Greetings everyone at home. This is Luis calling. Lakpa Rita and I are back at Camp II after a couple of long and strenuous days with the evacuation of Karma Sherpa. From the last cybercast you all know the outcome of that terrible tragedy. But Lakpa and I are back up here and intend to re-join the group who are safely tucked in at Camp III. I'm going to try to join the group tomorrow heading to Camp IV, so I'll try to go from Camp II to Camp IV. Lakpa seems to think I can do it, and if he thinks I can do it I'm willing to give it a shot. Willi and Vernon have just approved the plan, saying if I need to stop at Camp III I can.
Grampa always said that when you start a job you finish it, so that's what I'm going to try to do. All the Sherpas here at Camp II are pretty excited to be here. They're really excited to get the ball rolling and be heading for the summit. According to the weather window it looks like we're exactly where we need to be.
So until tomorrow night at the South Col, this is Luis wishing everyone a pleasant afternoon.
— Luis Benitez, Alpine Ascents International Guide and MountainZone.com Correspondent