We did not move today. The view from Dominic, and the Park Rangers was the avalanche risk was too high. Spirits sunk at 7:30 a.m when Dominic came to the tents to share the news. Not unexpectedly, no snow had moved overnight. The obvious expletives were heard being mumbled along our line of tents. So we got up at 9:30, not that anyone had gone back to sleep, and chatted, with bowed heads, over a bowl of granola. Dominic said there’s still 1 more chance on Saturday. So we’re down to our last chance. Groundhog day. This is our 10th day at Camp 3, and our 6th weather day.
Some of us roped up with Ben, and walked to World’s End, for something to do. When we returned we had a group charcuterie board – salami, prosciutto, cheddar, aged Gouda, triscuits. I had a grape flavored Nuun, the nearest thing to red wine…..not remotely!
Word had it the AMS teams that went up to 17,000 6 days ago were going to descend. Thank God for Dominic, as the AMS call to go up was brutal.
It was a gorgeous day. 8F, but I could not sit out in it. I was being crisped!
This evening Dominic said we’re going to 17,000 (Camp 4) tomorrow. From there he’ll check the conditions beyond, but we’re definitely moving. There hasn’t being an avalanche on Motorcycle hill, which meant the snow had probably settled. Out of interest, or self survival, I asked Dominic what should we do in the event of an avalanche. We all wear our avalanche beacons, but they’re no help if we all get hit by the avalanche. The answer is hopefully we all don’t get hit, but if you are hit, then swim. Try and get to the surface. Good to know, but I’m not a noted swimmer!
The excitement tonight is palpable. As Andrew said “it feels like Christmas Eve around here”. We’ve all checked, and double-checked, our gear. I’m ready. However there is a genuine concern about fitness. We all know we were definitely in better shape 7 days ago.
However, it’s good news. We are moving up.
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