The Sherpas' names are Nima Tashi Sherpa, our Sherpa climbing leader, Da Sonan Sherpa, Da Jangbu Sherpa, A Rita Sherpa, Lakpa Gelgin Sherpa, Kami Sherpa, and Pasang Yila Sherpa.
"I'm excited; I think everything is coming together," said Peter Hillary tonight as the sun set behind the sentinel peak of Pumori for the last time before we all leave Base Camp. The sense of anticipation here is thicker than the air we're breathing. "This is an exciting time and I just want us to get up there and seize the opportunity. On the one hand it terrifies me, and on the other it thrills me."
While Peter Hillary, Dawa Sherpa and our film team ascend toward Camp IV and the summit, Pete Athans, Brent Bishop and I will continue with the West Ridge story.
Brent and Pete are one rope-length away from reaching the West Shoulder of Everest and I hope to join them up to their next camp, to try to shoot the process of climbing Everest by a rarely climbed route. Their task seems monumental but their strength is formidable, matching the power demonstrated by the mountain each day. They listen to the rhythms of the weather and move gracefully up the steep, snow-laden slopes above Camp II with humility and skill.
Leaving Base for the uppermost reaches of Everest is like taking off for the moon. We all ring up our families on the satellite phone for the last time, we eat as much calories as we can, and drink fluids continuously, while looking up toward the Icefall and the Western Cwm which we hope will hold us mercifully in its hands over the upcoming days.
We talk of winds dying, but the mountain will ultimately dictate its own weather and decide who will tread on her summit and who will return unscathed.
National Geographic News will publish further dispatches from Everest as they are received.
More Information:
Everest Dispatch: Climbers Prepare for Summit Attempt
Everest Anniversary Climbers Wait Out Bad Weather
Jet-Stream Winds Trap Climbers on Everest
Sons of Mount Everest Pioneer to Repeat Historic Climb
Altitude a Major Challenge to Climbers
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