necessary equipment for the ascension. After setting these camps they will get back to the Advanced Base Camp for a couple of days of rest before the final ascension. The expedition leader, David Neacsu, is now making the necessary arrangements that fresh food leave Base Camp and arrive in the Advanced Base Camp at the right moment. The food was bought a few days ago and consists of fresh chicken meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, water, etc.

The final ascension is to take place around 13-18 May. The exact date will be settled relying on the Sherpas' experience and also on the weather forecasts of the ones from the Swiss expedition. The last week storm destroyed many tents in the Base Camp (2 big tents with food and equipment) and 8 small tents. Now the Romanian Base Camp has 2 big tents, the kitchen tent and 3 small tents- the only ones which could be repaired.

In the Advanced Base Camp there were blown out only 2 tents, while yesterday morning 3 tents were blown from Camp I. Unfortunately, a lot of equipment blew with them too. Down jackets, down sleeping bags etc.

David Neacsu, expedition leader, is invited on Sunday evening at a special programme of the Chinese TV Channel - CCTV China. The transmission is made from Everest Base Camp, North Side and all the other expedition leaders are invited.

Dispatches