Post #26: Summit Plans

Talked with Jon a couple times in the last few days. He's in great spirits and feeling physically ready for the summit window approaching.
Now is when accurate, pinpoint weather forecasts take center stage. All the expeditions are jockeying for position and watching the weather forecasts with an eagles-eye. It's all about identifying when the strongest winds (jet stream) will back away from the summit allowing climbers to safely reach the summit. The photo above was taken in Camp 3 (24,100ft).

Right now, most teams will make a push for the higher camps and summit in the next 20 days. I emailed updated forecasts to Jon and his expedition leaders on the Summit Climb expedition. They are also listening to Sherpas who intuitively understand the weather patterns on Everest from years of hard work up there. Sherpas have been higher on the mountain and know the conditions. Climbing guide Arnold Coster has his private sources of last minute weather forecasts as well added to the mix. It's a life-and-death cocktail of almost "top-secret" information.

Jon tells me he'll be making a move for the high camps early next week to get into position for a summit attempt. The weather will dictate from there. By the way, wish Jon a happy birthday! We'll celebrate when you return safely to CO!

-CT

8 Comments to Post #26: Summit Plans:

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Deb Brookes on Friday, May 11, 2012 10:09 AM

CT, Thank you for the update and for explaining how critical it is to get this "weather window" right. I wish the team the best in these last weeks...for safety especially and for all conditions to be a "Go". Happy Birthday tomorrow April 12, Jon K. Undoubtedly your team will find a way to celebrate your special day !! Best ! db

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KK on Friday, May 11, 2012 10:29 AM

Happy Birthday tomorrow, May 12th, Jonny! Reaching the summit will no doubt be the best birthday present ever! Love ya brother. KK

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MOM and DAD on Friday, May 11, 2012 1:37 PM

Happy Birthday Jon, we celebrated before you left and we will celebrate when you return. Wonderful to Skype with you the other night and wish you a early Happy Birthday! Every single day you are on our minds, God Bless you to the TOP and every second of the day!!! Love, MOM and DAD

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Deb Brookes on Friday, May 11, 2012 5:01 PM

I stand corrected. Meant May 12th as your birthday. Sorry for the slip-up.

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mary beth brubeck on Saturday, May 12, 2012 7:00 AM

WOW! Who gets to celebrate a birthday on Everest? We're reading every post anxiously and continue to be so amazed at the dedication, courage, and will power it takes to accomplish this feat. Happy birthday, Jon, and stay safe. (The Brubeck's)

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david pietrack on Saturday, May 12, 2012 8:51 AM

A birthday you will never forget. Next year I hope we will celebrate your b-day with you in Co. Ran into your mom last week, she enjoyed skypeing with you the night before. Wyrick called me yesterday to get your web site. A lot of interest all around the valley. Where ever I go there is a buzz about what you are doing. Stay safe, be careful. THE PIETRACKS

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Sarah Brubeck on Monday, May 14, 2012 4:19 PM

Happy Birthday Jon! (A couple days late!) Hope you enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience on your birthday! Stay safe! Sarah Brubeck

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Fake rolex on Monday, April 08, 2013 9:13 PM

They'll regroup, hydrate, and eat 10,000 calories. They'll turn around the next day and climb back up through the camps to position themselves for a summit attempt on the 25th or 26th.

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