May 24
Last Night in BC

Thanks for all the messages of congratulations I have received from folks over the last few days. Again, Everest is one heck of a journey and a journey that I have not taten alone.

Tomorrow we leave BC for our 3 day trek out to Lukla, from where we fly out the following morning (weather permitting) to Kathmandu.
I did a radio interview with Sun FM yesterday and was asked by the host Jim Jackson what I miss the most of home. Well I miss Sarah the most but after that I said the trees and swimming in the lake. It will be good to get home, 2 months is a long time to be on one expedition.
Our guide Ryan Waters arrived in BC today after a mini epic. He had stayed at C4 for a second day and a second attempt after abandoning his first attempt (on the 21st) due to his regulator failing (he had been behind Al, Scott and I). On his second attempt he was quite tired from his protracted stay at C4 and was slow coming down from the summit. Anyway, he made it down with a cough and some frostnip on his toes, it was good to see him.
Today I washed myself with a basin of water and shaved for the first time in 8 weeks. I packed up all my gear and said goodbye to my BC dome tent, my Nepali "home away from home" for the last 6 1/2 weeks. Well the debriefing continues. Minute details from summit day were hashed and rehashed today. It is interesting to go over where people were and what they were doing. It was interesting to hear different versions of the same events, It only reinforces my belief that Everest generates its on mythology. All stories from above 8,000 m should be taken with a pound (not a grain) of salt. I looked at my summit photos today and look forward to printing them up. Its 9 pm and everyone has gone to bed. Time for me to do the same.
So long BC, tomorrow the journey home begins.
Angus
Al Barrett wants to say hello to his wife and daughters. He is safe and sound at BC and will be leaving tomorrow with Scott and Angus to walk down to Lukla.
He sends his "love to all".