Himalaya Expedition – Day 12

12th June 2010 – Day 12

Today was a day with mixed emotions after our rest day at Concordia, because of the decision that Basil and Alexis made to stay in lower Altitude. Basil has worked very hard to get to Concordia and will need another rest day. I hope he feels better and that he can come up with some porters to meet us in Ali Camp tomorrow.

We had an early start and an easy walk up the glacier on virgin snow and ice. The trek to Ali camp, our base camp for the next 4-5 days, took only 4 hours and we arrived just in time to set up our tents before the storm came in. We are at 5'100 masl surrounded by some of the most amazing mountains in the world with nobody around, but us! Exactly how I like it.

The climbing conditions seem to be favorable. A few big avalanches come down which will make the climb safe for us. Caroline has sent us the weather report from Switzerland and it looks good to go up the mountain the day after tomorrow.

The rest of the day we sorted out all our technical climbing equipment and we are ready to head off early tomorrow morning to set up our Advanced Base Camp. The YEP’s are all very motivated to get to the summit and from now on every bit of energy spent will be needed to get to the top, but more important than getting to the top, will be to get everybody safe and sound again down the mountain.

Mike Horn

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