Hello out there in cyberland, this is Elle calling from Everest Base Camp. It's Saturday, April 26, and I've once again talked to the team up at Camp II. Where, this evening they are enjoying clear, crisp weather, and a beautiful evening alpenglow. An afternoon snow flurry deposited about two inches of snow around Camp II. The team reports that the snow is not a problem, and has actually made the whole area up there absolutely beautiful. Highlighting the sedimentary rock strata that lines the valley, and making things glow in the evening light.
Today the team roped up and headed up for a tour of the upper Khumbu Glacier. They set out towards the Birkshirn, the huge crevasse where the Khumbu Glacier actually seprates from the bedrock, up at the head of the Lhotse face. So, they actually have a look on farther up the valley, where they'll be going on future trips up the mountain.
Early reports are that everyone is feeling well. There were a few headaches overnight and some Shane Stokes breathing, which is alternating between not breathing at all and then gasping for breath. But, generally the crew is feeling well, and these symptoms are pretty normal for the first night up at Camp II.
Willi reports that they've had visits from the neighboring Canadian, French, and Indian Army neighbors. And that it's quite the social scene at Camp II, with folks visiting back and forth from one camp to another. Tents are much closer together there than at Base Camp, so it's very easy for people to make the rounds and check up on each other.
Apparently Willi is still taking a beating at chess, at the hand of James. The increasing altitude has not helped Willi out yet, and James is still winning these games. So, Willi still has hope that as they move on up the mountain, that altitude will prevail and maybe at the upper camps, he'll be able to win.
So, in the meantime, the group is putting on their down suits as the sun goes down, and they're appreciating those Vindosa Tents there at Camp II. So, even though Vern flinches and straps his crampons on the wrong feet whenever he hears me say it: This is Elle reporting from Base Camp.
— Ellie Henke, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent