The weather on this mountain sucks. I am getting really frustrated by the continued poor weather and we are running out of time. We have been pinned down by extreme wind here at E.B.C. for 3 days. It is also still very cold here. By May of each year we should be able to walk around base camp in just a fleece long sleeve shirt and pants. However, we are still bundled up in our down jackets and heavy clothing. The conditions on the upper mountain are even worse. We have had 4 tents (mine included) damaged (broken poles) by the wind here at base camp, several more at Camp 2 as well as Camp 3. Our Camp 4 supplies are hopefully safe but no one knows because we have been unable to climb up and see.
The weather forecast is not any better. Actually, the 2 main weather forecasting services are in complete agreement, which is rare. Extreme wind conditions are forecasted on the upper reaches of Everest until May 21st at the earliest. This can change but I am beginning to lose confidence. I have now been at E.B.C. waiting for the weather to improve for 16 days.
There is a small weather window developing for the 22nd – 25th. We are not sure but maybe that is when the jet stream will move off of Everest. We need at least 4 consecutive days of descent weather and manageable wind conditions to approach the summit and descend safely. The entire summit push will take 7 days but we can ascend/descend the lower mountain in less than ideal conditions.
All said and done the weather is out of our control. We just have to deal with what is given to us and stay safe. Thanks for following along. Hopefully, some good news to report in the coming days.
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10 comments:
Hi Ben,
I was happy to stumble
upon your blog today and
have been enjoying catching
up with your Everest journey.
Just wanted to send some prayers
and best wishes your way for
a healthy and successful summit
bid.
All the best,
Michelle Pradhan
Hotel Courtyard
Yes, I can hear the frustration in your voice. And all the platitudes in the world won't make you feel better, so I won't offer any. But I will quote a wise someone I know who stated days ago, "His ways are not our ways." Praying you will continue to allow yourself to be "refined in the Maker's image" as you wait patiently on Him.
Just listened to Casting Crowns "Praise You in This Storm." Is that on your i-Pod? Of course, it's a very literal storm you're facing right now. The thought came to my mind that instead of "it's still raining," it would be more appropriate to say, "the wind's still blowing." Praying that God will be more real to you TODAY, than ever before!
All your family and friends are rooting for you and cheering you on! Climb, Ben, climb!
Love and prayers,
Mom and Dad
P.S. - Don't lose hope, Ben. The weather can change for the better just as quickly as it turns bad. Love you!
Hang in there Ben. You have been preparing and talking about this adventure for over a year. Only 10 more days before you can attempt this dream of a lifetime. I know that patience isn't your strength! but intellegence is. Let that intellegence and good judgement guide you to a SAFE summit attempt.
Every morning I get up and check your blog. You have are alot of friends and family praying for you, pulling for you, and very proud of you. Don't lose faith - none of us have.
Be safe, and stay positive.
Carla Cummins
Hi Hon,
It was good to talk to you this morning and know that discouragement is not consuming you. We both prepared for you to be there the full 10 weeks. I believe in you!
James 1:2-8
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
He is working on me too!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
LOVE YOU!
Diana & Alexander
Hey man!!!!!
I am so excited for you and praying that the weather gets better. Your pictures are great and makes me jealous. be safe and I will try and do this more often. Praying for you and know that Gods provision is for you. be safe!!
Chin up, brother! Things will clear up and you'll be back on the mountain before you know it.
We are praying for good weather to come soon for you Ben! Keep your head up and don't get too discouraged.
Jeramie & Heather Auchtung
Hey Ben, I'm like you and I'd be going stir crazy too with nothing to do for that long. Too bad there aren't any floors to vacuum up there... I keep praying for your safety, your ability to summit, and most importantly that you would simply have a great time and feel like you accomplished something great, regardless.
Patience brother.
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