We heard last night that the Chinese might be summitting, and as soon as I was woken around 6.oo by persistent jet aircraft noises, I knew they must have done it. More a relief than anything. It's since been confirmed on the news, and no doubt some of you have seen the film footage, apparently quite spectacular.

So, it looks like action down here at last. It seems the first group of our climbers are going up to camp two tomorrow, with a view to subsequently moving to three, but not actually staying there. Then they will come down to BC, rest a few days, then hopefully up for the summit!
We will be following a few days behind, all being well.
I'm not sure about the strategy of NOT sleeping at camp three that first time. It's a compromise, that saves a day when time is shorter than usual, but feels a bit scanty on the acclimatising front without it. I'll think about it.

There's been quite a change of gear in everybody's thinking today. It's refreshing, at last, though a bit muted for our little sub-group, as we aren't expecting to rush up yet etc.
I'm very aware that as it stands, our likely summit date is around 25th May, giving the Sherpas from the first bid time to recover. That doesn't leave much margin of error with any poor weather at that time. Ah the joys of trying to climb Everest. So much uncertainty in so many areas.

I gave a brief interview to the ITN team today, some of which might reach the news broadcast today/tonight, so watch out. Andre spoke to them as well.

Messages:

Paul, thanks for all that detailed info on the Chinese situation on the north...really interesting.
Ruth I'm sorry to hear you are struggling at the moment, what can I say? Hopefully S.E. will find a way to help.
Wendy, really good to hear from you, thanks for your kind words. I can't check out your daughter's blog from here as unfortunately we have no web access really, but when I get home.....!

Responses from Greg:
Hi Barbara, thanks for the message from yourself and the team, things look a bit brighter here now that the Chinese have apparently summited. Mike, Ray and myself are probably part of the second team within our group, so hopefully we will be moving up in the next few days. Please thank everyone including our patients for their support, it means a great deal. Si, look forward to running up Winter Hill when I return if I have any energy left! Best wishes, Greg.

Responses from Ray

Jan
Hi Darling, things look like they are about to start again. With the Chinese summiting today the first wave of climbers are moving up tomorrow. Not sure when our turn will be but i'd rather wait and avoid the rush. The throat will be sore until I get to Kathmandu, it's something I have to put up with at altitude. Lot's of love Ray X X X

Claire & Paul
Hi Guy's thanks for the update. I hope RK can attract the right players for next season. We shall be moving back up the hill shortly, we can't wait to get back into the climbing instead of lazing around Base Camp. Hopefully our summit attempt will come soon and then I can have a bath and some decent food! Ray.

The Lambs
Thanks again for you're messages. Glad you had a good weekend, we done nothing but eat, talk, play cards and sleep. Why do I do this again?
Hopefully we shall be climbing again and getting ready for our summit attempt very shortly. Fingers crossed we shall all be home shortly after a successful climb and we shall be celebrating with a slice of rice and a few drinks. Ray

Dave T
Hi Dave. Sorry I did not get to see you before leaving the UK. As usual I was not organised in time. Still we can have a few beers when I get back. One thing about putting messages on this site, you cannot mention good food or going out for a drink! It's not fair. The weather is not too bad at BC but it's the weather on the summit that dictates when we can have our summit attempt. Hopefully it will not be too far away now. Love to the family. Ray