Alpine Ascents 2013 Everest Team Resting at South Summit

It is 6 am here in Nepal and our climbing team has just reached the South Summit of Mt. Everest. The sun has risen and I can only describe the climbing conditions as...Perfect!! It is an amazing day outside. Not a single cloud in sight and no sign of wind anywhere.

The South Summit is 8,750 meters, just 100 meters from the true summit. From here the climbers can look across the ridge, up the Hillary Step, and see the top. Normally this final portion of the climb would take around an hour, but don't be alarmed if my SUMMIT cybercast does not show up for short while longer than that. The Team reports seeing people across the ridge, people on the Hillary Step, and people on the Summit. It does not sound like the lines are all too bad. It is only 6am so we have plenty of time, the team may just have to move a bit slower and really take in the amazing views they must be enjoying up there!!

My next update will be reporting the summit!!!

Mt. Makalu from the Summit of Everest on a year with a few clouds in the valleys.
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