April 28: From Base Camp (Note: The following is based on an e-mail report from Tom's wife following a satellite phone call from Tom.)

The team members are all well and feeling fine. Scott is in really good shape and so is Mike. The Australian doctor was able to give Mike some drugs and he's good to go. Tom remains very positive and indicated that the route is straightforward and they still have plenty of time. The team is positioned very well -- all they need is two weeks of good weather!

The weather has been really bad -- it snowed all day today. Tom noted that even if it stopped snowing right now, they wouldn't be able to make progress for 2-3 days. They need to wait and let the mountain stabilize.

Due to the storm, Tom, Dan and Jerome spent the past 5 nights at Camp 1 digging out. They were fortunate to be at Camp 1 during the storm so they could save their tents -- they were the only team up there. Several other expeditions lost their tents at Camp 1 -- buried and caved in. As soon as the weather clears, these teams will need to reestablish Camp 1. Except for the Japanese climber, our team is the highest team on the mountain. The Japanese climber, who is climbing solo with 3 sherpas, took a very big slide but he's all right. 

Tom, Dan and Jerome are now at Base Camp for several days and Brian, Mike and one Sherpa are at Camp 1. Scott is ready to move up and would have today if the weather had cooperated. Tom once again mentioned how wonderful the food is at Base Camp!

Dispatches